The long sleep of Winter is coming to an end. We sacrificed our one hour to the hands of time and now we sit down to eat dinner with the skies still bright and filled with birds. In the cellar the wines are maturing. The new Pinot is ticking through malolactic fermentation - rounding out its rough edges and developing into full-bodied wine. The Riesling is dropping its cloudiness and waiting to be divided into blends - some for the kegs, some for the the Willamette Valley blend and a bit for the Fancy Pants. And, of course, there are the barrels of 2010 Pinot - racked and ready for the bottle.
The current releases are dwindling in the warehouse. The 2010 Riesling is still available on a few shelves and lists. The last bottles are being poured by the glass at The Heathman, The Ringside Fish House and Jade Cafe in Sellwood. The 2009 Pinot is on by the glass at Wildwood restaurant and remains on the at a few other restaurants and groceries in Portland and Seattle. I am excited to be shipping some cases up to Calgary for the first time for inclusion on the opening list at Jackie and Kirk's new restaurant "Avec."
Fancy Pants Pinot and Riesling are in slow release (and extremely limited in quantity). Look for a newsletter soon with more ordering info on these wines. And lastly, Behemoth, the beast, is available by the glass at Metrovino and Park Kitchen in Portland and most of the close-in New Seasons, Whole Foods and Fred Meyer stores.
The summer is starting to fill up with vinous and gastronomical events. I will be pouring for five courses at Plate & Pitchfork with Gruner and St. Jack in July. Sadly (for you), the night sold out in 24 hours. Save May 6th, Noble Rot's 10-year Anniversary, as that is going to be a great party. Stay tuned as other chances to hang out and drink with me are announced.
Lastly, links to some recent mentions in local and national pubs.
Good Stuff NW (wherein your winemaker butchers a half of a pig)
Travel and Leisure (wherein Kir Wine Bar is picked as one of the nation's top)
WineJulia (who really likes Fancy Pants Riesling paired with spicy Thai food)