In case you missed it, we were awarded two Gold Medals at the 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The Gold Medal winners were the Volcano Vineyards 2006 Syrah and their Volcano Vineyards Lava Red Blend both from the Rogue Valley AVA in Southern Oregon. Both wines are set to be released later in 2008.
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the world’s largest judging of wines produced in the US. This year, a record 4235 wines from 1500 wineries were tasted.
Wineries from Oregon fared better in the 2008 competition, winning a total of 8 Gold Medals, compared with only 3 in 2007. Volcano Vineyards is the only Oregon winery to have won Gold in both of the last two years, with our Volcano Vineyards 2004 Syrah winning Gold in 2007.
We submitted three other wines for judging, with all three winning Silver Medals. Those wines were our Volcano Vineyards 2005 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard, the 2005 Merlot and the 2006 Merlot, Fortmiller Vineyard. All of our award winning wines were grown and produced in the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon.
For those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area, Scott will be pouring our wines at the San Francisco Public Tasting on Saturday February 16 at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion from 2 to 5 pm. All wineries who won Gold Medals or better will be there. Tickets are $50 in advance, $70 at the door. Check out winejudging.com for more info.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Review on Volcano Vineyards 2005 Syrah - Lakeside Vineyard, Rogue Valley
The Tasting Lounge will be open Sunday, January 20 and Monday, January 21 from 11:30-5.
Our Volcano Vineyards 2005 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard, won a Silver Medal at the 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. And, we just got the review back from Northwest Palate (January/February 2008):
"Floral notes of lavender and rose are pretty and perfumed on the nose, while sweet and equally pretty flavors of plum and cassis fill the mouth. Light oak spice and a sense of dried potpourri infuse the full and soft fruit center of this wine, while lightly brisk acidity lends a lively tone. The tannins are plump and sweet, and the finish is fresh and long. A great wine for garlic-studded leg of lamb."
Sounds yummy, no? You can order directly from our website, and right now there is a glitch that makes your shipping costs very inexpensive: http://www.volcanovineyards.com/store/index.php
Our Volcano Vineyards 2005 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard, won a Silver Medal at the 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. And, we just got the review back from Northwest Palate (January/February 2008):
"Floral notes of lavender and rose are pretty and perfumed on the nose, while sweet and equally pretty flavors of plum and cassis fill the mouth. Light oak spice and a sense of dried potpourri infuse the full and soft fruit center of this wine, while lightly brisk acidity lends a lively tone. The tannins are plump and sweet, and the finish is fresh and long. A great wine for garlic-studded leg of lamb."
Sounds yummy, no? You can order directly from our website, and right now there is a glitch that makes your shipping costs very inexpensive: http://www.volcanovineyards.com/store/index.php
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Gold and More Gold - WooHoo!
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines. Thousands of wineries participate. This year, over 4200 wines were judged. Last year only three wineries from Oregon received Gold Medals, and we were one of them. And the results from the 2008 competition are in...
Sooooo, we are thrilled to announced that our Volcano Vineyards 2006 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard/Serenade Vineyard, Rogue Valley took GOLD. And, our Rogue Valley Lava Red Blend took GOLD. Release dates for both of these wines will be set in the next few months. The 2005 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard, the 2005 Merlot/Cab Franc and the 2006 Merlot all took Silver.
From the preliminary look at the results, Oregon wineries fared better this year, winning a total of 8 Golds (last year, Oregon wineries took home 3 Golds, total). Yes, we have TWO of those EIGHT. Not too shabby!! Other winners include Willamette Valley Vineyards, who also won two Golds (Riesling and Pinot Noir), Del Rio Vineyards and Dobbes Family Estate both won Gold for their Pinot Gris, Griffin Creek won Gold in the Syrah $35 and over category, and Zerba's fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon won Gold. Woohoo!!
More details once the final results are tallied. The Tasting Lounge re-opens on Friday, January 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Sooooo, we are thrilled to announced that our Volcano Vineyards 2006 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard/Serenade Vineyard, Rogue Valley took GOLD. And, our Rogue Valley Lava Red Blend took GOLD. Release dates for both of these wines will be set in the next few months. The 2005 Syrah, Lakeside Vineyard, the 2005 Merlot/Cab Franc and the 2006 Merlot all took Silver.
From the preliminary look at the results, Oregon wineries fared better this year, winning a total of 8 Golds (last year, Oregon wineries took home 3 Golds, total). Yes, we have TWO of those EIGHT. Not too shabby!! Other winners include Willamette Valley Vineyards, who also won two Golds (Riesling and Pinot Noir), Del Rio Vineyards and Dobbes Family Estate both won Gold for their Pinot Gris, Griffin Creek won Gold in the Syrah $35 and over category, and Zerba's fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon won Gold. Woohoo!!
