Armstrong Family Winery 2016 Merlot (Sip of the Week)

Posted on June 5, 2019June 4, 2019 by caitlin

If you followed my blog during my trip to Walla Walla, Washington last fall, you may remember my lunchtime visit to Armstrong Family Winery for a tasting with owner and winemaker Tim Armstrong. (Click here to read all about my visit to the Walla Walla tasting room!) The Armstrong label has stood out to me as a “Washington wine-must” ever since.

Tim Armstrong, owner and winemaker for Armstrong Family Winery. I snapped this photo during my visit to the Walla Walla tasting room.

So, when our recent trip to the PNW took us to Woodinville, Washington for an afternoon last month, I knew there was one tasting room that we absolutely needed to stop at: Armstrong Family Winery! That’s right, in addition to their Walla Walla location, Armstrong also has a presence in the urban winery setting that is Woodinville.

The Armstrong Family Winery tasting room in Woodinville, Washington. — The outside of the Woodinville tasting room. Not your typical winery setting, that’s for sure!

Urban wineries, you ask?

Don’t expect to see rolling vineyard hills and glamorous views in Woodinville wine country. Expect, instead, to “wine hop” from door-to-door in a strip mall or industrial park. You’ll find over 100 wineries sandwiched into this small urban setting. There’s plenty of breweries and distilleries, too!

We popped into Armstrong unannounced, but were excited to find that they were in the middle of their 2016 Merlot release weekend. Not only that, but Tim and his wife Jen happened to also be in Woodinville for the weekend! We spent our afternoon sipping the wine lineup with Lisa (the fabulous and friendly Woodinville tasting room host), chatting with Tim and Jen, and enjoying a bottle of the 2016 Merlot.

Jen Armstrong behind the bar with a young couple tasting wine. — Jen Armstrong pouring wines for a couple in the Woodinville tasting room.

A glass of Merlot with bottles in the background. — A splash of the Armstrong Merlot in my glass…as you can see it has a beautiful color! The taste is exquisite as well.

The 2016 Merlot is a fantastic bottle of wine.

It is hearty and complex, balanced, can hold up to food, or can be enjoyed on its own (I opted for the latter during this visit). The Armstrong Family Winery Merlot is a “big” wine, perfect for a Cab- or Syrah-lover looking to branch out to other wines. And for the Merlot-doubters of the world, this bottle is a perfect show of what the Merlot varietal can be with the proper balance of skill, artistry, and finesse in the winemaking process.

Glass of wine with bottles and Armstrong Family Winery label in the background. — The full tasting flight for the afternoon is pictured here. It featured the North Avenue Riesling, Four Birds Red Blend, the Scotsman Syrah, the Merlot (of course), and the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. We were also fortunate to try a splash of the Bogie’s Blend, named affectionately after the Armstrong family’s Beagle-Basset pup. My previous blog post about Armstrong Family Winery talks about more of the unique stories behind the names of their wines…check it out here!

For the Armstrong Family, this bottle brings their wine journey full-circle.

It was a bottle of Washington Merlot that first inspired Tim and Jen to take the leap to winemaking and uproot from Chicago to Eastern Washington. For Tim and Jen, producing this single-varietal bottle pays homage to their journey through the world of wine. In my opinion, it confirms that they made the right choice by taking the leap to Washington wine…this 2016 Merlot is a standout in their lineup!

Five bottles of Armstrong Family Winery wines. — Five beautiful bottles of wine. Each are completely unique, yet tell a clear story of the Armstrong family’s approach to winemaking.

The wine from Armstrong Family Winery speaks for itself in terms of quality. The kind, down-to-earth, and hospitable nature of the Armstrong Family further conveys the passion and dedication that goes into creating these high-caliber bottles and blends.

If you’re anything like me and enjoy supporting family-owned and operated businesses, consider ordering some Armstrong Family Wine for yourself. They ship to most US states in case you’re not located in Washington. And if you’re having trouble choosing a bottle (or two, or three, or four), you can check out my previous post with details on several of their wines. Just know that you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose!

Caitlin and her family enjoying a bottle of the Armstrong Merlot. — We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Armstrong Family Winery’s Woodinville tasting room, and the Merlot was the standout wine of the day for all of us.

Thanks, Armstrong Family, for another wonderful experience enjoying your wines. I can’t wait to visit again!

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Willamette Valley Cool Climate Pinot Noir (Sip of the Week)

Posted on May 15, 2019May 15, 2019 by caitlin

If Oregon wine country is not already on your map, it should be.

I just returned from my first trip to Willamette Valley, Oregon, where I spent my days sipping Pinot Noir and spent my evenings drinking more Pinot Noir with awesome food. Safe to say reality has been a hard hit after my dreamy vineyard escape.

Caitlin sitting on a tree swing overlooking vineyards. — Did I mention how dreamy this little vacay was? This was the property we stayed at, Youngberg Hill Vineyards. It was stunningly beautiful and they make great wine, too!

Known for cool climate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley boasts hundreds (maybe even thousands) of Pinot Noir labels.

All Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs are crafted from grapes in this one region that stretches from Eugene to Portland. Each bottle labeled as a Pinot Noir is required to contain at least 95% Pinot Noir grapes. This means you are truly tasting differences in the vineyard terroir when you try different bottles of Pinot side-by-side.

Three glasses of Le Cadeau Pinot Noir — We did a “Horizontal Tasting” of sorts at Le Cadeau Vineyard in Willamette Valley, meaning we tasted several wines created from different plots of the vineyard. The benefit of doing tastings like this is that you get to really appreciate the distinctive qualities of wines grown only a few meters apart.

