Portland Wine Merchants is bustling with jovial regulars and wine enthusiasts every Friday evening. The quaint shop offers a myriad of bottles and generously hosts fantastic themed tastings every week-- this time we explored Italian creations while munching on cheese and salami and enjoying the company of fellow vinophiles.
After numerous tastings, it was clear the Masseria La Sorba Fumac 2006 was the rocking stand out of the night, and a fabulous wine for only $10; we brought a bottle home to review for you later. I have to award top honors to the irresistible, port-like Musella Amarone della Valpolicella 2003. Amarone is made by a unique drying process called Appasimento, which concentrates sugars, flavors, and tannins. The resultant pressed juice is left to steep in its own grape skins (known as maceration) for added color and flavor, and is then aged in oak barrels for a smooth and noble structure. "It tastes like breakfast," my friend Paige affirmed of the supple maple-bacon sapidity. One sip had my own imagination running, envisioning a cozy autumn evening spent lounging beside the fireplace while indulging in a glass of Amarone with aggrandizing delectables. This is hardly an affordable libation ($50) and I don't have a fireplace, but allow me the fantasy.
While tasting the Italians, PWM regular, Kristina Thomas, received an exciting call; her Estate Chardonnay had just won gold medal at the Oregon State Fair. She happened to have a bottle in the car, and in celebration obliged us with the extreme honor of sampling her award winning 2008 Estate Reserve Chardonnay (92 pts, Wine Enthusiast 2010). I cannot remember the last time I gushed over a white wine, but I feel like I found the goose that laid the golden egg. This Chardonnay is super sexy with dry, smoky toast and mysterious complexity. Sadly, there are only 14 cases left, so keep a look out for the next estate reserve Chard by Phelps Creek!
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