Wine Win Wednesday: Lange "Domaine Trouvere" Chardonnay

Wine: Lange Estate "Domaine Trouvere" Chardonnay

Lange Estate Winery and Vineyards is a local winery in Dundee, OR.  "Domaine Trouvere" is a label from Lange focused on using smaller lots to produce wines reflective of the land and soil (terrior-driven wines.)

Why it's a win: I feel like all of my posts about Chardonnays need a disclaimer.  99% of the time, I don't like Chardonnay. But every once in awhile I come across a Chardonnay that I do like.  Lately it's become a game with my friends - "who can find a Chardonnay Kristi will drink."

I like this Chardonnay because it's sweet, it only spent un petit peu time in French Oak, and doesn't have an aftertaste of butter and metal.

Where you can find it: Lange Estate Winery - my friends picked it up on a wine tasting trip this summer.  I'm not sure if you can find it in grocery stores...

Price: $28

Wine Win Wednesday: 2009 Amity Pinot Noir

Wine: 2009 Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir

Why it's a win: It's a good representative for Oregon's Pinot Noirs at a reasponable price.  We drank this earlier this summer at a Wine & Dine party, and this was the most popular bottle.  It has my favorite components of a pinot - cherry and raspberry mixed with earth and spices - and it drank really smoothly.

Where you can find it: Costco.  Amity just released its 2010 Pinot Noir, so I'm not sure how much longer the 2009 will be around.

Price: $15


Amity also has a very friendly tasting room and a great view - if you're ever in the Willamette Valley area, be sure to stop by.

Wine tasting at Amity Vineyards, Sept. 2012

Wine Win Wednesday: Cupcake "Red Velvet"

Wine: 2011 Cupcake "Red Velvet"

Why it's a win: It's named after a delicious, delicious cake!  How can you go wrong?!  Which is why my husband picked it up in the first place (he's a sucker for red velvet cake.) Also, it's a red table wine with Zinfandel at it's heart, and everyone knows how delicious Zinfandel is.

This is yet another of the wines enjoyed Thanksgiving weekend.  It's a little tightly-wound at first - give it a little while to breath and relax.  But after awhile, it opens up its chocolaty, cherry-cordial notes with it's rich, long lasting, and ever-so-slightly sweet finish - one might even say it's "velvety"...

Where you can find it: Costco, Trader Joe's, etc.

Price: $7.95 at Costco

Wine Win Wednesday: 2009 Castle Rock Syrah

Wine: 2009 Castle Rock Syrah

Why it's a Win: Can you say YUM!?  Plus it's from the 'hood (as in our region of the world - Columbia Valley- not Mt. Hood) and I'm partial to wines from our area. My parents found this for $9 in their local K-Falls wine shop, and I was amazed at how tasty a $9 wine can be!  This Syrah is medium-bodied, well balanced, rich berry flavors (which I'm also partial to) complimented by smoky spices.

Where you can find it: Great question... I'm not sure.  I searched a few stores in town after the folks left.  I found a 2010 Castle Rock Cabernet at Trader Joes (which I'm now dying to try) and a 2010 Castle Rock Pinot Noir at Fred Meyer.  But alas, no Syrah yet.  Keep your eyes peeled, though!

Price:  $8.99

Wine Win Wednesday: "It's a Headsnapper!" Radiant Red

Wine: "It's a Headsnapper!" Radiant Red

Why it's a win: This was my favorite at our November Wine & Dine, and it went fast!  The theme was "Wine with Faces on the Label" - our hosts were new parents and got creative on their last-minute supermarket trip - and gave us a chance to try a few wines we'd all never heard of and probably wouldn't have picked up on our own.

The Radiant Red won me over with it's blackberry and currant overtones and its super smooth finish.

Where you can find it: Your run-of-the mill grocery store

Price: $9-$11

Wine Win Wedneday: Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine:  2009 Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

Why it's a win: Our group of friends recently returned from an cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage and this was a popular bottle at our ridiculously fancy cruise dinners.  Initially I ordered it on a whim because I like Cabernets and because I usually always like Cabernets from Chile.  This bottle did not disappoint.  It was deep ruby in color, fruit forward with hints of chocolate and pepper, full-bodied enough to suit all of our meals, and with a well balanced finish.

