Checking Out the Wine Scene in Michigan

Recently, Mark and I traveled to Michigan to visit my dad and attend a college friend's wedding. Of course, if you know me at all, you know I can't travel anywhere without checking into the wine scene! Here's our review...

Mark, my dad, and I visited Vinology for lunch - it's a wine bar, wine shop, and restaurant (sounds a lot like Cork Cellars!) in Ann Arbor, MI - home of my Alma Mater, University of Michigan. It's right downtown Ann Arbor, in a really cool, old building with brick walls and a cellar basement. The restaurant seating and the bar area were separated by a big wall, so you didn't get a good connecting vibe of maybe tasting wine vs. going into a restaurant for food.

The wine list was fair, I thought, for Michigan. They did have a very cool "rating" system - little indicators on the wine list if it was bubbly, bold, fruitty, sweet, etc. My dad's a big Chardonnay fan, so we (the guys) split a bottle of the Newton "Red Label" Chard. Not the most expensive one the list, but up there. No Oregon Chard's made it to the menu here. As far as lunch goes, the menu read much more wonderfully than the actual flavors of the food. They do focus on a seasonal menu, purchasing organic and local foods from around MI, which is very cool. But, our waitress pointed out that they were just getting going with a new kitchen staff, and the food reflected: it was fairly non-descript and average.

The "shopping" part of Vinology was in the cellar basement - very cool, dark, and unique. The actual wine shop was more of a tasting room with the wine situated in racking around 3 sides of the room. They had a few good choices, but I would say it wasn't necessarily a place to just go buy wine, it was more of a tasting bar that you could take wine home at 30% below restaurant pricing if you chose. They did have a very cool private tasting room, which I would reserve in a heart beat for special occasions. It was also in the basement, with cool lighting and a private bar. Check that out if you find yourself in Ann Arbor. Final Review: stop in for a glass of wine and check out the cellar...but definitely eat at another higher rated restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor.

The most surprising wine find in Ann Arbor was Village Corner, a small "general" shop on the campus of UofM. I had read a couple blogs mentioning a decent selection of wine, so I thought I would check it out! Well, you walk into this place and your first impression is not a good one! Dirty shelves of toilet paper and standard college kid dorm goods is an eye sore. But venture deeper in, and you will definitely get a welcoming surprise! Around the corner, and then a few more, you'll find a fantastic selection of wines from around the world - and at very decent prices. Mark and I spent some time perusing the wines and finding some gems and some standards. The Oregon selection was limited, but really good. We found some Bergstrom, St. Innocent, WillaKenzie, and even Patton Valley Vineyards! They were priced accordingly, so you'll have to spend a few extra dollars to sample these Oregon beauties, but know that they are fantastic wines that aren't that readily available - even in Oregon!

The one big surprise was finding a Burgundy from Scott Wright's Imported portfolio. For as little wine as Scott imports, it's great that you Ann Arborites have a chance to try them! My only real complaint regarding Village Corner, is that service is pretty bad. About 4 college kids hang around the register and bs - not one person asked if we had any questions, and I seriously doubt they really would have had any knowledge of the wine anyway. I'm not sure if the owner or someone who is knowledgeable about wine hangs out there in the afternoon...he or she is seriously sitting on some fantastic wine and I would only venture to guess would need to be there to help any serious wine buyer make a selection.
But, if you're in the area and need wine, this is a great place to spend some time and money. You just need a little patience - college kids are college kids...

Thankfully, as far as wine consumption during our trip, Mark and I sent some of our favorite wine via UPS to my dad's long before we left. The boys had a good time sampling through a few of my favorites - I always love to see folks enjoy the wine as much as I did! Cheers, Emily

Jazzin' it up

Last Sat. Cork Cellars was hopping with people listening to Sisters' own J3 Trio. Actually, there were 4 guys - and if you closed your eyes, you could have sworn you were at a San Francisco Jazz Club. These guys were good!

We had the leader, Jody, on the trumpet. His son, Jared, on the stand up bass. And, Jared's good friends, Steven on guitar, and Tanner on the drum.

J3 Trio will be back at Cork Cellars Dec. 20th for the famed Christmas Carol event. It will be fun jazz music with a holiday twist...and a few glasses of wine the crowd starts to sing!

Getting Ready for the Winter

What a beautiful fall we're having in Central Oregon. Bright, sunny days with cool, clear nights. It's the time of year most folks transition into drinking red wines in the evening.

It's also why our Holiday Wine Tasting Series "Hearty Wines for the Winter" is always a popular event. It's a chance to try new vintages of great, bold red wines perfect to share this winter.

This year, Earl from C&G Wines, stopped in to present an array of red wines from Washington and California.