Don’t know what “terroir” is?

It’s basically a fancy word that describes the environment where a wine is produced. It refers to climate, soil type, topography, and sometimes even specific wine-growing techniques. All of these factors influence the quality of the grape produced in the wine. In tandem, terroir impacts the flavor of the bottled wine, too.

Cool climate wine regions refer to places, such as the Willamette Valley, that maintain relatively cool and consistent climates during the grape-growing season.

This season generally lasts from April through October, or whenever the grapes are fully ripened and ready to be harvested. Cool climate means no super-hot days and no extra cold nights. Vines are typically trained to grow high on a trellis to encourage grape ripening in the warm, but not too hot, sunshine. This differs from warmer climates, where vines are trained to form a canopy over the fruit to protect it from sunburn or over-ripening. Yes, grapes get sunburnt.

Rows of grapevines in a Willamette Valley vineyard. — See those big stakes and the wires that run between them? Fast forward a month or two and those new shoots will rise to the top of those wires to show off their fruit to the sunlight.

The Pinot Noir grape happens to grow incredibly well in cool climates.

This is largely due Pinot’s thin skin and susceptibility to damage with large fluctuations in temperature. Willamette Valley boasts Pinot Noirs that are typically light-bodied, tart, fruit-forward, and showcase subtle complexity of flavor. This isn’t your typical ‘pack a punch’ full-bodied red wine. This wine makes you stop, consider the balance of flavors in the wine, and savor every sip,

Reflection of a wine glass on a wood table. — Doesn’t this picture make you stop, consider the color of that beautiful wine, and how the heck the wood has suddenly turned into Pinot Noir red?! That color is au naturale, all thanks to my talented photographer hubby Tucker!

When touring the Willamette Valley, you will often hear it compared to France’s Burgundy wine region.

Both wine-growing regions benefit from similar climates and latitudes, which cater to the needs of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. In fact, as Willamette Valley was established as a wine-growing region, clones of plants were imported from Burgundy to form various vineyard plots in northern Oregon. That means the same exact plant grown in opposite sides of the world has the ability to present two completely different wines. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this deductive Old World (France) vs. New World (Oregon) Pinot Noir tasting by Madeline Puckette to see how different these two wine-growing regions can be!

Caitlin with winemaker Steve Lutz from Lenné Estate in Willamette Valley observing grapevines in the vineyard. — Wine growers are scientists in their own right. I got to learn about the science of the vines at Lenné Estate with owner and winemaker Steve Lutz. Stay tuned for a story about his vineyard and the amazing feats he has overcome to make his fantastic wines!

So, how should you know if a cool climate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is for you?

If you prefer your wines with a lighter body, or enjoy pairing wines with milder foods (such as fish, duck, or mushrooms), an Oregon Pinot Noir should be on your short list.

Two plates of roasted duck. — We had a fabulous dinner at Thistle restaurant in McMinnville during our time in Willamette Valley, and we couldn’t resist this duck served over morel mushrooms and creamy potatoes. Tucker paired his with a pale ale, and I paired mine with a delicious Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from White Rose Estate.

There’s an incredible amount of competition for shelf space, notoriety, and label recognition in the wine industry.

It’s no different in the Willamette Valley. Know that your grocery store selection of Oregon Pinots, especially if you’re outside of the Willamette Valley, will be limited. However, there’s hope! Most winemakers in the Willamette Valley prefer to conduct their business direct-to-consumer instead. Consider visiting the region for tastings in order to select your favorite wineries, or read into tasting notes to select bottles that you think you will like. You can also visit local wine shops that may have relationships with some Willamette Valley wineries and ask for advice (or tastings) on the wine.

Here were some of my favorite Pinot Noirs that I tasted when I visited:

Alloro Vineyards

2016 Riservata Pinot Noir

Smooth like velvet with rich, oaky flavors from aging in new oak barrels.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards

2016 Cuvee Pinot Noir

A “quaffing wine” (as described by the winemaker, Wayne Bailey), perfect for drinking alone or pairing with food.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards

2015 Natasha Pinot Noir

Full-bodied, big tannins, and bold enough to hold up to a steak! (Unusual for a Pinot!)

Lenné Estate

2015 Karen’s Pommard Pinot Noir

Smells like chocolate and showcases depth of flavor with each sip, becoming more interesting as you enjoy!

Bells Up Winery

2016 Titan Pinot Noir

Balanced with both spice and berry flavors, this wine showcases what some perfect Oregon weather can do for the vines.

Le Cadeau Vineyard

2015 Merci Reserve Pinot Noir

Very aromatic, dark in color, smooth, with notes of cherry pie and baking spice.

Any label from these vineyards is a safe bet for your next wine purchase. Each winery listed here sells direct to consumer, too. Check out their websites (linked above) for more information on their wines and shipping to your location.

What are your thoughts on cool climate Pinot Noirs? Do you love their subtle, light-bodied, and sometimes tannic flavor profiles? Do you prefer bolder reds instead? Let me know in the comments below!

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Photo of Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker surrounded by corks.

Cork Dork: An Insider’s Look at the Good, Bad, & Ugly of the Wine World

Posted on May 3, 2019 by caitlin

I recently had a day off of work, and as fate would have it our power was shut off that day, too. That meant no Netflix, internet (on my laptop), or any other techie ways to pass my time. I decided to finally open up a book that was given to me at Christmas called Cork Dork. I had been saving it for a time when I knew I could really dig in and enjoy it. This was that time!

