Quady North releases 09 Ox Block Viognier this March

This month Quady North will be celebrating the release of their newest wine, the 2009 Ox Block Viognier. 

Highlighted by Wine Spectator as a wonderful example of the varietal, this lovely wine is the first white release from their Applegate Valley estate, Mae’s Vineyard:

 “…Viognier, primarily from Southern Oregon, can also be impressive, witness the polished and expressive Quady North Viognier Applegate Valley Ox Block Mae’s Vineyard 2009…” - Jan 31 – Feb 28, 2011 issue

 The wine was also awarded 91 Points by Wine Spectator:

“Polished and expressive, featuring a lovely pool of almond, pear, pineapple and tropical fruit flavors that linger easily on the subtle finish. Drink now. “ –HS -Dec 31^st-Jan 15^th 2011 issue.  87 cases produced.

If you haven't tried last months release, the 2007 Steelhead Run Syrah, than you are really due for a trip out to the Jacksonville Tasting Room. It is a delicate Syrah with silky tannins.

Young Winemakers on the news - yep, it's me.

Here is the link to the video featuring Cipher Cellars on Medford's KOBI Channel 5 evening news tonight:

http://www.localnewscomesfirst.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=431&task=videodirectlink&id=7732

Due to time constraints, it was slightly generalized. For example, I take no credit in winemaking, that’s completely Chris’s area, and Rob Folin had a great monologue about being young in the wine industry and the growth of the region that was left out. But, it is very exciting nonetheless and I appreciate all the support!

Please keep us on your radar at www.ciphercellars.com or www.facebook.com/ciphercellars

- Christine Collier

Harry and David plays matchmaker to wine and chocolate pairings

Harry & David will be playing the matchmaker to perfect pairings of wine and chocolate this Saturday, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Harry and David Country Village Wine Cellar. Taste decadent treats and learn from their knowledgeable staff how to select a wine and chocolate that click.

Oregon Senate passes fix for home brewers, amateur winemakers

Great news! Reposted from OregonLive.com


SALEM -- Trouble was brewing in Beervana last spring when a new interpretation of an old state law blocked home brewers and amateur winemakers in Oregon from participating in friendly tastings and contests. 

Even the Oregon State Fair canceled its homemade beer and wine competition after the Oregon Liquor Control Commission received an advisory from the Department of Justice saying the law did not allow nonlicensed amateurs to share their carefully crafted stout or pinot anywhere except at home. 

Brewers' blogs foamed with anger. One even complained about the "Gestapo-like crackdown." Several state lawmakers set to work to fix the problem. 

Tuesday, the Oregon Senate unanimously endorsed Senate Bill 444, which would rewrite state law to allow homemade beer and wine to be made, transported and consumed. It would clear the way for contests to resume in time for summer and fall judging. 

The bill was carried on the floor by Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, who has been brewing his own beer since 1987. 

"I was shocked," Prozanski said about last year's legal ruling. "My brew partner was extremely concerned because we brew at my house. Under current law, he would be subject to prosecution for transporting his portion home." 

The bill still must get through the House. But it passed the Senate without debate. 

Denny Conn, a member of both the American Homebrewers Association and the Cascade Brewers Society in Eugene, said he's optimistic about its prospects. 

"We have a big brewfest down here in May, the Sasquatch Brew Fest," said Conn, a certified beer judge as well as a member of the national association's governing committee. "At this point we're going ahead." 

Small aside: Conn noted a guy doesn't become a certified beer judge simply by sitting down and lifting some pints. He had to pass a three-hour test, answering 10 essay questions. 

Oregon is home to an estimated 20,000 home brewers and amateur winemakers. 

Gary Glass, director of the American Homebrewers Association, said Oregon has one of the oldest laws in the nation, dating to the Prohibition era. 

Even though it's been a tough time for Oregon home brewers, he suggests it could be worse. Two states, Alabama and Mississippi, have laws that prohibit home brewing altogether. 

Brett Begani, a member of the PDX Brewers board, called Tuesday's Senate vote "a fantastic victory." 

"When I first started home brewing three years ago, I looked up the statute because so many laws are in flux for home brewers, and I felt it was saying I couldn't move my beer," Begani said. He then asked other brewers about it. 

"Everybody said: 'That may be the way the law is written, but we hold competitions, and somebody would have said something,'" he said. 

If Senate Bill 444 passes the House and is signed by the governor, Begani hopes the law will finally be clear. 

"We have an emergency rider on the bill," he added, "so the minute the governor signs it, it will be law, and we will be able to have a nice celebration."

