All the Ingredients for a Great Night

Although not strictly related to Southern Oregon wine, Chris and I attended a book reading of The Grail at Lange Estate Winery in the Dundee Hills last Saturday. I originally read Brian Doyle's book last winter and it was one of my inspirations to dive into the Oregon wine industry so intently. Brian spent about two years chronicling the people, vines, and activities of Lange- mainly Jesse Lange, a second generation winegrower. Brian read the honest and quirky accounts of hanging with Jesse or being told to sit alone and to not disturb anyone/anything during Harvest. Jesse piped in at times and before you know it an hour and a half had passed and what could have been a live re-enactment. During the reading we sipped on the deliciously toasty 2007 Lange Estate Winery Pinot Noir and giggled with Rob and Carey of my favorite blog, Corks and Caftans (He loves wine; She loves fashion).

Afterwards, we tagged along with Rob and Carey to Farm to Fork for food, wine and conversation. We started off with the impressive 2006 Genius Loci Pinot Noir, a bottle Rob picked up at Genius Loci earlier that day. Next up, after starring at the abundant wine list Farm to Fork offers for what seemed like ten minutes, I spotted the 2006 Abacela Estate Tempranillo and knew it was the perfect bottle to cap off a perfect evening. The tempranillo was deep red with bold flavors of black fruits, spice and a hint of smoke. No surprise this 91 point wine by Wine Enthusiast was loved by all.

All my favorite things were summed into last Saturday evening- great people, an interesting book, fabulous wine, food, and memorable conversation- to easily make one of my favorite nights of the year! It was so great to meet such an amazing couple who share so many of our interests.  Chris and I can't wait until we get to explore wine country again with Rob and Carey (please, please, please come back soon, in fact, just move here already!). Until then, we will resume our hunting of great Oregon wines (easy task) to recommend for them to review and post on their blog. If you haven't checked out Corks and Caftans then you MUST. No one can capture a bottle of wine with words and photos like Rob and Carey. Quote me on that.

- Christine

* Photos snatched from @CorksandCaftans via Twitter