I expected to find the book interesting, but I never expected to get sucked into it the way that I did. I read almost the entire thing within a day. It’s been years since I last did that with a book! Bianca Bosker, author of Cork Dork, takes her reader on a journey through her introduction into the world of wine. Her lighthearted writing style and philosophical approach to her journey is refreshing, inspiring, and exhilarating.

Here’s the general premise (no spoilers):

Bianca, a tech writer, finds out about the elusive world of wine by stumbling upon videos of Sommeliers blind tasting. Bianca’s knowledge of wine at this point is introductory at best…she mostly knows it as a means of getting drunk. How could it be that these savants on YouTube are taking a sip of red grape juice and identifying not only what grape it was made from, but also the exact location in the WORLD) that the grape was grown in, and sometimes the exact bottle and vintage of the wine? Bianca sets out on a personal quest to determine whether this Sommelier world is just a façade to a “bullshit-prone” industry (her term, not mine), or whether there is any trainable skill that can allow for this type of sensory detection.

Bianca gives herself one year to learn about wine and pass the Certified Sommelier Exam.

She throws herself at it full-force, documenting her experiences along the way. There are some definite characters in the book, but even more impressive is how much scientific research Bianca poached herself in in order to truly demystify this elusive wine world. From Harvard research studies, to Napa Valley flavor scientists, this autobiography-of-sorts gives a peek into all facets of wine in a humorous, entertaining, and easy-to-understand way.

While I had heard bits and pieces of what’s wrong with many of the affordable wines that are mass distributed throughout the US, Bianca’s book opened my eyes to information that (I assume) few are aware of. Think: additives, fillers, food colorings, etc. in the perceivably “pure” wine you’re purchasing for $12 at your local grocery store. Here’s a brief excerpt of what Bianca discovered in her journey to write Cork Dork (note: the following information will probably be disturbing if you’re a cheap-wine lover…proceed with caution):

“There is no fault [in wine] that can’t be corrected with one powder or another; no feature that can’t be engineered from a bottle, box, or bag. Wine too tannic? Fine it with Ovo-Pure (powdered egg whites), isinglass (granulate from fish bladders), gelatin (often derived from cow bones and pig skins), or if it’s a white, strip out pesky proteins that cause haziness with Puri-Bent (bentonite clay, the ingredient in kitty litter). Not tannic enough? Replace $1,000 barrels with a bag of oak chips (small wood huggets for flavor), “tank plants” (long oak staves), oak dust (what it sounds like), or a few drops of liquid oak tannin (pick between “mocha” and “vanilla”). Or simulate the texture of barrel-aged wines with powdered tannin, then double what you charge. (‘Typically, the $8 to $12 bottle can be brought up to $15 to $20 per bottle because it gives you more of a barrel quality…You’re dressing it up’ a sales rep explained).” (Bosker, 2017, p. 188)

That’s not all. Ingredients found in watercolor paints, anti-foaming agents, salt, chalk, cream of tartar, sugar, water, designer yeasts (to mimic “honey”, “cherry cola”, or “fresh butter”, for example), Velcorin (an ingredient that kills microbes that is known to be toxic…so only use it in small amounts), and MegaPurple grape juice concentrate (don’t kid yourself, an estimated 25 million bottles in the $20 or less range contain this magical concentrate each year) are just a few more of the commonly found ingredients in affordable wine. (Bosker, 2017)

More than 60 additives can legally be added to wine. Think about that…if you’re buying big-brand affordable wines, chances are you’re ingesting just a few of them.

To take it to a broader level, this is one of the reasons I feel it is important to support small, independent wine producers. They typically are not producing mass quantities of bottles, which allows them to control the flavor of their wines in natural ways (with naturally-occurring yeasts, barrels, and, you know, that thing called nature). Yes, more than likely you will be paying more for a bottle of wine at a place like this, but that’s for good reason. You’re paying for quality, and while there may be a few additives, they will be nowhere near the MegaPurple or Puri-Bent found in your $8 grocery store bottle.

I’ve been passionate about finding certified organic and biodynamic wines for a while now, and a big part of my drive for this is to ensure that there are fewer chemicals used in the grape-growing and wine-making process. There are a couple major certifications for bioidynamic wine, Wine Folly writes all about them. Looking for these indicators is another way to make an educated choice about the wine you’re consuming. A couple of my favorite biodynamic wineries are Troon Vineyard in Southern Oregon, and Beckmen Vineyards in Los Olivos, California. I’m excited to find more biodynamic wineries on my trip to Willamette Valley wine country in Oregon next week!

Glass of Beckmen Syrah held up to the pond and oak trees on the Beckmen Vineyards lot. — We got lucky with our gazebo view on our recent visit to Beckmen. We enjoyed our wine while overlooking the pond and Live Oak trees. I could have stayed there all day, but my husband said we had to leave…

Whether you’re a die-hard wino or a skeptic of all the “notes” of peaches, tobacco, and wet soil that are supposedly sniffed in a glass of wine, Cork Dork is a book for you. I feel I’m a more educated wine drinker and purchaser after reading Bianca’s story. I also sort of wish I had thought of her idea to document a year-long, fully-immersive journey in the wine world first…ha!

Here’s a link to purchase Cork Dork if you’re interested: https://amzn.to/2DVduYT

Photo of "Cork Dork" surrounded by corks — This book doesn’t disappoint. Click the link above and give it a read!

Cheers!

What is Rosé Anyway? (Sip of the Week)

Posted on April 24, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Red wine comes from red grapes, white wine comes from white (green) grapes, Rosé wine comes from…pink grapes?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a pink grape in my life. So, what is it that makes Rosé the classic, mouthwatering color that it is? This week’s Sip of the Week is all about demystifying Rosé. ‘Tis the season for the refreshing pink beverage after all!

