Copper River Salmon
The much-heralded Copper
River salmon are caught most by gillnet in Prince William Sound at the mouth of
Alaska’s Copper River. This spring fishery is tightly controlled to preserve
the species and is subject to the vagaries of weather and the run of the fish.
The flesh of the fish is rich in oil and Omega 3 fatty acids – a healthy choice
and delicious from the grill!
This rich and flavorful
salmon pairs best with Pinot Noir when grilled. The smoky nuances from grilling
add complexity and bridge the fish flavor to the toasty and fruity Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir wines vary from bright and fruity to heavier styles showing toasty
oak and rich earth and mineral.
Archery Summit 2017 Pinot
Noir, Dundee Hills - $65
The Archery Summit estate
in Oregon’s Dundee Hills is comprised of six vineyards across 120 acres in one
of the world’s finest areas to grow Pinot Noir. Winemaker Ian Burch came to the
estate after holding positions at several of the Willamette Valley’s most noted
wineries. This vineyard-designated bottling offers both power and finesse. Look
for aromas and flavors of dark cherry, plum, and floral perfume with finishing
notes of vanilla and baking spices.
Laurelwood Winery 2014
Pinot Noir, Reserve, Yamhill-Carlton District, Hirschy Vineyard - $40
Here is another elegant and
complex wine from the 2014 vintage that helps put Oregon on a pedestal of
international Pinot Noir fame. Ripe black cherry, cinnamon, clove and espresso
lead to complex cherry candy, violets and mineral. A favorite with our grilled
salmon, showing ample acidity and hints of toasty oak to pair with smoke from
the grill.
Tyee Wine Cellars 2015 Pinot Noir, Estate Barrel Select - $35
Winemaker Merrilee Buchanan
Benson created this wonderful Pinot Noir, which was a favorite of my recent
tasting panel. Aromas of cherry, strawberry and hints of grapefruit lead to a
palate of tart red cherry, pomegranate and mineral with superb acidity for
pairing with rich and flavorful Copper River Salmon.
Montinore Estate 2015 Pinot
Noir, Reserve, Willamette Valley - $40
The Montinore Estate was
founded in the 1980s just as the Oregon wine industry was really growing. Rudy Marchesi acquired the 210-acre estate in
2005 and continues as the property’s general manager. The 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir is fruity and
elegant featuring spice coffee and plum aromas with cherry flavors and crisp
acidity that are well suited to lighter dishes like salmon.
Laurelwood 2017 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley - $12
Winemaker Josh Maloney
crafted this flavorful Pinot Noir from select vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette
Valley. Look for aromas of cherry and sandalwood leading to black cherry,
blackberry and currant flavors with soft tannins on the finish.
A to Z Wineworks 2015 Pinot
Noir, Oregon - $20
Who says great Pinot Noir
has to be expensive? A to Z Wineworks
began as a partnership of Oregon wine industry veterans who knew how to find
the grapes and make the wine to please both the palate and the pocketbook. Aromas
and flavors of dark Bing cherry, candy cherry, baking spice and earthy tar
complement salmon from the grill.
Copain 2016 Pinot Noir, Tous Ensemble, Sonoma Coast - $28
The French meaning of the
word “copain” is “friend” or “buddy” and the winery seeks to extend the name to
the philosophy that wine enhances life’s most joyous occasions. The winery
location overlooking the bucolic Russian River Valley is open for tasting by
appointment. Look for aromas and flavors of plum and cherry with notes of rose
petal, orange peel and fresh raspberries.
Chehalem 2017 Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains AVA - $30
This estate grown Pinot
Noir is a blend of wines from four estate properties farmed by Chehalem and
Stoller: Wind Ridge Vineyard, Ridgecrest Vineyard, Corral Creek Vineyard and
Stoller Vineyard. The wine offers aromas of dark fruits and pomegranate with
earthy flavors of dark cherry, mineral and cherry candy.
Rosé of Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley Vineyards
2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Whole Cluster - $24
This favorite Pinot Noir
Rosé is made from virtually all clones of the variety grown at Willamette
Valley Vineyards: Dijon 114, 115, 667 and 777, and Pommard and Wadenswil clones
as well. A modified saignee method (bleeding free run juice from grape clusters
later used for the red wine) is the production technique. Look for bright
strawberry, watermelon, ruby red grapefruit and hints of tropical fruits and
spice.
Sokol Blosser 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Estate - $25
The proprietors of Sokol
Blosser are the son and daughter of the original founders Susan Sokol and Bill
Blosser. Alex and Alison are enthusiastic second-generation winegrowers who
take great pride in the quality and reputation of their wines. Grapes for the
Rosé come from a specific estate vineyard block that produces delicate,
aromatic fruit. Enjoy aromas and flavors of melon, stone fruits, juicy rhubarb
and citrus.
PINO 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Oregon - $20
This highly perfumed Rosé
has a secret advantage of the addition of 10% Pinot Gris in the cuvee. Classic aromas and flavors of strawberry and
watermelon are joined by hints of white flowers, spice and citrus.
Elk Cove 2017 Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley - $19
Elk Cove and the Campbell
family have participated in all things Pinot Noir in Oregon for over 40 years.
This includes a bright and flavorful Rosé offering strawberry and melon and a
finish of citrus and mineral.
Chehalem 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains - $25
This popular Newberg-area
winery and tasting room have been an important part of wine growing in Ribbon
Ridge and the Chehalem Mountains. Three vineyards were the source for fruit
used in this wine: Corral Creek, Olenik and Omero. Look for aromas and flavors
of strawberry, rose petal, grapefruit, pomegranate and spice.
Brooks Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley - $20
On your tour of the Eola
Hills, take time to visit Brooks Winery on Cherry Blossom Lane on a hilltop
with views of the vineyards and valley floor. The tasting room offers tiers of
opportunities to enjoy wine, food and hospitality – something for everyone! The
food-friendly Rosé offers strawberry, herbs, grapefruit and hints of
pomegranate, pear and melon.
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