More details once the final results are tallied. The Tasting Lounge re-opens on Friday, January 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Friday, December 7, 2007
December Sale Item Tasting Notes
Red Hawk Pinot Gris – Willamette Valley
It is a mantra in the wine industry – great wine is made in the vineyard. John and Betty Pataccoli, who took over Red Hawk in 2005, are reinvigorating the brand with a focus on vineyard health. The amazing results are already evident in their 2005 Pinot gris, a beautifully balanced, crisp and food-friendly wine: melon on the nose with tropical and green apple flavors plus a hint of minerals which come from the rich volcanic Jory and Nekia soils of this Salem vineyard. This is a great appetizer wine, and also pairs nicely with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or pasta salad. Only 160 cases produced.
Sagelands Chardonnay 2005 – Columbia Valley, Washington
A well-balanced green apple and citrus chardonnay with a nice round finish. Great by itself or pair it with the traditional white wine foods – fish, chicken, salad.
Spangler Sauvignon Blanc 2006 – Southern Oregon
Sauvignon Blanc always reminds me of the coast – dining on Dungeness crab, paired with a bottle of white sitting in the sun at 1:30 in the afternoon. Ah – heaven? Why not capture that moment here in the high desert in December? My favorite of the Oregon Sauvignon Blancs.
Tertulia Cellars 2005 Viognier - Columbia Valley
The name of this new Walla Walla winery means “a social gathering of friends.” The 2005 viognier is their first white release. It contains 22% rousanne, another Rhone varietal valued for its crisp acidity. The grapes were whole-cluster pressed - that is a gentler process that extracts flavor from the fruit of the grape, not the stems, seeds and skins as happens with traditional crushing. Fermentation occurred in 74% stainless steel and 26% neutral French oak, partial malolactic fermentation (the process that turns bitter malic acid into the softer lactic acid). Tertulia’s tasting notes indicate we should experience floral aromas, with pineapple, peach and apricot flavors, a smooth mouth-feel and balanced acidity. I got green apple and honey on the nose, tropical up-front fruit, a rich mouth-feel (from the ML, I would assume), melon, kiwi and pineapple flavors and a clean finish.
Cougar Crest Winery 2005 Viognier – Walla Walla
Estate grown, 100% viognier Cougar Crest tells us to look for floral and citrus aromas on the nose, followed by pear, pineapple, grapefruit and melon with a honey finish. The Wine Spectator gave this an 88, stating that it feels - and I am not making this up - “raw, offering ear and green peach aromas.” I have no idea what an ear aroma might be, and I couldn’t detect anything I would call “ear aroma” so... Also very chardonnay-like in weight and mouth-feel.
Fleming Jenkins Victories Ros̩ РSan Francisco Bay
Yes, this is from California, but this one is special! Produced by Olympic champion Peggy Fleming and her husband, Greg Jenkins, 100% of their net profits from Victories is donated to breast cancer research (Peggy is a breast cancer survivor). Peggy and Greg have their own vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just above Los Gatos – which happens to be Scott’s hometown. The wine is fragrant, well-balanced and crisp – really, it tastes like spring, and who couldn’t use a little of that in the middle of December?
Territorial Rose of Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley
Floral aromas, strawberry and peach flavors with a nice citrus overtone that gives this wine a bright finish. Try it with grilled foods or even creamy deserts.
Mystic Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 – Columbia Valley
This wine is solid and intense with flavors of blackberry, currant and tobacco, with round tannins and a plush mouth feel. Only 150 cases produced!
Zerba Cellars Sangiovese 2004 – Columbia Valley
They love to blend at Zerba! This Sangiovese has about 10% cab sauv, which adds some interesting nuances. Look for spice and an earthy overtone.
Zerba Cellars Cabernet Franc 2005 - Columbia Valley
Zerba’s 2004 Cab Franc was a huge hit in the Tasting Lounge. This 2005 vintage blended with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the result is a wine rich with black cherry and plum flavors (while the ’04 was distinctly currant). Tasting it right now, the 2005 shows more fruit, while the 2004 had some earthy overtones. As you would expect from Zerba, the nose offers rich vanilla and tobacco aromas. Only 190 cases produced.
It is a mantra in the wine industry – great wine is made in the vineyard. John and Betty Pataccoli, who took over Red Hawk in 2005, are reinvigorating the brand with a focus on vineyard health. The amazing results are already evident in their 2005 Pinot gris, a beautifully balanced, crisp and food-friendly wine: melon on the nose with tropical and green apple flavors plus a hint of minerals which come from the rich volcanic Jory and Nekia soils of this Salem vineyard. This is a great appetizer wine, and also pairs nicely with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or pasta salad. Only 160 cases produced.