Glass of Rosé with flowers in the background. — Spring has sprung! And so has my craving for some crisp Rosé!

One quick side note:

Not all white wines are made from “white” grapes. I know I started the blog post off that way, but I did it because it sounded clever (and it’s probably what most people assume, anyway). I don’t want you to believe I actually think that’s the case. I know a little bit about wine after all.

Back to the point: ROSÉ!

Rosé can be made through a couple different methods.

Vertical photo of Rosé glass with flowers. — Next time you enjoy a Rosé, see if you can decipher the method by which it is made by reading the label or researching the winery. Keep reading for all the details!

One method for making Rosé is when red grapes are macerated with their skins for fermentation, but the juice is removed after only a short amount of time. The longer the juice and skins macerate together, the darker the wine becomes. If left long enough, it would become a true red wine.

With this method, winemakers have control over not only the flavor profile of the wine (based on what type of grape they choose for the Rosé in the first place), but also over the distinct color that the wine takes on over time. Minor fluctuations may take place from year to year, but grape skins from the same varietal will produce approximately the same hue each vintage.

P.S. Not all Rosé hues are created equal…

If you’re curious, pick up a few bottles of rosé on your next grocery trip, and pour it into glasses side-by-side. You’ll see all shades of peach, coral, pink, and sometimes even orange. My most recent glass of Rosé took on a peach-y color. The flavors will differ greatly, too, but the most common Rosé flavors are those of citrus, melon, and “bright” (ripe, and sometimes even under-ripe) fruits.

A second method for making Rosé is letting the grapes ferment without skins on to produce the majority of the wine. Essentially, the base for the Rosé is a white wine. During production, the winemaker then adds a small amount of red wine to the batch of white liquid until the flavor and hue match the desired effect. Only a small amount of red wine is needed to dye a white wine pink, so typically there is only 5% or less of the red wine in the blend.

Speaking of blends…

Rosés can be labeled as “blends”, meaning a variety of types of grapes are used to make the wine, or they can be labeled as a single varietal Rosé (for example, Rosé of Grenache, or Rosé of Pinot Noir). Different countries have different requirements regarding labeling, but in the United States a wine must contain at least 75% of the varietal in order to be labeled as a single varietal wine.

A good glass of Rosé can be enjoyed year-round, but there’s something about springtime that makes me want to pop it in the fridge to be chilled.

It just feels like it fits!

Glass of Rosé with reflection of flowers in the glass. — Don’t you agree that Rosé and fresh blooms just look great together?

My go-to Rosé is Beckmen Vineyards Rosé of Grenache, which is bright and complex in flavor, and perfect for nearly any occasion. If you happen to find it, it’s also a pretty affordable Rosé option for the quality you get in the bottle (hello, biodynamic, small-production winery!). I recently wrote about my visit to Beckmen Vineyards, click here to check it out.

So, what’s your take on Rosé? Did you know how it was made, or do you have a go-to bottle? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers!

Sip of the Week: Beckmen Vineyards Syrah

Posted on March 20, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Spring has sprung, and I have photos from my visit to Beckmen Vineyards to prove it!

I traveled to the central coast of California for by best friend’s wedding last weekend, and when our route home took us through Los Olivos, I knew we had to stop for some wine at Beckmen.

A view of oak trees and the pond within the Beckmen Vineyards property. — Just look at that beautiful view! If you look closely, you can see the little Beckmen vines dotting the hillsides.

I first visited Beckmen Vineyards in 2017 with my family.

We stumbled off-the-beaten-wine-country-path that weekend, and arrived at Beckmen Vineyards for a tour of the property and in-depth wine tasting. I was immediately impressed not only by the caliber of wine, but by the biodynamic practices that Beckmen employs. This family-owned and operated winery is a trendsetter in sustainability, having farmed their vineyard according to biodynamic principles since 2009.

Tucker and Megan in the Beckmen barrel room. — Here’s a throwback to that trip in 2017! Tucker (my hubby) on the left, listening intently to our guide. Megan (my sis) on the right intently tasting her delicious Beckmen Vineyards wine. This was during the barrel room part of the tour. Photo taken by Brian Moore (my dad).

You may remember the term “biodynamic” from my previous posts featuring Troon Vineyard.

They, too, are a biodynamic winery located in Southern Oregon. I’m convinced that when wine is made the way it should be—without herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or nitrogen-based fertilizer—the character of the wine stands heads above the rest. I also appreciate transparency in food and drink industries, and biodynamic vineyards like Beckmen and Troon provide just that.

Two bottles of Troon Vineyard wine. — In case you missed it, these were the two (outstanding) bottles of Troon wine that I got to try. Click here and here to read the posts and learn more!

Some standouts from my last trip to Beckmen Vineyards were the Grenache Rosé, the Block Eight Grenache, and the Clone Syrah (which was poured for us from a Coravin, and was the first time I saw that awesome gadget put to work!). Many people talk about having an “ah-ha” moment with wine, and my first tasting experience at Beckmen was one of those for me.

I’ve been a fan of Beckmen and have purchased their bottles ever since that first visit.

I was thrilled to make a spontaneous trip back to the winery last weekend as we drove through the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The hardest part of that afternoon was decided which bottle to enjoy!!

We settled on the 2016 Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah from Ballard Canyon. On first sip, it was rich, peppery, and full-bodied, and paired well with our sandwiches from Los Olivos Grocery (10/10 recommend stopping there next time you’re in the area!).