-- Michelle Cole

Enjoy 3 days and 2 nights of Wining, Dining and Discovering...

South Stage Cellars has designed a fun, relaxing weekend around Southern Oregon wine, award-winning restaurants, a pinch of education and the local landscape of the Rogue Valley. Join them as they partner with Lithia Springs Resort, March 11-13th, to offer 24 couples a chance to savor the Oregon experience.

The Inn at Lithia Springs

Check out the itinerary here. To make your reservations call 1-800-482-7128.

 

 

OLCC discovers illegal winery claiming to be made in the Applegate Valley

Back in November an issue with a suspicious wine found at a local supermarket was brought to my attention. We polled our facebook fans to learn more information (read the feed below- I removed names and profile pictures) and recently learned the OLCC and TTB have published a news release of the investigation.

Southern Oregon Wine

Does anyone know about this new winery in Southern Oregon? I have so many questions... http://bellaleahvineyards.com/

Organic wine, Bella Leah Vineyards Jacksonville, OR Home

bellaleahvineyards.com

Bella Leah Vineyards produces premium wines made from organically grown grapes. Bio-Dynamic growing techniques seperates our grapes from the rest...

1,523 Impressions · 1.12% Feedback

November 29, 2010 at 5:47pm ·  ·  · Share · Promote

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     Could also be under Hice Cellars at this website: http://www.hicecellars.com/home.html
    

    November 29, 2010 at 5:59pm · 
  • If they are organic or biodynamic they will be listed as certified by OTCO, Demeter, Stellar, or some other USDA designated certifiers....otherwise they have no ability to say so.
    

    November 29, 2010 at 6:18pm · 
  • they have a corporation with State of Oregon Corp Div. For the address listed with the Corp Division, there was an inquiry for a winery/tasting room with JC, but no land use approval for the same. It looks like they are getting a farm tax deferal. Otherwise - never heard of the label or seen it at any of the other resellers/retailers myself.
    

    November 29, 2010 at 6:52pm · 
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    I'm confused of the use organic and/or biodynamic because there isn't any Cabernet in the Applegate that's certified.
    

    November 29, 2010 at 7:13pm · 
  • Friendliest tasting room? No address or contact info makes it a bit tough to come to.
    

    November 29, 2010 at 7:30pm · 
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  • The web site claimed the 2008 Cab Sauv had 30 months in barrel and 4 more in bottle. That's hard to do unless they picked in January 2008....
    

    November 29, 2010 at 8:17pm · 
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  • Hice Cellars is/was a Paso Robles winery...Do you think perhaps their comments regarding award-winning and the friendliest tasting room relates to their California operation?
    

    November 29, 2010 at 8:31pm ·  ·  1 person
  • How do you spell aromatic?
    

    November 29, 2010 at 8:43pm ·  ·  1 person
  • they are not listed by demeter. The only biodynamic certifier. No listing by otco or stellar for organic. There are others so they need to show that to use the word organic.
    

    November 29, 2010 at 8:58pm · 
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  • Whether they are unintended errors or intentionally used for sales points, I appreciate the rallying to bring truth to the matter to protect the region/growing practices/production.
    

    November 29, 2010 at 9:59pm · 
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    Their Wine label states (not quoted perfectly) that their wines were made without the use of any animal byproducts.
    

    November 30, 2010 at 5:05pm · 
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    It probably just refers to the fining and filtration process because in order to be a vegan wine you can't filter with egg whites or fish bladders.
    

    November 30, 2010 at 9:55pm · 

OLCC discovers illegal winery claiming to be made in Applegate Valley

This according to a press release from the OLCC:
For more information, contact Christie Scott (503) 872-5002

(Jacksonville, Ore) A Jacksonville man received four criminal citations for operating an illegal winery on February 3. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission issued tickets to Eric Hice, owner of Bella Leah Wine for the sale of alcohol without a license, importing liquor without a license, failure to pay privilege tax, and use of a misleading mark or label.

The OLCC’s investigation was in conjunction with the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Hice also faces possible federal charges from the TTB.

Hice’s California-made wine was sold under a false label claiming it was manufactured in the Applegate Valley. Several cases of the wine were retailed in Jacksonville.

“It only costs $250 to get a winery license in Oregon,” says Jeff Jett, Medford Regional Manager. “If only this individual had applied for a license, we might have been able to get him up and running legally. Unfortunately, now he’s facing criminal charges.”

“Oregonians feel good about buying local products,” says Jett. “We have many great Southern Oregon wineries who sell their products legally.”