Sagelands Chardonnay 2005 – Columbia Valley, Washington
A well-balanced green apple and citrus chardonnay with a nice round finish. Great by itself or pair it with the traditional white wine foods – fish, chicken, salad.
Spangler Sauvignon Blanc 2006 – Southern Oregon
Sauvignon Blanc always reminds me of the coast – dining on Dungeness crab, paired with a bottle of white sitting in the sun at 1:30 in the afternoon. Ah – heaven? Why not capture that moment here in the high desert in December? My favorite of the Oregon Sauvignon Blancs.
Tertulia Cellars 2005 Viognier - Columbia Valley
The name of this new Walla Walla winery means “a social gathering of friends.” The 2005 viognier is their first white release. It contains 22% rousanne, another Rhone varietal valued for its crisp acidity. The grapes were whole-cluster pressed - that is a gentler process that extracts flavor from the fruit of the grape, not the stems, seeds and skins as happens with traditional crushing. Fermentation occurred in 74% stainless steel and 26% neutral French oak, partial malolactic fermentation (the process that turns bitter malic acid into the softer lactic acid). Tertulia’s tasting notes indicate we should experience floral aromas, with pineapple, peach and apricot flavors, a smooth mouth-feel and balanced acidity. I got green apple and honey on the nose, tropical up-front fruit, a rich mouth-feel (from the ML, I would assume), melon, kiwi and pineapple flavors and a clean finish.
Cougar Crest Winery 2005 Viognier – Walla Walla
Estate grown, 100% viognier Cougar Crest tells us to look for floral and citrus aromas on the nose, followed by pear, pineapple, grapefruit and melon with a honey finish. The Wine Spectator gave this an 88, stating that it feels - and I am not making this up - “raw, offering ear and green peach aromas.” I have no idea what an ear aroma might be, and I couldn’t detect anything I would call “ear aroma” so... Also very chardonnay-like in weight and mouth-feel.
Fleming Jenkins Victories Ros̩ РSan Francisco Bay
Yes, this is from California, but this one is special! Produced by Olympic champion Peggy Fleming and her husband, Greg Jenkins, 100% of their net profits from Victories is donated to breast cancer research (Peggy is a breast cancer survivor). Peggy and Greg have their own vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just above Los Gatos – which happens to be Scott’s hometown. The wine is fragrant, well-balanced and crisp – really, it tastes like spring, and who couldn’t use a little of that in the middle of December?
Territorial Rose of Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley
Floral aromas, strawberry and peach flavors with a nice citrus overtone that gives this wine a bright finish. Try it with grilled foods or even creamy deserts.
Mystic Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 – Columbia Valley
This wine is solid and intense with flavors of blackberry, currant and tobacco, with round tannins and a plush mouth feel. Only 150 cases produced!
Zerba Cellars Sangiovese 2004 – Columbia Valley
They love to blend at Zerba! This Sangiovese has about 10% cab sauv, which adds some interesting nuances. Look for spice and an earthy overtone.
Zerba Cellars Cabernet Franc 2005 - Columbia Valley
Zerba’s 2004 Cab Franc was a huge hit in the Tasting Lounge. This 2005 vintage blended with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the result is a wine rich with black cherry and plum flavors (while the ’04 was distinctly currant). Tasting it right now, the 2005 shows more fruit, while the 2004 had some earthy overtones. As you would expect from Zerba, the nose offers rich vanilla and tobacco aromas. Only 190 cases produced.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Double Gold for Volcano Vineyards 2004 Syrah
We are very proud to announce that our Volcano Vineyards 2004 Syrah (Rogue Valley) was awarded a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL at this year's Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging. This is an invitation only event to find "the best of the best" of Pacific Northwest wines. Wines qualify only if they received a Gold Medal or better at one of the major national wine competitions or were selected by the review committee of Wine Press Northwest.
Volcano Vineyards 2004 Merlot was also honored, winning a GOLD MEDAL.
Volcano Vineyards 2004 Merlot was also honored, winning a GOLD MEDAL.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Quick Harvest Update
We brought in 5 tons of merlot on Tuesday from Fortmiller and Lakeside – it looks fabulous, especially the Fortmiller. We are expecting great things from this 2007 vintage of merlot! Scott was back in the Rogue Valley today, and he and Chris (Hubert, vineyard manager extraorinaire) decided to hold off on the syrah for a few more days. Back in early August we had thought it was going to be an early harvest this year, but… not so much! Another big storm is expected to roll in tomorrow… We’ll know more in a few days, so stay tuned!
In other news, I have only two seats at the bar left for the October 20th dinner, so if you are interested, I would reserve those seats today! Call 541.617.1102.
