Denise Archer 5 connections

Yamhill Valley Vineyards, 'Reserve', Pinot Noir, 2005

A couple years ago when the 2005 Oregon Pinots were being released, I have to say I was disappointed. I'd sip and it was as if someone poured orange juice into my glass of wine. Citrus. Acid. Not pleasant. So, of the ones I had bought, into the cryogenic chamber they went.

That was then, and this... more »

J Christopher, Willamette Valley, 'Floyd's Cuvee', Pinot Noir, 2007

I often troll the stores for Pinots I haven't tried, or perhaps vintages that I haven't sampled. One here, one there. And more often than not, I open a bottle months, sometimes years later, and find a gem here and there. "Darn!" I think, "why didn't I pick up a case of... more »

Cheap (and good) Oregon Pinot Noir

The only good thing I can say about the recession is the effect it's had on the price of Oregon Pinot Noir lately. It's true that growers and vintners need to be compensated and encouraged to do what they do (and to do is so well).

But still, I love Oregon Pinot and it's pretty easy to go... more »

McKinlay, Pinot Noir, 2007

My goodness, this is a bonafide eighth wonder of the world: cheap and good Oregon Pinot. This was only 14.99 (or $13.50 if you buy 6) at Freddie's. So this is seriously a steal -- just to get that out of the way. However, if you are a big, jammy Oregon Pinot fan, this one may disappoint. It's... more »

Spinnaker, Pinot Noir, 2007

I picked up this gem of a wine at a gem of a store, Ross Island Grocery:



If you've never been you're missing something unique; Ross Island Grocery is a great little destination for those trapped between Barbur and I-5 in Lair Hill (that's just south of downtown Portland). There, you can pick up... more »

How to open a bottle of wine with out an opener!

Perhaps you've already seen this; it's posted all over. But this is too good not to share if you haven't: more »