Drink In Life

Wine Boot Camp

Posted on June 6, 2019 by drinkinlife

“I’m Still Learning.” Michelangelo at age 81!

Life is best experienced when we continually learn new things and broaden our horizons. One of my goals this year was to try and fill in as many of the gaps that I could when it comes to my knowledge of wine, winemaking, and wine regions. When the opportunity arose to attend the Annual Wine Boot Camp put on by Woodinville Wine Country, I knew it would be a perfect way to “keep learning”.

Four in-depth wine education sessions taught by winemakers and industry educators from around Woodinville.

Decoding Foreign Wine Labels

For this blog post I wanted to focus on the first of the four Boot Camp sessions, Decoding Foreign Wine Labels. Foreign Wine Labels have always perplexed me, especially while trying to choose a “just right wine” from the wide selections carried by many big box wine retailers. I really wanted to learn how to decipher these information filled labels. Designed as a practical lesson to help you understand the basics of foreign wine labels, instructor Tanya Morningstar Darling covered the history and origin of foreign labeling, and how to apply what you learn selecting a wine from a wine list or wine store.

Tanya Morningstar Darling has been working in the wine industry; in restaurants, retail, and education for more than two decades. She has been teaching about wine since 2004.

Each of the following wines were introduced with an in depth education about how the particular country generally labels their wines. As much as I would love to share all the information I learned about Decoding wine labels, this was Instructor Tanya’s class and I do not want to just copy all the information she provided. So, I wanted to instead highlight the six wines tasted, after all isn’t this the best part, being able to taste each of the wines? The line up for the first session included a impressive array of different wines, each in their own way peaking my interest. These wines, all listed below, are available at Esquin Wine & Spirits locally in Seattle. (https://madwine.com/ )

NV Maurice Bonnamy Cremant De Loire Brut Sparkling Wine
2016 Schlossgut Diel Dorsheim Riesling
2017 R. Dubois & Fils Bourgogne Rouge
2016 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino
2011 Diaz Bayo Ribera Del Duero Reserva
2015 Chappellet Mountain Cuvée

Before I delve into each of these wines, I have to share how impressed I was with the Instructor Tanya Morningstar Darling, and her enthusiasm for wine and educating others about wine. Tanya expressed things about tasting experiences that I have always felt when it comes to wine, like “What you smell is yours, there is no right or wrong about it”. This says so much because of the four people at my table, we rarely agreed on what we smelled or tasted when it came to tasting the same exact bottle of wine.

NV Maurice Bonnamy Cremant De Loire Brut Sparkling Wine

Starting a tasting flight off with a Sparkling Wine is always a treat, it helps ready the palate, and gives you something to sip between each of the remaining wines to reclaim your palate. The NV Maurice Bonnamy Cremant De Loire is a Non-Vintage Sparkling wine that drinks incredibly well for a $15 bottle. On the nose you get Apple and Quince with notes of mineral elements floating up with the bubbles. On the palate is was refreshing (especially for 9:30 in the morning), it was fairly dry and actually lacked much fruit flavor, what amazed me was the mineral flavors present in each sip that I previously smelled. I don’t know if I would rush out and buy a bottle of this Sparkling Wine but I also would not put my hand over my glass if someone were to offer me a pour.

2016 Schlossgut Diel Dorsheim Riesling

One of the first things that struck me was the vintage of this Riesling, a 2016? This added to my continual education that some white wines can age quiet well and this Riesling was an example of this fact. This 2016 Schlossgut Diel Dorsheim Riesling was lovely on the nose with a intoxicating smell of pear and apricot blended with a slight mineral edge. Some in the room said it smelled of petrol, but I could not detect this. A citrus flavor on the tongue, it felt rich but dry and a little salty but still pleasant to drink. A nice introduction to a German Riesling, at $32 a bottle I personally would like to try other Riesling from the same region before investing in bottles to cellar.

2017 R. Dubois & Fils Bourgogne Rouge

As much as I wanted to like this 2017 R. Dubois & Fils Bourgogne Rouge I enjoyed the aroma more than I did the flavor. With the smell of vanilla soaked blueberries and blackberries, smelling this wine made me think of berries that are almost overly ripe in the middle of August. The flavor was very dry and full of ripe fruit but it really lacked a depth that was needed to draw me in completely. For this wine I focused on learning more about the label to help me decode French wine labels. This Pinot Noir sells for $18 a bottle.