The Rogue River Lodge and RoxyAnn Winery team up for Vintner's Dinner

The Rogue River Lodge and RoxyAnn Winery will be teaming up to showcase their individual talents this Monday, February 21st (President's Day) for a Vintner's Dinner. It will be an evening of eye candy, taste and smells sure to tantalize even the most difficult palates (like, say, dead presidents?). The dinner will be $75/person (includes gratuity). For reservations call 541.878.2555. Make it an overnight adventure with the Edgewater Hotel package at $59/night.

First Course

Sausage and Pepper Turnovers

A Spanish style empanada filled with red bell peppers and chorizo

Viognier 2008

Second Course

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

A delightfully fresh salad with shrimp and avocado slices and a bright green onion dressing

Rousanne 2009

Third Course

Forest Mushroom Risotto

A delicious blend of shitake, portobello, oyster and morel mushrooms in a creamy risotto

2008 Estate Syrah

Fourth Course

Beef Wellington

Tenderloin wrapped in a puff pastry and served with a bordelaise sauce and haricot verts sauteed with butter, garlic and shallots

2007 Tempranillo

Fifth Course

Poached Pears with Mascarpone

2007 Late Harvest Viognier 

The Rogue River Lodge over the years has been a central hub of dining and entertainment, and is one of the original dining lodges of the Upper Rogue Valley. The lodge is a unique property- situated on two acres, with over 165 feet of river frontage. Lee and Anne Kimball are the 8th owners of the lodge and recently remodeled the historic property.  

$9.99 Local Wines at Harry and David Country Village

Starting February 17th two local wines will be on sale for the incredible price of $9.99, exclusively at the Harry & David Country Village Wine Cellar.

Agate Ridge Vineyard 2007 Viognier

A crisp, estate-grown Viognier with tropical flavors and lingering finish

Regular $22.00

Sale $9.99

Troon Vineyard 2007 Trifeca Pinot Noir

A medium-bodied wine that is drinking beautifully right now!

Regulay $20.00

Sale $9.99

World-class wines at closeout prices!

Harry and David deliver happiness with The Heritage Collection

If you have visited the Harry & David Country Village Wine Cellar recently you may have noticed a few new wines sitting front and center called The Heritage Collection. The Heritage Collection is Harry & David's latest effort of delivering happiness while promoting the Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon. I recently caught up with Jason Gregg, Wine Buyer for the department, to discuss the new program.

THE SCOOP

“The Heritage Collection idea had been in the works for a few years,” Jason begins, “we wanted to make a wine that we could offer to our guests, especially those traveling through the area, a product that they could take home and get an idea of what Southern Oregon wines are all about.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The name Heritage Collection was chosen by Jason and the team at Harry & David for a couple of reasons. They wanted to invoke a sense of connection to the rich history of the Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon. Harry and David has been such an integral part of the local business and agricultural history of the region that it was important for them to relay that feeling with the name. “The word “heritage” immediately jumped to mind,” Jason begins, “we also did not want the wines to be singular in nature, but to have a connection to each other. We partner with different wineries and winemakers with different styles and approaches, so the addition of the word “collection” tied the theme together.

THE WINES

“We want to be as diverse as possible with our offerings, representing the Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon is our number one goal, so varietals that show that diversity will be offered,” Jason explains. The Heritage Collection’s current releases consist of a Grenache ~ Syrah blend, Viognier, Pinot Gris and sweet rose´blended from Syrah, Grenache and Viognier. The next release will be a Sauvignon Blanc. Next up Jason anticipates adding Bordeaux varietals and Chardonnay to the offerings.

When selecting the vineyards and winemakers for the collection, Jason has one goal, to show the varietals that Southern Oregon grows especially well and separates us from the Willamette Valley. With the success and attention Rhone varietals are getting in the area, Jason chose to start with Grenache and Syrah. He sourced the fruit from the Quail Run Vineyards owned by Southern Oregon vineyard pioneers, Don and Traute Moore, and contracted Joe Dobbes to make the wine. He quickly added two whites and a rosé from Crater Lake Cellars to his offering. The most recent wine, from the 2010 vintage, was sourced from the Quail Run Vineyards once again and features Linda Donovan and Chanda Miller as the winemakers.

FINDING SOUTHERN OREGON’S DISTINCT STYLE

Since The Heritage Collection has launched, we’ve had numerous local wineries express interest in this project. We are focusing on a variety of different wines and style. This is important especially with well-known varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These varietals definitely have characteristics that can be shown in different ways, such as amount and type of oak, malolactic fermentation versus stainless steel. Finding that distinctly Southern Oregon take on these varietals has proved challenging and thought provoking. The goal is to showcase these varietals but we also must have a wine that will appeal to wine consumers.

