Party for Eight -- or some such

[Woodman]

Attended a tasting the other night at the Heathman Hotel here in Portland, appropriately titled "A Party for Eight" or something like that. Some impressions:

WillaKenzie Estate
'97 Pinot Gris -- just plain tasty
'97 Pinot Noir Aliette -- great nose, great flavors, round and full, with no finish

Brick House
'97 Pinot Noir Cuvee de Tonnelliere -- I don't get it, but it showed better than previous tastings. I thought it was corked, but Doug Tunnell (the owner/winemaker) assured me the nose was typical. Musty, but Doug's a nice man.

Archery Summit
'98 Vireton White Wine -- Honestly, this could be the best white wine made in Oregon. Pinot gris, pinot blanc and chardonnay, some of the chardonnay cuttings smuggled into the states (if rumor is correct) from the Cote d'Or.
'97 Arcus Estate Pinot Noir -- Do you like new oak? Cinnamon and clove dominate with black fruits. Too much money, but Gary Andrus is seriously nuts. What a character.

Chehalem
Harry's such a nice guy, but the wines are too soft and almost flabby. The Rion Reserve is tasty, but it has very little future.

Cristom
'96 Reserve Pinot Noir -- a very, very nice wine with a future. Black-fruit driven.

Ken Wright Cellars
'97 Willamette Valley Chardonnay Dijon Clones -- restraint in the oak regimen makes this wine pretty tasty, if a little lean.

Ubelieveably, Ken has SOLD OUT of his '98 pinots already. Barrel samples follow:
'98 Wahle -- Deep, dark and brooding.
'98 Nysa -- second best nose of the night. Bright, with lots of asian spice.

Beaux Freres
I still don't understand what the hype is about.

Bethel Heights
'93 Southeast Block Reserve -- This wine positively stinks in the best possible way. Incredible barnyardy aromas. Drink 'em now, because I can't see it getting any better, but it's real good at the moment.