2016 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino

The 100% Sangiovese grapes used in this 2016 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino are selected from the youngest Brunello di Montalcino vineyards, also known as the vineyards in the coolest areas. The result is a bright velvety, well-balanced and medium-bodied wine that is crisp, dry and fruity. A plush ripeness is apparent in the aroma of sweet dark plums, spice and fresh cut wood. I wanted to fall for this wine given my previous experience with Sangiovese. Though it had a firm expression, silky tannins, and a flavorful finish, it wasn’t a wine I would be excited to drink. I felt it may have been better when it was first bottled, or would have been better if it was given more time to open up in a decanter or aerator. The wines in this six bottle flight were opened before the session started but not given much time to sit before being poured.

2011 Diaz Bayo Ribera Del Duero Reserva

This 2011 Diaz Bayo Ribera Del Duero Reserva presented a powerful 100% Tempranillo punch and an equally strong alcohol level at 14%. I loved everything about this Spanish wine and so did the rest of my table. In full agreement it was our favorite of the first six wines of the morning.

With a beautifully aged complexity there was much to appreciate about this 2011 Vintage.

Components on the nose were like a raisin figgy pudding topped with a liquid chocolate sauce. This was a wine to swirl and sniff, and repeat; Heavenly. This ripe Ribera del Duero offered a fleshy sip that sang with an earthy black-fruit flavor, dried prunes and spicy notes that wrapped around your tongue prior to a thick long finish. Available for $19 a bottle this would be a wine that I would stock up on and cellar to enjoy now and over the next five years.

A New World Wine Finale 2015 Chappellet Mountain Cuvée

Wine Blend: 37% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc.

This wine our Instructor Tanya chose as an example of New World Wine with an Old World Label for Marketing purposes. With the Merlot taking a slight lead on this blend on the nose you get Classic pops of cherry, pepper and cocoa. This wine definitely had a story to tell and each grape variety aspired to not be over staged by the others. These Noble Five Red Bordeaux varietals were blended with care and like the end of a play, each grape stepped forward to take their bow before the curtain falls at the finish. I appreciated this wine’s silky balance and how it offered a sensibility toward comfort with its flavor. Strong smokey pepper notes followed an initial introduction of red currants and vanilla, dry yet seamless with layers of structured tannins. A really solid complex blend of Bordeaux varietals. Priced around $30 a bottle this California wine was a nice way to end the Session One tasting.

At the end of the first Session our Boot Camp group made our way to Pondera Winery for a tasting, lunch from Purple Cafe Woodinville, and a presentation by 58 Stars Travel detailing some upcoming Wine Wanderlust Travel Experiences.

As I stated before, I wish I could share all of the information about Decoding Foreign Wine Labels, but after all this was Tanya Morningstar Darling’s class. Tanya has a list of wine education opportunities and upcoming wine study trips on her website, I encourage you to visit https://www.cellarmuse.com/ to learn more.

I hope that you visit the websites of those who helped make this session and lunch a success:

Woodinville Wine Country https://woodinvillewinecountry.com/
Patterson Cellars https://www.pattersoncellars.com/#home
Pondera Winery https://www.ponderawinery.com/
Purple Cafe Woodinville https://www.purplecafe.com/purple-woodinville/
58 Star Travel https://www.58starstravel.com/

“Wine is not only for drinking, it is sniffing, observing, tasting, or sipping at….talking about.”
Edward VII

All Images © Drink In Nature Photography and Drink In Life Blog

A Visit to Ayres Vineyard & Winery

Posted on May 31, 2019 by drinkinlife

1 Comment

Ending Oregon Wine Month with a visit to one of my favorite wine producers-Ayres Vineyard & Winery.

Ayres Vineyard & Winery is located in the Ribbon Ridge Oregon’s Smallest AVA

The term “Boutique Winery” is a classification that’s often used in today’s wine industry. Some would say that the phrase is becoming too cliché, but for wine enthusiasts like myself I continually find I am drawn to these smaller wineries who work hard to give a localized and “artisanal” feel to their wines. A winery is often considered “Boutique” when their annual production is 1000 cases or less, although no one is likely to demand reclassification if the production exceeds that amount by a few hundred or so. Aside from the “Case Classification” a Boutique Winery is also set apart by having a sense of Family, Community, and personal touch when it comes to the winemaking process. When visiting the Willamette Valley, specifically the Newberg area, a visit to Ayres Vineyard & Winery will deliver a sense of Family, Terrior, and a top notch boutique winery experience.