“There are so many people that come here who enjoy wine that don’t have the time to get to the local wineries, to have the local wines available and be able to offer something that is exclusive and special was what we wanted to create and showcase the character of the region.” 

2011 Newport Seafood and Wine Competition Results!

The 34th Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Competition results are in!

A congratulations is in order to Bob Denman of Slagle Creek Vineyards for taking home the Best of Show title for his 2007 Claret. This is the first year Bob is participating in the festival.

A second congratulations is in order to all of the Southern Oregon wineries earning medals. What a great showing for Southern Oregon.

I attended the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival last year and wrote a review of my first experience here. This year's festival will take place February 25-27th in Newport, Oregon.

Best of Show
Slagle Creek Vineyards, 2007 Claret, Southern Oregon

Gold
12 Ranch Wines, NV Red Blend, Southern Oregon
Agate Ridge Vineyards, 2009 Barrel Fermented Viognier, Rogue Valley
Cliff Creek Cellars, 2006 Red Blend, Rogue Valley
Cliff Creek Cellars, 2006 Estate Syrah, Rogue Valley
Crater Lake Cellars, 2009 Viognier, Rogue Valley
Girardet Wine Cellars, 2008 Frostbite Gewurztraminer, Umpqua Valley
Henry Estate Winery, 2008 Pinot Gris, Umpqua Valley
J. Scott Cellars, 2008 Syrah, Rogue Valley
Pyrenees Vineyards & Cellars, 2009 Chardonnay, Umpqua Valley
Silvan Ridge Vineyards, 2007 Red Blend, Umpqua Valley
Slagle Creek Vineyards, 2007 Claret, Southern Oregon
Spangler Vineyards, 2008 Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon
Troon Vineyard, 2008 Limited Reserve, Applegate Valley

Silver
Agate Ridge Vineyards, 2008 Primitivo, Rogue Valley
Cliff Creek Cellars, 2009 Marsanne/Roussanne, Rogue Valley
Druid's Fluid, 2009 White, Applegate Valley
Flying Dutchman Winery, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rogue Valley
Flying Dutchman Winery, 2007 Merlot, Rogue Valley
MarshAnne Landing, 2008 Cote du Umpqua, Umpqua Valley
Melrose Vineyards, 2009 Viognier, Umpqua Valley
Misty Oaks Vineyard, 2008 Constitution Ridge Pinot Blanc, Umpqua Valley
Palotai Winery, 2009 Barbera, Southern Oregon
Pyrenees Vineyard & Cellars, 2009 Meritage, Umpqua Valley
Pyrenees Vineyards & Cellars, 2008 Syrah, Umpqua Valley
Silvan Ridge Vineyards, 2009 Semi-Sparkling Muscat, Umpqua Valley
Silvan Ridge Vineyards, 2009 Pinot Gris, Umpqua Valley
Spangler Vineyards, 2009 Malbec, Southern Oregon
Spangler Vineyards, 2008 Petit Verdot, Southern Oregon

Bronze
Agate Ridge Vineyards, 2008 Petite Sirah, Rogue Valley
Druid's Fluid, 2009 Pink, Applegate Valley
Flying Dutchman Winery, 2007 Syrah, Applegate Valley
Girardet Wine Cellars, 2009 Chardonnay, Umpqua Valley
MarshAnne Landing, 2006 Syrah, Umpqua Valley
Melrose Vineyards, 2009 Pinot Gris, Umpqua Valley
Misty Oaks Vineyards, 2008 Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley
Saginaw Vineyards, 2010 Riesling, Rogue Valley
Slagle Creek Vineyards, 2007 Cabernet Sauv/Tempranillo, Rogue Valley
South Stage Cellars, 2009 Muscat, Rogue Valley
South Stage Cellars, 2009 Serendipity White Blend, Rogue Valley
Troon Vineyard, 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Applegate Valley
Troon Vineyard, 2008 Reserve Zinfandel, Applegate Valley
Valley View Winery, 2006 Anna Maria Cabernet Sauvignon, Applegate Valley
Valley View Winery, 2006 Anna Maria Tempranillo, Applegate Valley

Competition Total:
Gold Medals: 35
Silver Medals: 31
Bronze Medals: 44
Total Medals: 110
Total Entries: 181

Southern Oregon Total:
Gold Medals: 13 or 37%
Silver Medals: 15 or 48%
Bronze Medals: 15 or 34%
Total Medals: 43 or 39%

To review the complete list of winners, visit here.