{"title":"Wednesday, October 21st @ 7pm | Oregon Finds","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"holocene-apocrypha-pinot-noir-willamette-valley-oregon-2022","title":"Holocene, Apocrypha Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolocene is a brand that was created by wine masterminds Todd and Carrie Alexander in 2015. It is a small, family-owned brand with two generations of dedicated staff running the operations. Holocene’s wines are crafted using organic practices and the unique soil types that are in Willamette Valley. Their mission is to craft wines that are delicious, fresh, age-worthy, and are true reflections of the location and vintage. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e2022 Apocrypha\u003cspan\u003e Pinot Noir comes from rocky volcanic soils in the Chehalem Mountains AVA and is comprised of a blend of clones that include old Chalone, 113, 777 and 115. It’s the darkest and most brooding of the whole lineup but it is still light on its feet. The color is deep ruby with soaring, brambly aromatics that flirt with northern Rhône character and might make you think of Syrah for a moment, if not for the presence of red fruit, incense, mushroom and fresh cut flowers that scream Pinot. 63% whole cluster, the tannins give it a solid framework and will help give it a long life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApocrypha features aromas and flavors of tart blackberries and boysenberries, along with bursts of orange zest, black tea and chai spices. The texture is silky and satisfying, with sinewy fine-grained tannins. Every sip provides righteous chills of acidity, like listening to a Pharoah Sanders sax riff on \"Got to Have Freedom.\" Enjoy now until 2039.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50711187783985,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Apocrypha_Pinot_Noir_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2022_f8fd324f-b7f6-40b6-808b-b31f54203dda.jpg?v=1773082808"},{"product_id":"holocene-pyxis-chardonnay-willamette-valley-oregon-2024","title":"Holocene, Pyxis, Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2024 Pyxis Chardonnay is an elemental and unadorned expression of site and variety. Fermented with native yeast and aged for nine months in terracotta and sandstone amphora, it saw no oak, no SO₂ additions at crush or post-malo, and was left untopped for six months to encourage a veil of flor yeast. The result is a wine of quiet intensity—textural, saline, and slightly oxidative—with layers of orchard fruit, crushed stone, and savory complexity. Just 96 cases produced.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep, concentrated and heady, the 2024 ‘Pyxis’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and then stored in neutral French oak before bottling. Rich melon fruits mingle well with sweet peaches, wet stone and shades of lemon rind on the palate. Deep and rich with serious texture and underlying tension, showing salty nuances, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2037\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772892873009,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Pyxis_Chardonnay_Eola-Amity_Hills_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2024.jpg?v=1756213489"},{"product_id":"holocene-aureolin-chardonnay-willamette-valley-oregon-2024","title":"Holocene, Aureolin, Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Brand\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBy now, everyone knows that the Willamette Valley is an amazing place to grow Pinot Noir. When I relocated from Napa Valley to partner up with Force Majeure Vineyards, I knew I also wanted to start a project where I could focus attention on a varietal and growing region that I loved. Part of the excitement of being in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to have access to so many amazing vineyards and so much diversity, along with the opportunity to push boundaries and try new things – something that is becoming increasingly difficult in other growing regions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe partner up with a few very small, diverse and amazing vineyards in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from these dry-farmed sites that emphasize low yields, sustainable practices and produce outstanding fruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wines are crafted in the same way I have been making wine since I was carrying it out at Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley — utilizing very low-impact, non-industrial techniques, native yeasts, little extraction and little new oak, and never filtering or fining. This allows a real sense of place to show through in the wines that is often dimmed when too much manipulation is undertaken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2024 Aureolin Chardonnay is a layered and focused wine that balances structure with precision. Fermented with native yeast and aged for nine months in a mix of stainless steel, neutral oak, and 50% new oak—including traditional feuillettes—it offers a dynamic interplay of texture and freshness. No SO₂ was added at crush, allowing the wine to fully express its site and vintage. Citrus oils, white florals, and subtle spice unfold over a taut mineral core. 164 cases produced.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA world-class wine, the 2024 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Made in a reductive style, this was stored for 9 months in 50% new oak, stainless and neutral oak, including feuillettes. Freshly cut limes and salted nectarine skin fill the palate alongside suggestions of baking spice-laced pastry crust and crushed seashells on the palate. Very salty and savory, with a seamless texture, this glides throughout the drinking experience. A total beauty, enjoy now and over the next ten-plus years. Drink 2025-2037\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772933046577,"sku":null,"price":77.