Where you can find it:  Princess Cruises.  I'll let you know as soon as I see a bottle in the stores.  I'll be snatching up several when I do.

Price:  $25 on the cruise, so I assume it's around $10-15 in stores.

Wine Win Wednesday: Cherry On Top

Wine: Cherry On Top Sweet Red Wine

Why it's a win: This wine is the perfect kind of sweet with intense berry fruit flavors (hence the name), aromas of bright red cherry, smooth vanilla and a very smooth, silky finish. It's also versatile, pairing well with many different kinds of food.

While I'm already a fan of red wine, I think those that prefer the sweeter whites would also really enjoy this wine.

Where you can find it: Albertsons

Price: $12

Wine Win Wednesday: Tualatin Estate Muscat-Frizzanté

Wine:  Tualatin Estate Semi-Sweet Muscat-Frizzanté

Why it's a win:  This is a great summer sipper, and perfect for celebrations.  The ripe, explosive flavors of apricot and peaches & cream are balanced with a refreshing acidity that makes it soooooo drinkable.  Enjoy with creamy cheeses or fruit salad.

Semi-sparkling wines are only made by a five producers in Oregon; Tualatin-Estate (owned by Willamette Valley Vineyards) is among them.  This Muscat-Frizzante is in keeping with the Italian tradition of making semi-sparkling wines with Muscat grapes - one of my favorites!

Where you can find it:  Fred Meyers

Price: $16

Wine Win Wednesday: Eola Hills Chardonnay

Wine:  2010 Eola Hills Chardonnay

Why it's a win: It's a Chardonnay that even Chardonnay naysayers will stomach (and perhaps even enjoy!)  Exotic fruits and pear explode from this Chardonnay.  And even though it was aged in oak, it doesn't have that obnoxious buttery flavor that is so characteristic of big chardonnay producers.  Enjoy with grilled fish or poultry

Where you can find it: Winco, Trader Joe's, Costco

Price:  $11-$13

Wine Win Wednesday: Willamette Valley Vineyard Riesling

Wine:  2010 Riesling by Willamette Valley Vineyards

Why it's a win: It's a semi-sweet, "sure thing" Reisling that will be a hit in any setting.  It's sweet enough to keep the sweet white drinkers happy, but not so sweet that the red lovers will wince.  Fruit and floral notes abound in this great Riesling, with a refreshing and balanced finish.  This is a great wine for any occasion.  It's my personal favorite for warm, summer evening on the porch.

Where you can find it: Any major grocery store

Price: $11-$14

Wine Win Wednesday: Barefoot Merlot

Wine:  Barefoot Merlot 


Why it's a win: Thank goodness my friend Anna-Lisa brought this over for book club a few weeks ago.  And thank goodness my friends couldn't get through the 6 other bottles at book club.  Because I got to break in to this tasty treat the other day and have it all to myself!

This merlot isn't too merlot-ey (come on, you know what I mean!) and has just the right balance of ripe berries and chocolate, with a delectably tart finish.

I hadn't tried Barefoot wines before, but I will definitely pick up another bottle next time because this was cheap AND it tasted good!  A combo you don't find too often.

Where you can find it:  Nearly any grocery store

Price: $5-$7

Wine Win Wednesday: Underwood Cellars Pinot Noir

Wine: Underwood Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir

Why it's a win: First off, it's from Sherwood, Oregon- which for those that don't know is a city about 15-20 miles south of Portland. There is something particularly special about a good wine from your own backyard. Secondly, the earthy taste of this pinot was blended excellently with notes of cherries and spice. Even with a bit of acidity to the finish, the taste was so smooth. Lastly, you can't beat the price.

Where you can find it: New Seasons and Whole Foods

Price: $11-$12

This was a fun find for us. We (the Schlypers) stayed the night at the Mark Spencer Hotel the other weekend and they hosted a wine and cheese hour. Rian and I had never tasted (or even heard of) this wine, which did make us feel a bit guilty seeing how it's from a vineyard just a few miles from our house. But we are happy we did and we will be sure to have it on hand in our home.

