S. Oregon viticulture

[Cole]

There's actually more Pinot grown in So OR than people realize. A lot gets bought by Willamette wineries and goes into their "Oregon" blends. There's also more potential for high quality Pinot than most people realize . . . depending on the microclimate. Unfortunately, a lot of So. OR growers aren't yet willing to do the kind of cropping and tending required to produce top-notch Pinot, though this is slowly changing. Despite their high prices, the Griffin Creek label's success is to a large part due to their careful viticulture (and good winemaking from Joe Dobbes) . . . I'd sure like to see other growers follow their viticultural example!

The Academy wines are released with suggested retail prices that range from $12 for his Chardonnay to $23 for his Emeritus blend. The '98 Cabernet is priced at $16, and his Pinot noir is priced at $14. of course, that's SUGGESTED retail prices . . . who knows what the retailer ends up charging (so buy it from Barney!).

Another locally available wine is Wooldridge Creek, with some nice Syrah and Viognier. Valley View has a REALLY nice "Ice wine" coming out this fall, but I'll bet they price it on the fullsome side. They also have a pretty nice blend (go for their higher end Anna Maria line), but overall they can be quite variable. I agree that Ashland Vineyards has some nicer wines as well, but overall I've not been too impressed. Weisinger's is on the upswing with Eric taking over the winemaking. I actually like their Petite Pompadour blend rather well, they have a nice reserve Cab, and their unusual Mescolare Cab/Pinot blend can go down nicely. Finally, a new winery, Paschal, holds some promise. I've done some barrel tasting with the winemaker and saw very nice Syrah and Cabernet . . . even Malbec!

And, oh boy are you right about the Voorheis Mansion! They're doing a great job of renovation, they have big plans, and it is already looking great. It will be Griffin Creek/Quail Run's tasting room at first, which means at least the visitors will get some good (though admittedly pricey) wines to taste! Very soon it should be a high spot for all those Californians coming up for Ashland and the Rogue River.

Exciting things beginning to happen in Southern Oregon (including a pretty big land purchase by the former winemaker at Flowers in CA), and it is really great to see!!