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Aureolin_Chardonnay_Eola-Amity_Hills_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2024.jpg?v=1756213535"},{"product_id":"holocene-memorialis-pinot-noir-yamhill-carlton-oregon-2023","title":"Holocene, Memorialis, Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3X25Q-8OlU?si=DIMwiNaUJmTOyClz\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago, bringing a warm, stable climate after the last Ice Age. The stability allowed humans to start farming – and eventually, grow grapes and make wine. Our Mission is to craft terroir-driven wines that are delicious, fresh, complete, textural, age-worthy, and true reflections of place and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe value the connections that wine has provided us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are a small, family-owned wine brand with two generations at the helm. We source from dry-farmed vineyards using organic practices, and where sites possess a unique terroir. And while Holocene is focused on the varied soil types of the Willamette Valley, we also make wine in a few regions in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis is the original wine for Holocene – the Memorialis bottling, which began in 2015 and has become our largest production wine at a whopping 360 cases.  The fruit for this wine comes from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. As it has been for quite some time, it is 100% whole cluster fermented. This vineyard is now farmed completely organically as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard faces west, and we pull from a good number of blocks in this vineyard, which is about 18 acres – not very big. It is in a sweet spot in Yamhill-Carlton and gets the beautiful afternoon sunshine and breezes from the west. It was planted in the mid 1990s, the soils are marine sedimentary and produce generous, complex fruit that we endeavor to transmit to the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Bing cherry aroma slinks its way up from the glass, followed by spicy whispers of cardamom and cinnamon. Straw and chalkboard dust scents seal the deal. After a tannic black tea note materializes on the palate, the wine’s cranberry and raspberry flavors punch the tart button. You can feel the tannins, but they aren’t grippy. The acidity, however, lets you know it is ready for juicy business. Memorialis is quietly becoming one of Oregon’s best Pinot Noirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Owen Bargreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInitially first made in 2015, the 2023 ‘Memorialis’ is a 360 case production wine from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. It is 100% whole-cluster fermented and stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This is concentrated, gorgeous stuff, loaded with crunchy red fruits that parade with menthol, white pepper, exotic spices and shades of blood orange zest. Full-bodied and beautifully-textured, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Give this 30 plus minutes in the decanter if enjoying in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2040\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holocene","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51772972368177,"sku":null,"price":78.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Holocene_Memorialis_Pinot_Noir_Yamhill-Carlton_Oregon_2023.jpg?v=1756214201"},{"product_id":"benza-symphony-pinot-noir-willamette-valley-oregon-usa-2022","title":"Benza, Symphony Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSomewhere around 2004 living in the Bay Area, Ron got the bug to own a vineyard…Given his marketing background the natural entry point into the wine business would have been much further downstream than actually growing grapes. Maybe it was his Italian heritage—\u003cem\u003e“it’s in my blood…I’m sure I had ancestors that tended the vines in the old country”\u003c\/em\u003e. Or perhaps his insistence on being completely vertically integrated from the growing process all the way through production and marketing. He wanted to make and sell wine from his own vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was supposed to be in Sonoma. Then it was supposed to be in the Livermore Valley. It didn’t turn out to be either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrish, meanwhile, started to be more and more interested in the dream herself. Not the farming part…that was Ron’s thing…but the chemistry behind the making of great wine. And eventually the marketing of it in her own tasting room. That said, the pickings were slim in little Livermore to bring the dream to life. Sonoma was now too far with Trish’s job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen like a bolt from the blue, Intel swept in and made Trish an offer she couldn’t refuse. The offer meant leaving the lifetime security of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she ran the Computation Directorate of 1000 mathematicians and computer scientists to contemplate a move to Hillsboro, Oregon. Ron and Trish realized this could be the fulfillment of a dream…the storied Willamette Valley. In their view, the best Pinot Noir in the US. The opportunity was there for the taking. And they did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRon was frequently reminded by Trish who said throughout the process that \u003cem\u003e“see…if you keep the dream in sight…keep it alive…eventually it will happen.” \u003c\/em\u003eDarned if Trish wasn’t right (again that is).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePaden West\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWillamette Valley, Oregon, USA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe 2022 Symphony Pinot Noir once again comprises fruit sourced from three prized vineyards in three nested AVA’s of the WV: Yamhill Carlton, McMinnville and the Laurelwood District. The latter being fruit from the Benza Estate itself.  