S. Oregon viticulture

[cpurvis]

Cole, no reason to give up...like I said, 5-10 years. Couldn't agree more re: undeveloped microclimates.

Abacela is the most intersting (borderline S. Oregon) pioneer now, but the wines are still overpriced.

Haven't seen Academy wines for "less than $15"...will keep lookin'. BTW, he is able to do pinot in the Applegate Valley b/c he's on the west side & his land faces/slopes east.

Foris' Flyover Red was named as an allusion to this bein' "flyover country" betw. the recognized wine areas of Napa/Sonoma & the Willamette. Will be interesting to watch the direction taken by Foris now that he has a winemaker w/ 20 yrs. Calif. experience. I like the gewwurztraminer.

Try some Ashland Vineyards wines...should be readily avail. for you. Decent, reasonably priced everyday reds.

** The most interesting development in S. Oregon is just now tryin' to get off the ground. An historic mansion / pear orchard being converted to a "wine education center". 14 varietals already planted in a 2 acre demonstration area, tasting room opening this month, "specialty crushing facility" planned so that locals don't have to ship grapes to the Willamette anymore, etc. If all goes well, this could become the cornerstone of S. Oregon viticulture.

cp