The idea for Ayres Vineyard & Winery began with a single comment heard on a trip in 1997 by a winemaker in France, he simply stated “I make the wines I like to drink”. Owners Brad and Kathleen McLeroy took those words to heart and began to formulate a plan of their own.

A pilgrimage to Oregon begins the journey.

Eighteen years ago Brad and Kathleen along with Kathleen’s parents made the move to Oregon, to begin anew and to start looking for the ideal property to make their winemaking dreams unfold. After arriving in Oregon Brad began working at Domaine Drouhin as a cellar hand, and then worked his way up to Chef de Cave; which is the French term for cellarmaster. During this time in 2000 the McLearys and Kathleen’s parents the McClures, had the opportunity to purchase a 38 acre property near Newberg, Oregon. This location would be the beginning of a homestead for the families, and the start of Ayres Vineyard & Winery.

In 2001 the first vines at Ayres were planted, Pinot Noir clone 667.

After an initial planting of Pinot Noir clone 667 more Pinot Noir clones, 777 and 115 joined the vineyard in 2002 along with some experimental plots that included Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot d’ Auxerrois. Soon to follow, Pommard and Pinot Noir clones 113 were planted to help round out Ayres Vineyards. During my tasting with Winemaker Brad, he told me that they do not use the little known grape. Pinot d’ Auxerrois as these couple dozen vines have actually turned into dessert for his kids who eat the grapes right from the vine during harvest time.

The first harvest at Ayres Vineyard was in 2003, and this also marked the first commercial vintage of Ayres Wine. Three years later, in 2006, Brad made the decision to leave his position at Domaine Drouhin and become the full-time winemaker at Ayres. Now 16 years since the first vintage, Ayres Vineyard & Winery has continued to produce wines that catch the attention of consumers and gained accolades from the critics. After being introduced to Ayres wines last year I too became a fan of this family oriented and sustainable Oregon Winery. I was excited for the opportunity to sit down with Brad and do a tasting of some of his newest releases.

Photo from 2018 of what would become one of my favorite Oregon wines.

Ayres 2018 Pinot Blanc

Are you familiar with the Burgundian Pinot Blanc grape? How about the beauties that are being grown in Oregon? The Pinot Blanc grape is a tough one to always identify correctly in a blind tasting. This versatile grape has the cheeky characteristics of a well produced Chenin Blanc, but also the sleek style of a Chardonnay. There is so much to like about this grape and the wine from Ayres which is made with 100% Pinot Blanc and finished in stainless steel. On the nose you get a beautiful fresh aroma of apples and almonds, like a Charcuterie platter waiting to be enjoyed. A surprising slightly buttery flavor makes you sit up and take notice of this delicious wine, as it introduces flavors that are earthy like a mushroom yet sweet like a marshmallow. At the same time, this wine is crisp and light making it a perfect warm weather wine to sip at the end of the day. Pairing this Pinot Blanc with any white fish or seafood would bring out the layers of flavor already present in the wine.

This is Pinot Blanc is a white wine that I would purchase by the case to enjoy all Summer and into the Fall.

When you see the words Ribbon Ridge on the label you know that you are in for something special. (Photo from 2018)

Ayres 2018 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

Made from the Pommard Pinot Noir grape, this vintage was picked earlier resulting in lower sugar and a welcoming acidity. Buoyant and bright, this Rosé of Pinot Noir showcases the best of a Rosé with notes of morning dew rose petals and ripe Spring strawberries on the nose. The same crisp flavors can be found on the palate, with the addition of a pleasant smoke and spice combination that is light as air. If you are looking for a unique Rosé to help you pass those summer days, then look no further than this Estate wine from Ayres.

“Perspective is the way we see things when we look at them from a certain distance and it allows us to appreciate their value.” – Rafael E. Pino

2017 Perspective Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir embraces
all of Ayres’ estate producing clones: 667, 777, 115, 113,
and Pommard, along with fruit from neighboring Lichtenwalter and Armstrong Vineyards. A unique Pinot Noir that in a sip is a snapshot of the Ribbon Ridge AVA.