In other news, I have only two seats at the bar left for the October 20th dinner, so if you are interested, I would reserve those seats today! Call 541.617.1102.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Odds and Ends
Our website ( www.volcanovineyards.com ) is currently undergoing a redesign, so for the next few weeks, updates will be posted here on this blog. The blog, as well, will be housed on our site once we go live. Stay tuned for more info!
The menu for the Saturday, October 20 Winemaker Dinner is set. It is already half booked, so if you are interested, make your reservations today!
First Course: Crab Cakes with our Volcano Vineyards Viognier
Second Course: Wild Mushroom soup with our 2005 Merlot, Rogue Valley
Third Course: Coq au Vin with our 2004 Rogue Valley Lava Red Blend
Final Course: Tumulo Frams Cheese plate with our 2005 Syrah, Rogue Valley
Cost is $60/person which includes the dinner, one glass of wine per course, and service. Non-refundable payment is due at time of reservation. Call 541-617-1102 to reserve your spot today.
More stuff on sale...
Cancilla Cellars Chardonnay 2005– Willamette Valley, Oregon
A luscious Burgundian style chardonnay with the lightest hints of oak and butter. Soft, supple and food friendly with a good backbone.
EdenVale MidSummer’s Eve White – Southern Oregon
I do believe this is probably the worst name for a wine I’ve ever heard and yes, I know it refers to Shakespeare, but I, being a child of the 70s, have other inter-textual references pertaining to phrases containing the words “summer’s” and “eve.” ) This blend is great on any warm day, even if you have to create the warmth yourself by sitting next to a fire in your living room. A blend of chardonnay, pinot gris and muscat, this wine is off-dry with tropical overtones and a decadent lushness. Pair it with spicy Asian foods – perfection!
Mystic Wines Pinot Noir 2003 – Temperance Hill, Willamette Valley, Oregon
I had this at Hans the day I first met Mystic owner and winemaker Rick Mafit, a buddy of Scott’s. An incredible blueberry and tart cheery, full fruit Pinot noir, I had finished two glasses of it before the first course was even finished. Later than evening I ended up getting into an argument with a woman who blamed all the “evil Californian transplants” for everything that is wrong with Bend. While Rick thought that was hilarious, I decided to move the word TEMPERANCE to the forefront of my vocabulary. Temperance Hill is quite famous for its Pinot Noir, and it is managed by the legendary Dai Crisp. This Pinot Noir is balanced, subtle, and changes as you enjoy it, each sip bringing out new falvors. A treat!
The menu for the Saturday, October 20 Winemaker Dinner is set. It is already half booked, so if you are interested, make your reservations today!
First Course: Crab Cakes with our Volcano Vineyards Viognier
Second Course: Wild Mushroom soup with our 2005 Merlot, Rogue Valley
Third Course: Coq au Vin with our 2004 Rogue Valley Lava Red Blend
Final Course: Tumulo Frams Cheese plate with our 2005 Syrah, Rogue Valley
Cost is $60/person which includes the dinner, one glass of wine per course, and service. Non-refundable payment is due at time of reservation. Call 541-617-1102 to reserve your spot today.
More stuff on sale...
Cancilla Cellars Chardonnay 2005– Willamette Valley, Oregon
A luscious Burgundian style chardonnay with the lightest hints of oak and butter. Soft, supple and food friendly with a good backbone.
EdenVale MidSummer’s Eve White – Southern Oregon
I do believe this is probably the worst name for a wine I’ve ever heard and yes, I know it refers to Shakespeare, but I, being a child of the 70s, have other inter-textual references pertaining to phrases containing the words “summer’s” and “eve.” ) This blend is great on any warm day, even if you have to create the warmth yourself by sitting next to a fire in your living room. A blend of chardonnay, pinot gris and muscat, this wine is off-dry with tropical overtones and a decadent lushness. Pair it with spicy Asian foods – perfection!
Mystic Wines Pinot Noir 2003 – Temperance Hill, Willamette Valley, Oregon
I had this at Hans the day I first met Mystic owner and winemaker Rick Mafit, a buddy of Scott’s. An incredible blueberry and tart cheery, full fruit Pinot noir, I had finished two glasses of it before the first course was even finished. Later than evening I ended up getting into an argument with a woman who blamed all the “evil Californian transplants” for everything that is wrong with Bend. While Rick thought that was hilarious, I decided to move the word TEMPERANCE to the forefront of my vocabulary. Temperance Hill is quite famous for its Pinot Noir, and it is managed by the legendary Dai Crisp. This Pinot Noir is balanced, subtle, and changes as you enjoy it, each sip bringing out new falvors. A treat!
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