Like adding instruments for a richer orchestra sound, this wine brings together a symphony of flavors deserving of its name. Aged 16 months in 20% New French Oak to ensure approachability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e“Vibrant and well structured, with red berries, dried blood orange, ground cloves and a hint of cedar. The palate is juicy and vibrant, with a supple texture that expands beautifully. The finish is long and fleshy with lots of depth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ast-distributed-content  woocommerce-Tabs-panel woocommerce-Tabs-panel--description panel entry-content wc-tab\" id=\"tab-description\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-title-description\" style=\"display: none;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ast-distributed-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoche-Dury’s Meursaults are among the most coveted white wines in the world. They are known for their precision, distinctly reductive style and combination of power and refinement. Of course with the recognisable aromas of flint, smoke and light sulphur notes. The use of oak is, as always, refined and never dominant. Coche-Dury harvests early in the season and always by hand. Yields are low, the wines mature for at least 18 months in oak barrels. A winery that excels not only in craftsmanship, but also in mystique. Wines with enormous ageing potential. An absolute ico\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54463918997809,"sku":null,"price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Benza_SymphonyPinotNoir_WillametteValley_Oregon_USA2022.jpg?v=1780934791"},{"product_id":"benza-touch-of-gold-chardonnay-willamette-valley-oregon-usa-2022","title":"Benza, Touch of Gold Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSomewhere around 2004 living in the Bay Area, Ron got the bug to own a vineyard…Given his marketing background the natural entry point into the wine business would have been much further downstream than actually growing grapes. Maybe it was his Italian heritage—\u003cem\u003e“it’s in my blood…I’m sure I had ancestors that tended the vines in the old country”\u003c\/em\u003e. Or perhaps his insistence on being completely vertically integrated from the growing process all the way through production and marketing. He wanted to make and sell wine from his own vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was supposed to be in Sonoma. Then it was supposed to be in the Livermore Valley. It didn’t turn out to be either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrish, meanwhile, started to be more and more interested in the dream herself. Not the farming part…that was Ron’s thing…but the chemistry behind the making of great wine. And eventually the marketing of it in her own tasting room. That said, the pickings were slim in little Livermore to bring the dream to life. Sonoma was now too far with Trish’s job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen like a bolt from the blue, Intel swept in and made Trish an offer she couldn’t refuse. The offer meant leaving the lifetime security of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she ran the Computation Directorate of 1000 mathematicians and computer scientists to contemplate a move to Hillsboro, Oregon. Ron and Trish realized this could be the fulfillment of a dream…the storied Willamette Valley. In their view, the best Pinot Noir in the US. The opportunity was there for the taking. And they did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRon was frequently reminded by Trish who said throughout the process that \u003cem\u003e“see…if you keep the dream in sight…keep it alive…eventually it will happen.” \u003c\/em\u003eDarned if Trish wasn’t right (again that is).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePaden West\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eChardonnay\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWillamette Valley, Oregon, USA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe really good 2022 Benza ‘Touch of Gold’ Chardonnay was stored in 33% new French oak before bottling. Right away this has knockout aromatics of hay, gunpowder, golden delicious\u003cbr\u003eapple, peaches and nutty undertones, with buttered French bread. The palate is deep and concentrated with a refined texture and gorgeous sense of length. Delicious now, enjoy over the next ten years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTouch of Gold is yet another stellar Chardonnay from Oregon's Willamette Valley. The first aromatic wave from the glass is a floral sensation that mixes jasmine and daffodils. Then, the tropics beckon with aromas of pineapple and lemon. There's brisk acidity here, with a crisp mouthfeel and flavors like preserved lemons, saline and thyme. If you have ever had a slice of beach pie, Touch of Gold's citrus and salt flavor combination will be familiar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA lively aroma of buttered popcorn and equally buttery flavors give an extreme personality to this medium-bodied wine. Aromas of toasted oak and melted butter give way to tangy, lemon-butter flavors on a sweet-sour texture.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e...bouquet of dried black cherries, balsamic spices and a hint of dark chocolate. Silky smooth, it offers masses of ripe red berry fruits while a tinge of cedar adds bitter tension toward the close. Fine-grained tannins resonate over a core of tart blackberry...admirable length and a slightly chewy finish.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ast-distributed-content  woocommerce-Tabs-panel woocommerce-Tabs-panel--description panel entry-content wc-tab\" id=\"tab-description\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab-title-description\" style=\"display: none;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ast-distributed-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoche-Dury’s Meursaults are among the most coveted white wines in the world. They are known for their precision, distinctly reductive style and combination of power and refinement. Of course with the recognisable aromas of flint, smoke and light sulphur notes. The use of oak is, as always, refined and never dominant. Coche-Dury harvests early in the season and always by hand. Yields are low, the wines mature for at least 18 months in oak barrels. A winery that excels not only in craftsmanship, but also in mystique. Wines with enormous ageing potential. An absolute ico\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54463953699121,"sku":null,"price":37.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Benza_TouchofGoldChardonnay_WillametteValley_Oregon_USA2022.jpg?v=1781322815"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/wednesday-october-21st-7pm-oregon-finds.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}