One of the most versatile Pinot Noirs I tasted while in the Willamette Valley, this 2017 Perspective from Ayres could literally be a wine that pairs well with anything. In those instances where you know you should open a white for your meal but your taste is leaning more toward a red, this is the bottle to open. A beautiful shimmering Ruby color welcomes you as you smell the aromas of bright cherries and marshmallows toasting over a campfire. Brad calls this his “Hand of the field instead of hand of the cooper” wine, and that is so true with the notes of earth and sea salt on the tongue that swirl around in an ocean of cherry and boysenberry flavors. A warmer Pinot Noir with notes of spice but light on the palate with a soft acidic finish. As I sipped this beautiful Pinot, I instantly began to visualize the dishes that I would pair it with and the number of them surprised me. I love when a wine leads you to new discoveries about yourself and how a wine can transform the status quo of food pairings.

Perspective is in the taste of the wine drinker.

2017 Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir

Ayres 2017 Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir

The gang is all here in this Estate Pinot Noir, with each estate clone being represented; 667, 777, 115, 113, and Pommard. Brad says that this is about as even of a blend as you can get from the five clones. On both nose and palate you discover hints of blueberry, vanilla infused with baking spices, wood, and the sweet note of tobacco. A wonderful well balanced Pinot that can be paired with a smoky BBQ dinner or sipped alone by the campfire on a summer evening.

At Ayres Vineyard & Winery the Pioneer Spirit is Alive and Well.

2017 Pioneer Pinot Noir

Winemaker Brad says this Pinot Noir is made “in honor of the journey of the pioneer” and once you have tasted it’s bold and beautiful flavor you will want to join the ‘wagon trail’ and head to Oregon. A Single clone 667, Pinot Noir that is the darkest made by Ayres. Produced from small berries that have a longer skin to juice ratio, this is a masculine Pinot that could stand against any Cabernet Sauvignon with a steak. Deep and full of the aroma and taste of dark blackberry fruit, earth and clove. A second smell introduces vines swaying in the breeze on a warm summer day and the next sip releases another layer of flavors alive with elements of each vine and smoky charcoal. This wine is simply intoxicating in all the right ways.

Any wine can catch your eye, but it takes a special wine to catch your heart.
This is the One!

2017 One Pinot Noir

To better represent the complexity of this Pinot Noir I am taking the Notes right from Ayres’ Website. “This wine represents the single best fermenter of the 2017 vintage. It is 65% clone 777, 25% clone 667, and 20% clone 115. The fermentation was 30% whole cluster, and this Pinot Noir is the only Ayres wine to have whole cluster influence.” Did you get all of that? Only 100 cases of this 2017 One Pinot Noir was produced and at $79 a bottle it is a much higher price point than the other wines in the flight. That being said this wine will catch your heart with its beautiful jewel tone color and wonderful blueberry aromas and flavors. Smooth and balanced with a fantastic Herbs de Provence, vanilla and tobacco finish on the palate. This wine is a true example of a top shelf Oregon Pinot Noir, made with patience and a true appreciation of the Terrior found on Ribbon Ridge. I cannot recommend trying this Pinot Noir more than to say I would gift it at Christmas to those I appreciate most. Stellar is a perfect word to describe this wine.

A Visit to Ayres Vineyard & Winery

I would encourage you to visit the cellar at Ayres for an intimate tasting with winemaker, Brad McLeroy. Ayres is open by appointment only, and tastings are scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tastings are $20 per person, which can be applied to the purchase of wine (one tasting per bottle). You can visit their website https://ayresvineyard.com/visit to book a tasting or call 503.538.7450. Ayres Vineyard & Winery is located at 17971 NE Lewis Rogers Lane, Newberg, OR 97132.

The McLeroy Family

(Photo supplied by Kathleen McLeroy.)

Supporting Boutique Wineries is a passion of mine. With so many challenges facing small wineries, from limited production, to distribution and the struggles with marketing, it is clear that boutique wineries succeed with a strong customer base and word of mouth. So, this is my shout out to Ayres and their exceptional wines. Ayres has an excellent Case Club Membership and their wines are available to order by contacting them on their website at https://ayresvineyard.com/contact .