A bottle of Beckmen Vineyards Syrah alongside a glass of the Syrah. — This Syrah is produced from the Ballard Canyon lot of Syrah grapes in the Santa Ynez Valley. Ballard Canyon stands alone as it’s own AVA within the Santa Ynez region. I’ve yet to have a Ballard Canyon AVA that has not been impressive. (P.S. “AVA” stands for American Viticultural Area, which basically means a designated area where wine grapes are grown.)

Here’s a little more about the flavor profile of the 2016 PMV Syrah:

Look: Deep ruby color

Smell: Complex smell of both fruits and pepper, smells became more blended as the wine opened up.

Taste: Bold, medium-tannins, taste of pepper mixed with the tannin hit the palate upon first sip, but as the wine opens, more nuanced flavors of dark fruit and subtle herbs appear. This is a big wine that would pair well with BBQ and red meat, and can stand up to some stronger food flavors.

Ratings:

94 Points: Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine

93 Points: Jeb Dunnuck

93 Points: Vinous

92 Points: Wine Enthusiast

Retail price: $32/bottle

I think my favorite part of Beckmen Vineyard is how tucked away it is in the Los Olivos hills.

You truly feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere when you enjoy a glass of wine on Beckmen’s patio or in one of their gazebos on the pond. It’s also so refreshing to find a family-owned and operated winery truly dedicated to the craft of winemaking in the bustle of big brands along wine country highways. It’s worth winding down a couple of dirt roads to find your way to Beckmen Vineyards next time you find yourself in the Santa Ynez Valley!

What’s your favorite winery in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA (or nearby area)? Let me know in the comments below!

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Sip of the Week: Pinot Noir (In a Can)!

Posted on March 6, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

I don’t speak French, but I have learned to translate one very important sentence: “I would like a glass of your house red wine, please!”

As you likely know, the house wine is almost never disappointing in Europe. When I saw this can of House Wine sitting on the shelf at Total Wine a few weeks back, I chuckled at the witty name and knew I had to give it a try.

Caitlin holding a can of House Wine Pinot Noir — Unassuming in nature, but eye-catching as ever, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give this wine a try.

I’ve had my eye on the canned wine business for a while now, and I’ve tried a few brands of wine in a can. Some were surprisingly good, others were a total disappointment. (Click here and here to read my posts about those experiments!) In both cases I was left hoping that one day there would be a canned red wine that stood up to the quality of some canned whites and rosés (I’ve always found those to be the more enjoyable canned wines). The canned reds I’ve tried until now were mostly Red Blends and all featured overly-fruity and jammy flavors without much nuance. They were too sweet, and couldn’t compare to some bottles I could buy for the same price (or less!).

Can of wine, glass of wine, and book in the background. — Keep reading to find out why my Wine Folly book is flipped to the “Chile” page!

Needless to say, when I picked up this can of House Wine, I was not only struck by the name but also by the fact that it was a single varietal, Pinot Noir, in a can. Pinot Noir of all varietals! Those who have already geeked out watching Somm 3 (which I highly recommend) will understand when I say that Pinot Noir is widely regarded as one of the most finicky grapes out there.

Can of wine, glass of wine, and book about wine in the background. — Pinot Noir only accounts for a small portion of the most common varieties of Chilean wine.

This particular Pinot Noir reigns from Valle Central, Chile, and is distributed by Original House Wine in Walla Walla, Washington. I flipped open my Wine Folly book to learn more about Pinot Noir production in Chile and learned that it is far from the most common varietal associated with Chilean wine production. Original House Wine winemaker Hal Landvoigt prides himself on creating unpretentious wines for the American market through his experience sourcing grapes from around the world. It seems like this can of House Wine Pinot Noir is meant to do just that.

In my mind, this canned wine experiment was either going to re-write the script for canned reds, or be an utter disaster.

Caitlin holding a glass of pinot noir from a can — This Pinot Noir showcases a deep ruby color. Keep reading to learn my take on the flavor profile…

Here it goes!

I crack open the can. Somehow, I’m still surprised when there’s no carbonation behind that aluminum lid. I naturally expect a cold, crisp beer, not a dark, red wine!

House Wine Pinot Noir with can and glass. — If wine could talk, it would tell you it was opening up during this picture!

I pour a splash into my glass. Upon first smell, there’s nothing special about it. I swirl, smell again, and take a sip. I’m pleased to find it is more flavorful than I expected, so I pour a full glass and proceed to conduct my photo shoot. This gives the wine about 20-minutes to open up.

As I sipped on the House Wine Pinot Noir while cooking dinner, I was pleasantly surprised by the flavors that emerged. There was definitely a hint of spice to it, and was fairly rich for a Pinot Noir. It didn’t have jammy or ripe-fruit flavors at all (that’s an automatic win in the canned wine world for me!). The aroma improved over time, too, and developed scents of herbs and spices as it opened up.

Caitlin holding a glass of canned Pinot Noir in front of the Wine Folly book. — Overall, this was my favorite canned red wine that I’ve tried thus far. I’m excited to try more canned wine from House Wine.

If someone poured me a glass of the House Wine Pinot Noir and told me it came from a bottle, I never would have second-guessed them. While this may not be your special occasion wine (and, to be fair, I don’t think it is intended to be that), this will easily make any wine lover happy as a casual weeknight sip.

The benefits of canned wine are many, such as portability, portion control, and not having to worry about finishing an entire bottle in a limited amount of time. To find a canned wine worthy of taking on outdoor adventures or sipping mid-week makes the idea of wine in a can even more appealing!

Can of house wine with a glass of pinot noir in the background. — The back of the can includes tasting notes and details about the wine’s origins. A perfect snapshot of what to expect!