We started off with "Big Nose" - a red blend (mainly Cabernet and Merlot) from Washington that retails for $14. The wine proved a big hit for the big nose - full bodied with dark raspberries and a hint of vanilla, and a big finish.

From there we moved on to 2 Fall Line wines from Washington. First the Horse Heaven Hills Red Blend (Merlot, Cab, & Cab Franc). With just a 430 case production, this 2005 vintage was smokin'! It received 92 Pts. from Wine & Spirits that was well justified. Pretty on the nose without over-explosive notes of lavender and black cherry. With hints of mocha and tobacco on the finish, this complex wine was one of my favorites on the list. It retails for $32 and this vintage won't last long before we have to move on to the 2006.

The new vintage of Fall Line Cab was next in your glass. Just released, this wine is showing excellent now, but will hold for several years as well. It's 100% Cabernet, and 100% fantastic! Another 92 Pt. score from Wine Advocate, these guys are on the radar for producing some serious wine. The nose offers up notes of vanilla bean, coconut, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Complex in the mouth with a long finish. Retails for $32.

We travelled south to California for the next wine - Bucklin Cabernet. If you were lucky enough to make our Buckin wine tasting over the summer, you met Will Bucklin. He's the co-owner and winemaker for this California Winery. They sell a majority of their fruit to famous wineries, and keep some for a small production lot of wine. The 2006 Cab had just been bottled when Will visited last time, so we didn't showcase the wine then. It's amazing what 6 months in the bottle will do for a cab - this wine was dynamite! With just over 450 cases produced, this wine is deep and complex (the vines are over 25 years old), with aromas of cedar, licorice, and anise with a fruit component of cherry, blackberry and currants. At $25, this is a great wine to have on hand this winter.

The final taste goes to the O'Shea Scarborough Syrah called "the black cask". These guys produce wine from their garage - but don't be fooled, it's definitely a syrah from Washington that will be making it's mark on the wine industry. Dark, juicy fruits fill your nose and your mouth - with hints of dark vanilla bean, boysenberry jam, and chocolate. At just 75 cases produced, this won't last long if you want to give it a swirl.

If you missed this event - don't fret. We've got another 1.5 months of great wine tasting events lined up every Thursday evening from 5-8pm. Check out the events on our event website.

Another Rockin' Night of Music

Willie Carmichael is one of the nicest, coolest, and greatest musicians I've ever met! His partner in crime, Ed, is equally as fun to hang out with. And, if you missed the music event at Cork Cellars Saturday, Nov. 1st - you missed one of the most fun, most rockin' night in Sisters!
Willie and Ed rocked non-stop for 2 hours to a full house, playing original tunes that ranged from fun, to slow, lamenting on love, and other great tunes. Bill and I enjoyed the music while serving up glasses of wine and great food from our menu.

Several regulars showed up for this event, including Sisters' favorites, the Newports. They arrived a little late, so didn't get the best seats in the house, but they got first row! Debbie works in the Redmond School District, and recently started the "Americana Project" at her school (modeled off the successful program at the Sisters High School). Willie is a major volunteer for the Americana Project, and is working with Debbie out in Redmond on the program! What a great combo!

We've got more live music scheduled the remainder of November, and an event in December. Check it out and come visit us for these great events. And, if all goes well, we'll plan some more of Willie in the winter months. We look forward to seeing you:) Cheers!

An Evening in Burgundy with Scott Wright

On Wednesday, Oct. 29th, 20 wine enthusiasts gathered at Jen's Garden for an exclusive Cork Cellars Event, "An Evening in Burgundy" with Scott Wright of Scott Paul Cellars.

About once a year Cork Cellars will host an exclusive wine dinner, offering 20 people a rare opportunity to sample extraordinary wines carefully paired with exquisite food. This year our featured guest was Scott Wright, of Scott Paul Cellars.

Scott hails from the music industry, but has always had a passion for wine, growing up with a father who enjoyed fabulous Burgundy and other French wine. Scott's passion for wine began early, and when he (his wife and daughter) decided to finally leave the music industry - he knew exactly where he was headed - to Oregon, to start a winery and produce classic Burgundian style Pinot Noir's. He did just that, his winery, Scott Paul Cellars, is now in it's 10th vintage, producing beautiful, elegant, and passionate Pinot Noir (some of my absolute favorites). While continuing his knowledge of producing fine wine, Scott has travelled extensively in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France. A few years ago, he brought back some of his favorite wines, and is now offereing a small portfolio of rare, small production Burgundy and Champagne to Oenophiles around the US.