Wine Win Wednesday: Maryhill Gewurztramier

Wine:  Maryhill 2008 Gewurztraminer

Why it's a win:  This is an absolute favorite among the women in our group!  Immediately on the nose, you'll find the sweet scents of honeysuckle and fresh melon.  On the palate, you're greeted with a symphony of fruity flavors, including pear, green apple, and grapefruit.  This Gewurztraminer offers bright flavors with a crisp finish .  But be careful, this Gewurztraminer has been likened to drinking candy!


Where you can find it: Haggens


Price:  $11

Wine Win Wednesday: 7 Deadly Zins

Wine:  7 Deadly Zins produced by Michael David Winery

Why it's a win:  This full-bodied, deep ruby red Zinfandel is loaded with berry, pepper, and earthy characteristics.  The tannins are tight, flavor concentration is good, and finishes strong and smooth.  Aged in oak for 12 months, this Lodi Appellation Zin offers consistency and quality at a great price.  Plus, the back of the label is excellent reading material.


So pour yourself a glass (or two) and raise a toast to gluttony, sloth, and lust.  

Where you can find it: This is a popular Zin sold at most grocery stores, but Costco sells it cheapest.

Price:  $11-$15

“I’m raging with ire, an ocean of fire,
My Wrath is the path to all I desire.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I’m inflated with pride, near-bursting inside,

A self-centered repenter, Vanitys’ bride.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I’m mired in mud, inert as a slug,

Sloth is the cloth that’s woven my rug.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I eat day and night, consuming all in my sight,

A Glutton with nothing but a huge appetite.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

My will I ignore, my Envy’s a chore,

Over zealous and jealous, I want so much more.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I’m ravenous to feast, an insatiable beast,

I concede to the Greed demanding release.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I hunger for trust, my craving’s a must,

My sin is the Zin enslaving my Lust.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.”

– Kevin Phillips  

Wine Win Wednesday: Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc

Wine:  Villa Maria 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Private Bin New Zealand Marlborough Region

Why it's a win:  This crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc is slightly sweet on the nose, and full of tropical fruits and herbs on the palate.  We drank this wine at a cook-off and paired it with a spinach-artichoke dip and a bruschetta.  It was elegant, smooth, and ever so creamy with a refreshing finish.  It was a big hit at the party, and even us women who usually prefer sweet whites really liked it.  Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator.

Where you can find it: Costco, Fred Meyer

Price: $11 at Costco

Wine Win Wednesday: Hanna Vinyards 2002 "Jasmine" Syrah

Wine:  2002 "Jasmine" Syrah produced by Hanna Vineyards

My dad always pops open a nice bottle of wine when I come home to visit.  When I say "nice", I mean it didn't come from Grocery Outlet or a box.  The "nice" bottles have traditionally been saved for special dinners and events, but its becoming more and more common for my dad to open a nice bottle whenever I come to town.

I don't complain.  :-)

Tonight we drank a 2002 "Jasmine" Syrah produced by Hanna Vineyards in the Sonoma Valley.  It was completely delicious.  It drank smoothly right away and my dad didn't even want to use his decanter.  The label boasts aromas of lavender, rosemary, and white pepper, and I found it to be velvety, and full of chocolate and berries.

I doubt one could find another bottle - I looked online and didn't see anything - but I have it on good authority that Hanna Winery makes good wines, so if I ever see another label, I would feel confident in buying it.

 My parents picked this up on one of their frequent wine-tasting trips to Sonoma and Napa valley.  They are not fancy, snobby wine drinkers.  The way my dad tells it, this was one of the cheapest bottles!  They go tasting, buy the cheapest (yet tasty) bottle they can find, put it in the cellar - I mean a closet in the basement - and forget about it until a reason pops up to grab a "nice" bottle of wine.  It must be a legitimate method because most of the "nice" wines my dad opens are pretty amazing.