William Rose Wines

2011 Merlot
Applegate Valley

As the legend goes, William Rose was born in Scotland to English parents with Irish blood. He was a fabled bootlegger that traveled the underworld in his Bentley, known as “Demon Bird”. With a taste for the finer things in life, Rose was in high demand for his sought-after cargo of fine wine. 

Sadly, William Rose isn’t real – as much as we’d really like him to be. But you can still taste his wines – at least, as interpreted by winemaker Mark Nicholl. Mark, the owner and winemaker at William Rose Wines, delights in telling his visitors about the latest exploits of that rapscallion William Rose.

William Rose’s Merlot is a lean and fresh wine that pairs with a glass of your favorite cut of red meat, wild game or robust cheeses.  Pair it with ribs, pulled pork or chicken with your spiciest BBQ sauce for an out-of-this-world combination.

Youngberg Hill 

2014 Pinot Blanc
McMinnville

After years of working in wine sales and distribution, Wayne Bailey finally took the leap to winemaking by studying with some of the best winemakers in the Burgundy region of France.  

He fell in love with Pinot Noir and sought out a piece of land that would be the ideal spot to grow the finicky grape.  He happened upon Youngberg Hill, bought the place in 2003, and completely overhauled the vineyard, incorporating biodynamic and organic practices.

Best of all, “the Hill” offered the Baileys a chance to raise their three daughters the way they’d been raised back in Iowa – on a farm – with its close connection to land, water, and soil.  It was exactly what they wanted.

Youngberg Hill’s 2014 Pinot Blanc is made mostly in stainless steel with a small portion made in oak barrels that help with the creamy texture.  The aromatics begin with Asian pear, grapefruit and lime citrus. The fruit flavors of lime, grapefruit, and citrus are distinct and crisp.  This is a great food wine and will go well with any of your grilled items, especially fish and seafood.

Brandborg Vineyard

2011 Oregon Grenache
Southern Oregon

Sue and Terry met in 1998 and bonded over their love of wine, especially Pinot Noir.  Terry had been making wine in his garage since the 70s and been professionally making wine in Northern California’s Anderson Valley for years.

When it was time to build their own brand, they looked everywhere in California for the right spot to grown Pinot Noir.  It wasn’t until 2000 that a side trip to the Umpqua Valley sparked their interest in Oregon.  They had looked high and low for the perfect spot – and ended up with one of the highest winegrowing locations in the area.  The Brandborg property is in the coastal mountains, 25 miles to the ocean, at an elevation of 750 to 1150 feet.

And it’s paid off – as Brandborg has just been named 2015 Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest.

This fruity, juicy wine goes perfectly with grilled meats, sausages and highly spiced dishes.  Marinated flank steak with peppers and onions would be an amazing pairing.  And even though most folks think that chilled red wine is an abomination, try cooling down this red just a bit before serving and see the fruit explode!

Rallison Cellars

2013 Chardonnay
Willamette Valley

Jared Rallison’s friends and family were utterly incredulous when they heard he wanted to be a winemaker.  More than one said, “When pigs fly!” when he told them of his dream.  After all, he lived in Utah, had a full-time job as a pharmaceutical executive, and was the father of three young girls.  When pigs fly, indeed.  But dreams don’t die.  

Jared and his family moved to Sherwood, Oregon, and found a place to plant some grapes.  Today, Rallison Cellars is a small but amazing little label – producing less than 800 cases a year, almost all sold on site and to wine club members.   In recognition of the challenges they’ve overcome, his wife Lari gave him a flying pig weathervane to put atop the winery built next to the Rallison family home.  

This is not your stereotypical over-oaked Chardonnay.  Rallison’s offering is a great representation of the up-and-coming Oregon Chardonnay movement and a wonderful example of what this state has to offer.  Bright, crisp green apple flavors linger on your tongue with slight hints of caramel and toffee lending a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.  This wine is perfect for all your summer grilling needs.  Whether vegetables, chicken or corn on the cob with lots of butter, this wine can complement them all!