I met Scott several years ago. Scott, his wife, Martha, and his daughter, Martha Pierre, visit Central Oregon each summer to vacation - and had stopped by the shop to see what we were all about. Of course, at the time, I didn't know who he was...I recall the first time he walked through the door, I was helping some other customers and had turned to say hello. As I turned, I noticed this gentleman had a Scott Paul Cellars ballcap on, I said "hi, welcome to Cork Cellars. Gosh, Scott Paul Cellars is the best Oregon Pinot Noir I've ever had, you must like it too!" An enduring friendship was quickly established:) On his last visit through Sisters, we concocted an evening to showcase some of his favorite imported Burgundy's to share with a handful of customers, and our event was born.

Of course, Burgundy and Champagne of that stature require excellent food - and what better person to prepare that than TR and Carol of Jen's Garden. The event was held there, with family style seating in an elegant, but casual and warm atmosphere. Our 20 guests were seated and enjoyed meeting Scott who spoke about his passion for wine and his history with the Burgundy region, as we served the first pairing:

Smoked Salmon Timable with Roasted Tomatoes, Herbed Cream Cheese over Swirl Montana Rye Toast - served with a 2006 Philippe Chavy Puligny-Montrechet. This 100% Chardonnay was the most elegant Chardonnay I've ever tasted. So floral in the nose with rich notes of almonds, a full & rich mouth-feel, but so well balanced with nice acidity to compliment the smoked salmon. This wine retails for $60.

The second course featured the 2006 Rene Leclerc Gevrey-Chambertin (Pinot Noir) served with a puffed pastry filled with seafood and wild mushrooms and lemon-chive buerre-blanc. This style of Pinot Noir was so elegant and feminine. The body and color were light, but loaded with fresh raspberry and spice notes. An elegant mouth-feel led to a complex and rewarding finish. This is a very lovely Pinot Noir that retails for $60.

The main course featured Scott's own Scott Paul Le Paulee Pinot Noir. TR paired this wine with Tranches de Boeuf: marinated natural cascade beef over oven-roasted fingerling potatoes and a undescribeable demi-glaze with hints of cherry, balsamic, and red wine. Scott's Pinot Noir paired beautifully with this dish - the hints of cherry spice, and earth rounded out in this complex wine. This wine retails for $40.

The salad course: mixed greens with roasted kimberly red pears, candied almonds, french brie cheese, and champagne vinaigrette was paired with the 2006 Francois Lamarche Vosne-Romanee Premier-Cru. This larger than life Burgundy is showing incredible right now, but will show even better in a few years. Red berry fruit and rose petal combine nicely with spicy and pure flavors. This wine retails for $120.

By this point, our guests have received exceptional service and an abundance of information on Burgundy and Scott's experience. The food and wine outstanding, conversation flowing, laughing, and anticipation for the last course has filled the air. Besides a love for Burgundy, Scott also shares a passion of mine, Champagne! What better way to end the evening, but to pair a fabulous dessert with a classic grower Champagne.

For the dessert, Jen (of Jen's Garden) prepared a chocolate slice of heaven, with hints of hazelnuts, topped with cream and pomegranate compote. Each savory bite was equally savory paired with the 1999 Marc Chauvet Special Club, an exquisite full bodied Champagne with toasted amonds, honey, and small bubbles. Very few bottles of this wine get imported into the US, and we can see why they want to keep it all! This bottle retails for $60.

We can't thank Scott enough for his expertise and fine wines. We all had such a wonderful time, enjoying food, wine, and good friends. If you missed the dinner, don't fret, I have the wine available at the shop for purchase - but get yours now before they're gone. If you'd like to attend one of our exclusive wine dinners, please let me know and I'll put you on our waiting list. Cheers!

The Quon's Perform

It was a quiet night at Cork Cellars, Sat. Oct. 25th, until The Quon's (Mark and Linda) set up and started playing. To a small intimate crowd, the Quon's bedazzled us with a huge array of cover music...Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Jonnie Cash, James Taylor, and more! Then, they broke out into some original tunes - a series called the "Oregon Trail" - inspired by those who trekked across our great land.

If I'm not mistaken, this was the first time The Quon's played in Sisters - though they've been customers of the shop many times. They mostly play in Bend, and I can see why they are in hot demand. I was more enthralled by the quality of their music, so I forgot to take pictures. But, you can check out some of their tunes and their bio on myspace.

If you missed this event, don't fret. Everyone at the shop requested they be asked to return, and I agree! Check out our events calendar to see all of our upcoming events. Our music events are really spectacular - quiet, intimate, great wine, casual atmosphere. I highly recommend coming to our next event - Willie Carmichael on Nov. 1st.

