International Pinot Noir Celebration
>> Aug 14, 2007
When informed that I was responsible for planning attendance at IPNC you can imagine my delight. Like a gift from the wine god, this one-time hick from the sticks would be attending the finest Pinot Noir festival in the world where hundreds of enthusiasts, writers, chefs, top-notch sommeliers, and the earth’s best Pinot producers descend on the heart of McMinnville. The long days, starting around 9am and sometimes lasting until midnight, are chuck full with things to do. From panel discussions with world class winemakers, to gourmet lunches prepared by the finest NW chef’s- I seriously could get used to this kind of living. The only unglamorous element in all of this is the spitting- however, this is an absolute must for truly enjoying all this event has to offer.
This year was very special as it included an AVA tasting focus. By chance I was put on the bus bound for Witness Tree. Located in the heart of the Eola-Amity AVA, I learned a bit more about the new sub-appellation, and thus a bit more about our new fruit source, Elton Vineyard. This September we are bringing in our first fruit from Elton and are now wholly responsible for the farming. I happened to run into owners, Dick and Betty O’Brien, several times throughout IPNC. They are enjoying retirement and ready to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary this fall! What an amazing job they have done all these years tending the vines. At Saturday’s traditional Salmon Bake, where fillets of salmon are slowly roasted on stakes over an open pit, I was able to taste the ‘99 Fiddlehead Pinot Noir that was made from Elton fruit. It was a fabulous wine and the dark fruit, spice and earthiness of the AVA shown through. In the near direct path of the Van Duzer corridor, this area is exposed to some cool evenings as the coastal winds funnel through. The wines are typically complex, expressive, and notably well balanced, especially in hot years when the rest of the valley sees spiking sugars and alcohol levels. After practically tackling the sommelier to get the wine I was able to pass it around to several eager faces all while happily relating the story of our new long-term contract.
As is traditional at the bake we also brought along some of our own wines to share. While Meg Hursh, wine club coordinator, weaved through the tables with a magnum of Pinot Noir Port, I donned a magnum of ‘02 Estate and worked my side of the crowd. The flowery perfume and spicy resinous aroma’s of this vineyard were in full bloom and the wine lingered with a lovely, velvety dried bing cherry finish. After sauntering between salmon bakers, pouring my magnum for several prominent sommeliers, wine writers, and winemakers the bottle was nearly drained. I felt completely content and accomplished. I had eaten the best food, period! I learned an enormous amount about Pinot Noir (and its secret life of sparkling). I made a few new friends and quite a few new business connections, sometimes both. But most importantly I had a chance to taste some of THE BEST wines this world has to offer and then was able to share one myself. At this point it was late in the evening, my feet hurt, and I was all talked out. It was a beautiful star lit night in the oak grove and as I sat and listened to the laughter wafting on the breeze I decided to enjoy the last bit of the ‘02 Estate …this time careful not to spit.
This year was very special as it included an AVA tasting focus. By chance I was put on the bus bound for Witness Tree. Located in the heart of the Eola-Amity AVA, I learned a bit more about the new sub-appellation, and thus a bit more about our new fruit source, Elton Vineyard. This September we are bringing in our first fruit from Elton and are now wholly responsible for the farming. I happened to run into owners, Dick and Betty O’Brien, several times throughout IPNC. They are enjoying retirement and ready to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary this fall! What an amazing job they have done all these years tending the vines. At Saturday’s traditional Salmon Bake, where fillets of salmon are slowly roasted on stakes over an open pit, I was able to taste the ‘99 Fiddlehead Pinot Noir that was made from Elton fruit. It was a fabulous wine and the dark fruit, spice and earthiness of the AVA shown through. In the near direct path of the Van Duzer corridor, this area is exposed to some cool evenings as the coastal winds funnel through. The wines are typically complex, expressive, and notably well balanced, especially in hot years when the rest of the valley sees spiking sugars and alcohol levels. After practically tackling the sommelier to get the wine I was able to pass it around to several eager faces all while happily relating the story of our new long-term contract.
As is traditional at the bake we also brought along some of our own wines to share. While Meg Hursh, wine club coordinator, weaved through the tables with a magnum of Pinot Noir Port, I donned a magnum of ‘02 Estate and worked my side of the crowd. The flowery perfume and spicy resinous aroma’s of this vineyard were in full bloom and the wine lingered with a lovely, velvety dried bing cherry finish. After sauntering between salmon bakers, pouring my magnum for several prominent sommeliers, wine writers, and winemakers the bottle was nearly drained. I felt completely content and accomplished. I had eaten the best food, period! I learned an enormous amount about Pinot Noir (and its secret life of sparkling). I made a few new friends and quite a few new business connections, sometimes both. But most importantly I had a chance to taste some of THE BEST wines this world has to offer and then was able to share one myself. At this point it was late in the evening, my feet hurt, and I was all talked out. It was a beautiful star lit night in the oak grove and as I sat and listened to the laughter wafting on the breeze I decided to enjoy the last bit of the ‘02 Estate …this time careful not to spit.
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