The Details:

ABV: 12.5%

100% Pinot Noir

$4.99/can at Total Wine

Well, there you have it, another edition of Sip of the Week! What do you want to see next week? More wine? Beer? Cocktails? Coffee? Let me know in the comments below!

Sip of the Week: DAOU Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on February 6, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

This Sip of the Week comes to you from 39,003 feet elevation as I fly from California to Florida for a conference. And while I’m stuck in the air for a day, I’ll be wishing I had a glass of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from DAOU Vineyards to sip on.

A glass and a bottle of Cab from DAOU. — The bottle, and a glass, of the DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s dark in color and rich in flavor.

We received this bottle of DAOU 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon as a gift from some family over the holidays, and a rainy February evening seemed like the perfect time to open it.

I had never had a DAOU wine before, but had always heard good things about it. I was excited to give this bottle a try and learn more about the vineyard in the process.

Looking at the label of the bottle through the glass. — The color of this wine reminds me of ripe fruit, and the flavor does, too!

Located in Paso Robles, California, DAOU touts its vineyard as providing the ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux grape varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon.

DAOU Mountain, the home of 115 acres of DAOU grapes, features vines grown in calcareous clay soil (similar to Bordeaux’s Right Bank), and fruit perfected by the Pacific microclimate. The result is wine that is perfectly balanced in acidity, features ripe fruit flavor, and showcases herbaceous terroir. Additionally, DAOU has received a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification, meaning each precious grape is harvested in a mindful, earth-friendly fashion. (You may remember how much I appreciate wineries who have sustainable practices…check out my posts here and here about Troon Vineyards in Oregon, another sustainable and biodynamic vineyard!)

The label of the wine with a glass in the background. — The label depicts the DAOU Mountain vineyard with it’s image…making me want to go visit even more!

DAOU is a family-owned vineyard, with the Dauo brothers serving as visionaries and operators for the enterprise.

With roots in Lebenon and an upbringing in France, their wine showcases family history as well as winemaking styles from across the globe. Their passion for wine has flourished into a Paso Robles namesake throughout their journey, and their high-end wines are recognized by enthusiasts and pros alike.

Pouring the DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon into a glass. — Action shot! The wine being poured into the glass where it belongs. (After decanting, of course.)

Now, to the taste!

Immediately after opening this bottle of DAOU 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, aromas of herbs and spices were apparent. Upon first sip, the wine was smooth, but not yet open and full-bodied. I learned that this bottle needs a couple hours in a decanter to really come into its own.

After opening up, the DAOU Cab showcases balanced flavors of ripe fruit and subtle herbs. It is a smooth wine with very soft tannins, meaning it is easy to drink and leaves little bitterness on the tongue. This wine pairs well with rich, hearty foods (in my case, with my Instant Pot Beef Stew!).

A small pour of wine next to the glass. — Tasting this wine is truly an experience…the flavor changes the longer the wine is open. For an educational wine experience, taste throughout the decanting period to understand how air can influence the wine’s taste and body.

It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a good Cab Sauv, so it was nice to revisit the varietal with this bottle from DAOU.

Cabernet Sauvignons tend to take over the marketplace these days (ever see the two full aisles of Cab in Total Wine?!), and identifying a decent bottle can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It’s nice to find a reputable vineyard like DAOU to point you in the right direction just as you’re feeling lost in a sea of bottles!

Caitlin holding the DAOU bottle next to a glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon. — Don’t pass up the opportunity to try this wine if you see it!

My recommendation: give DAOU a try if you haven’t already. I will be paying them a visit in Paso Robles before long!

Have you tried a wine from DAOU Vineyards? Let me know in the comments below!

Sip of the Week: Troon Vineyard 2016 Estate Tannat (+ Happy New Year!)

Posted on January 2, 2019April 30, 2019 by caitlin

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you rang in 2019 with a good bottle of bubbly or two!

With New Year’s Resolutions on the mind, I’m always a little nostalgic as I reminisce on goals from past years and think of new ones. This entire blog was a New Year’s Resolution just a couple of years ago! My goal was to find a creative way to showcase my love for all things food, drink and travel. And here we are!

While I have some personal goals for the year to come, I wanted to create a blog-specific resolution as well. So, I’ve decided to create a weekly post called “Sip of the Week”. Each Wednesday I will publish a blog post featuring some sort of new sip. It may be wine, beer, a cocktail, or other distilled beverage. My goal is to showcase lesser-known brands, local breweries, wineries, or distilleries, and new cocktail recipes for all of you readers!

What better way to start than with this bottle of Troon Vineyard 2016 Estate Tannat?!

Close up of glass of Troon Vineyard Tannat. — The first Sip of the Week! January 2, 2019 edition.

Our New Year’s Day dinner called for a special sip to accompany it, so I decanted this bottle of Tannat for the occasion. You may remember my post about Troon’s 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées, which was an outstanding bottle of wine. While this Tannat was very different than Cuvée Pyrénées, it was subtly balanced, surprisingly smooth, and pure quality in a bottle.

If you decide to try the Troon 2016 Tannat for yourself, here’s what you can expect:

Bottle of Troon Vineyard Tannat next to stemless glass. — The Tannat features a beautiful dark garnet color.

This Tannat featured herbal, earthy flavor profiles, with an aroma filled with spices and fruit. This wine was all about subtleties…It took an evening of smelling and tasting the wine to really pinpoint some of its more nuanced flavors.