Another Great Music Event at the Cork

With the music series underway, it's no question that good music is going to plague the town of Sisters for the next month! Sat., Oct. 18th we had Elise and Warren from SMUDGE play at the shop. The time flew by as we listened to the sound of Elise's rich, deep voice carry through the air. It felt more like the big city, New York or San Francisco, rather than Sisters.

It was also a special night for me, I had two special guests in the house that made it a night to remember! My dad, who lives in Michigan, was visiting. Many of you have met him (Frank), he's been instrumental in getting the wine shop together - helping at both the initial move and the remodel. Each time he visits he keeps himself busy with my list of "To-Do's" around the shop. It is truly special to have him visit on an evening like this to see the business thrive and enjoy the good food and wine.

We also had my good friends Jessica and Jodell stop in the shop for some delicious wine and tasty desserts! The sisters have been good friends of mine since we moved to town 5 years ago, helping me to build the friend base that I have today. Jodell manages the Bend downtown store, Urban Minx. Have you been there? It's got the hottest new clothes and styles. And Jessica works in the non-profit industry with kids. Both Jessica and Jodell have supported Cork Cellars since its' inception over 3 years ago, both have been wine of the month club members when it was still in it's infancy stages, helping design the concept and get it off the ground. Often times you can visit Urban Minx on a first Friday and enjoy wine supplied by Cork Cellars!

We do hope you can find time in the upcoming months to visit the shop on a music evening. All of our events are intended to be casual and easy going. Stop in with friends, or meet new ones! All of our upcoming tasting events and music events are posted on our website and updated weekly. We look forward to seeing you! Cheers.

A Birthday Celebration at Cork Cellars

It's just too much fun when one of our favorite local customers has a birthday! The regular crowd showed up on a Friday night to help celebrate one more year of life of our good friend, Jeff.

Wine and food were consumed, and good times were had by all. Here, the birthday boy is on the right, hanging out with myself (in orange), his wife (Ellina), and our good friend Earl.

Of course, like all good relationships, Jeff and Ellina came into our lives via a passion for wine. Quickly realizing we had more than wine in common, a deeper friendship ensued, and not only are Jeff and Ellina staples of the wine shop, they are great friends. More than once Jeff (and Ellina) has been out to the wine shop to help with maintenance...hanging posters & coat hooks, helping with the remodel, fixing the hot water tank, you name it, he's helped with it! So, a birthday couldn't go by without balloons and a birthday cake. And...I won't tell you how many candles are on that cake...and that we almost had a fire alarm go off after the candles got put out!

All in all it was a great celebration, and the wine shop is proud to be such a great gathering place in our community.

Friday nights at the wine bar are great nights to stop in and meet the locals. There's always a great crowd of fun-loving, wine-drinking folks who share good laughs and love to meet new people. If it's your birthday or not, come on in and say hi! We look forward to serving you. Cheers.

Little Fish Performs at Cork Cellars

The first live music in our event series happened last Sat. night and it was a huge success! Deb and Bo Yager of Little Fish performed 7-9pm with all sorts of original tunes that kept you smiling and having a good time. Cork Cellars was cozy, and filled with music loving folks out to hear the duo.

Deb and Bo Yager, a smaller version of their band Little Fish (2 folks instead of 4), are from Austin, Texas and moved to Bend about 3 years ago. I happened to meet them through business connections, and we quickly realized we had lots in common...including a passion for wine and good music! Our friendship deepened, and it really was with great honor that they agreed to play at Cork Cellars. If I could have them play every weekend, I would! Deb and Bo did not take a break in the two hours they played, keeping the crowd engaged and having a good time. They played lots of great tunes, including a couple of my favorites "Cats & Dogs" and "I'm not the Outdoor Type". And, Bo played a couple of solo tunes from his new album.

If you missed the event with Little Fish - mark your calendars! They are coming back Nov. 15th from 7-9pm. But, don't miss out this week, we've got Elise and Warren from SMUDGE here to rattle you with blues & jazz. This fantastic duo from Bend is hot right now, come check it out!

An Apology for UpKeep

This is a quick blog, almost 1 year since my last...and it's an apology! So many cool wine events, dinners, tastings, etc. have happened since the wine dinner of Nov. 2007 (the last blog) and I haven't written a word or posted pictures of any of them. My apologies. This page is intended to provide you with an insight of our on-goings at Cork Cellars, and my goal is to spend more time getting that information out to you.

I have my camera in hand ready for the perfect shot. Come get your photo taken at the next tasting, which is Oct. 9th from 5-8pm. Our theme is Best Value Petit Sirah - this varietal is huge and juicy, just perfect for our Central Oregon cool fall nights. And you don't have to spend a fortune - all of the wines are priced right! This will be a $6 tasting fee - and no reservations needed. See you soon.