Getting out with Nora

It's amazing how fast time flies with a new one in tow. There's not much time outside of feedings and sleep schedules. But, I have managed to stay pretty much up to speed on the "goings on" of Cork Cellars, and have even been stopping by the shop with Nora to socialize and get out!

I've gradually gotten back into sampling wine and enjoying a glass every now and then - and have some new favorites I'd like to share. If you didn't get a chance to sample and/or have a glass of the Abeja Cabernet when it was on the glass list, I must say, you missed out! The new release, the 2006, was a little tight (though if you decant it or leave it open for a full day, it really opens up), and as it opened up in my glass, I reveled over the complexity of the Washington fruit. Layers of dark fruit and hints of chocolate. A little like mocha with tobacco notes hiding under the the layers. It's no secret that I've been a supporter of the Abeja wines since owning the shop - in fact - I have a library of the Abeja Cab's hiding in the wine refrigerator. So it's no surprise that this vintage is another stellar wine. There may be a couple more bottles on the shelf - it sells out fast, so stop in a grab it while it's there. Enjoy now - but if you have the patience, this wine excels with a few years in the cellar.

Another great afternoon at the shop, with my good friends Daly and her daughter Laney (Daly and her husband JT own Lutton's), I enjoyed a nice refreshing white wine, the Isenhower Snapdragon - a Roussanne/Viognier blend also from Washington. This wine screams summer with fresh apricot and peach aromas, floral notes, and a tiny hint of honeysuckle. It's about that time of year when new releases of white wines hit the market in time for the warm weather. Now we just need the warm weather.

Lastly, Nora and I took my sister (who now lives in Portland) out to wine country last weekend to enjoy some wine and meet up with old friends. The 2007 Pinot's being released are just outstanding - you really can't go wrong picking up ANY 2007. These wines are all ready to drink now - but again, a few years in the cellar and the wines will round out and mellow adding complexity. Our favorite stop, by far, was Scott Paul Winery (the picture is me, Nora, and Scott Wright of Scott Paul Winery) in Carlton. Scott's always been one of our favorites, and this year is no exception. The new release Martha Pierre - coming in at a very reasonable price, is lovely with nice complexity. The Le Paulee shows strong fruit characteristics with cherry and earthy notes. And, the flagship Audrey is out of this world! Every sniff, every taste - you can sense a new flavor and can't get enough. This wine is very limited - and I do happen to have a few bottles on the shelf. If you love Pinot Noir, this is the bottle to have!

That's it for now. Mark, Nora, and I are headed over to McMinneville tomorrow to attend a trade wine dinner featuring some newly imported Italian Wines. We'll report back with some new favorites and hopefully share them with you. Cheers.