Tannats are characteristically tannic wines (meaning dry and astringent to taste…you can feel tannins on your teeth and tongue after sipping a tannic wine). Troon’s 2016 Tannat had a smooth mouthfeel on the finish to help balance the tannins. Decanting the wine for an hour helped to soften some of the tannins in the wine, too.

Troon’s 2016 Tannat is aged 18 months in mature oak, has 14% ABV (leading to some beautiful “legs” in the wineglass) and retails for $40.00 per bottle. For those interested in the finer details of the wine: TA 5.77, 3.59 pH, 210 cases produced.

Beyond the Bottle

Bottle of Troon Vineyard Tannat next to glass. — The next stop for this bottle? The decanter!

Perhaps my favorite part of Troon wines is how they are produced: biodynamically, sustainably, and without additives. Tasting Troon’s 2016 Tannat tells a story of the Applegate Valley: higher altitudes, granite soil, a mild Southern Oregon climate, and a flavor profile crafted in the vineyard and preserved in the fermenter. Once again, Troon has created a natural wine of pure quality!

If I were to have another bottle of 2016 Estate Tannat, I would consider aging it for a few years before opening. My guess is that the subtleties of the wine’s flavors and aromas would gain some confidence in the cellar and provide a more complex flavor profile a few years down the line. I may just have to find a way to get my hands on another bottle! And a cellar, for that matter.

So, there you have it: the first edition of Sips N Tips 2019 Sip of the Week!

If you’re interested in learning more about Troon, click here to check out their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Have a sip you think I should feature for a future Sip of the Week? Let me know in the comments below!

See you next Wednesday for another Sip of the Week!

Disclaimer: Troon Vineyard provided this bottle of 2016 Tannat in exchange for an honest review of the product. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A bottle of wine, two steaks, and potatoes.

Troon Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées: Putting Southern Oregon’s Wine Country on the Map

Posted on December 19, 2018April 30, 2019 by caitlin

If my only gift under the Christmas tree this year is a box of Troon Vineyard wine, I will be one happy camper. Or, sipper.

Two bottles of red wine from Troon Vineyard. — Troon Vineyard 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées and 2016 Tannat.

I recently received two bottles of Troon wine from the vineyard for sampling: 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées (63% Tannat, 39% Malbec), and 2016 Tannat. Our pre-Christmas Christmas dinner seemed like the perfect opportunity to open the bottle of Cuvée Pyrénées. I paired it with bone in ribeye steak with garlic compound butter and French-style fondant potatoes with fresh herbs.

That beautiful bottle of 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées did not disappoint!

Bottle of wine in a decanter with a glass and the empty bottle. — The Troon Cuvée Pyrénées decanted and ready to sip!

If you’re not familiar with Troon Vineyard, you should be.

Situated in the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon, Troon prides itself on sustainable, organic, biodynamic winegrowing and a minimalistic approach to the winemaking process that showcases the natural terroir of the Applegate Valley. The latitude of the Applegate Valley mimics that of the Madiran region in France, making it an ideal spot for growing vines native to that region. In fact, the French grape Tannat is often blended with other varieties of Bordeaux grapes when grown in Madiran. That is one reason Troon chose to name this Tannat/Malbec blend “Cuvée Pyrénées”, as it resembles a traditional Madiran approach to winemaking.

The cool climate of the Applegate Valley creates grapes with a bright, acid-driven quality to them.

My first sip of the Cuvée Pyrénées confirmed this, as those light-bodied, tart, steely flavors filled my mouth. The aroma of the wine further emphasized these qualities. However, after a couple of hours in the decanter, the wine began to evolve, showcasing more subtle flavors and aromas. Flavors of fresh black pepper hit the nose and the palate, as the wine seemed to build a more robust, full-bodied personality in each sip. It truly was an experience tasting the evolution of this wine over the course of an evening.

Close up photo of a steak. — A close up of the bone-in ribeye with compound butter.

As the wine grew in complexity, the food pairing experience was also enhanced. The bite of garlic in the compound butter and freshly cracked pepper on the steak complimented the acid-driven, slightly peppery wine. The buttery potatoes with fresh thyme helped enhance the subtler flavors within the wine, showcasing herbal qualities in each sip.

A cast iron pan with potatoes and herbs. — French “fondant potatoes”, so simple yet so decadent!

The magic of wine is that each bottle tells the story of its roots (literally).

Growing the same style of grape, or even a clone of a vine in a different region or in different soil will significantly alter the flavor of the finished product. Nuances in the fermentation process may also change the wine’s profile. I love that Troon’s winemaking process has no room for acid or sugar corrections to the wine during the fermentation process, meaning what you sip is an authentic representation of the plant, the fruit, and the region where it came from. It also means that the wine is just that: wine. No artificial ingredients, added sugar, or other chemical preservatives. As a result, this bottle of 2016 Cuvée Pyrénées showcases the Applegate Valley terroir in its truest sense.

Steaks with wine in the background. — I wish you a beautiful meal and fine wine this holiday season!

The Details:

2016 Troon Vineyard Estate Cuvée Pyrénées, Kubli Bench, Applegate Valley

63% Tannat, 39% Malbec co-ferment

18 months in mature oak

13.5% ABV

TA 6.81

3.42 pH

267 cases produced

$60 per bottle

National Wine Review: 93 Points

Sean Ludford’s BevX: 5 Stars/98 Points

Thinking of gifting wine or wine accessories to someone special this holiday? Check out my gift guide for the wine lover in your life here!

5 Holiday Gifts for the Wine Lover in Your Life (& Stocking Stuffers, too!)

Posted on December 6, 2018April 30, 2019 by caitlin

If you’re still struggling to come up with some holiday gift ideas for your wine-loving friends or family, look no further! I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite gift ideas for the wino in your life. I’ve even listed some stocking stuffers at the end to help you round out your holiday buying spree!

Note: This post contains some affiliate links, which means I may make a small percentage of the sale when you purchase through these links. All proceeds go right back to Sips N Tips. Thanks for your support!

Without further ado, here are my top picks for wine-related gifts:

For the Art Enthusiast

Modern stripes of different kinds of wine on a canvas. — “Wine Legs” by Elysia Myers. A beautiful, modern way to appreciate wine varietals!

Elysia Myers Wine Art is not only one of my favorite Instagram accounts, but is also my top suggestion for a thoughtful, wine-focused gift this holiday season. Elysia specializes in painting with wine, and the masterpieces she creates are stunning! You’ll be surprised to see the countless shades of red, white, and rosé that Elysia features in her work, each of which give the paintings a unique, natural feel. Elysia has designs for both the modern art lover and for those who prefer more a more literal take on the subject. You can find Elysia’s online shop here. This gift is guaranteed to please any wine or art enthusiast on your list!

Wine splatters making up the shape of the state of California. — Another one of Elysia’s recent works. This one was particularly special to me because Elysia conducted a silent auction on this piece, and proceeds were donated to those affected by the California wildfires in November.

For the Big Spender

The wine gadget of all wine gadgets, the Coravin!

You may have heard of the Coravin Wine Preservation System, which is the latest technology to take the wine tasting world by storm. In short, the Coravin allows for wine drinkers to simply taste a sip from a bottle of wine without compromising the entire bottle. How? A small needle-like device pierces the cork, allowing for small quantities of wine to be poured at a time. Upon removing the needle, the cork reseals to keep your wine preserved.

Here's a little visual of how the device pours the wine. — Here’s a little visual of how the device pours the wine.

If you have a family member or friend who is an avid wine taster, consider splurging on the Coravin Wine Preservation System for them. They will love getting to experience a single wine at different stages of the aging process, or entertaining their guests with a personalized tasting experience!

For the Entertainer

Decanting wine allows the wine to "open" before it is served. It is basically a beautiful way to aerate and display your wine! — Decanting wine allows the wine to “open” before it is served. It is basically a beautiful way to aerate and display your wine!

There’s no better centerpiece for a dining table than a beautiful decanter filled with ruby red wine! Consider purchasing one for your friend or family member who loves to entertain. While prices range greatly depending on the quality of crystal used, it’s easy to pick up a decent decanter for under $50.00. Like this one! But don’t stop at the decanter alone…those things can be a pain to clean and store, so grab a couple accessories to make your wino’s life that much easier! This decanter cleaning set will solve all your problems after finishing your bottle of red, and this inexpensive drying stand will keep your decanter clean while it is stored away!

These flexible wands make it easy to clean your decanter, and the stainless steel beads will wipe up all the stains in hard-to-reach places.

Store your decanter upside down when not in use to prevent dust from building up inside.

For the Mad Scientist

This all-in-one set gives you all the tools you need to make wine. Plus, you get access to a customer service hotline in case you need to troubleshoot a problem!

If experimentation is more up their alley, consider buying your resident wino a Home Wine Making Kit like this one. While they will need to supply their own grapes or concentrate, this all-in-one kit provides you all the other essentials to make your own wine. Will it be as great as your favorite bottle? Maybe, maybe not. But your friend or family member will surely be able to better appreciate all things wine-making after the DIY experience!

For the Trend Setter

These edgy glasses are sure to be showstoppers!

Today’s household style is all about clean, modern lines. So, why not echo that style in your wine glass? If you’ve got someone in your life who loves to keep up with the trends, gift them with these modern wine glasses. Their eye-catching shape is sure to stand out and impress a crowd! Better yet, they look great with red, white, rosé or sparkling wine inside.

Bonus: Stocking Stuffers for Wine Lovers!

These inexpensive items will surely make any wine-lover happy when they pull them out of their stocking!

- This Champagne Sealer is a game-changer. Now, you can sip on a bottle of your favorite bubbly over the course of a few days! I bought one of these sealers a couple years ago and love it. It’s easy to use and a “must-have” for anyone who enjoys a glass of sparkling wine!

Champagne stopper with button at the top — Pop on, pop off, pop some bubbly!

Forget those old-fashioned wine charms, these beautiful Swarovski Crystal Magnetic Wine Glass Charms are the newest way to keep track of your sip this holiday season. They work on both stemless and stemmed wine glasses, which make them much more versatile than your typical wine charms. You could even put them on a beer glass!

What an elegant way to set your glass apart from the rest!

No more negotiating where to place your glass of wine during your next bubble bath. This SipCaddy Portable Cupholder is just what you need to accessorize for the occasion! I recently accessorized my bathtub with this gadget. A variety of colors let you choose whether to have it blend in or stand out!

The coolest little caddy for your "shower wine". — The coolest little caddy for your “shower wine”.

- These fun socks send a not-so-subtle message about your wine habit. You can even pick up a matching pair for the beer-lover in your life! Side note: I personally have yet to find success by wearing these socks, but I will continue trying.
“If you can read this, bring me a glass of wine!” AKA my favorite socks ever.
- If your wine-lover also loves the outdoors, buy them some Silicone Wine Glasses for sipping on the go! Perfect for camping, by the pool, at the beach, or on a boat. No need to worry about any breakage. Plus, they’re easy to clean and store.

Set of 4 Silicone Wine Glasses, perfect for the outdoors!

Picking up any of these wine-related gifts? Do you know of other gifts I should add to my list? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Holidays!