Winemaker Dinner Capitello Wines, Willamette Valley Oregon & Marlborough NZ!
Wonderful venue wonderful company.
Meet and greet with winemaker Ray Walsh-
2006-Marlborough NZ Sauvignon Blanc
Ray is from NZ and made wine for King Estate here in the Willamette Valley. He has gone out on his own and has been creating wonderful stylish wines.
The NZ Sauvignon Blanc was 100% made in NZ (by Ray) and delivered here.
Big, floral nose that smacked of Sancerre style, crisp and refreshing. Screw cap.
Spinach Salad with Chevre and pine nuts 2006 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, pretty in the glass, shy on the nose, lots of full fruit and citrus flavors, to me seemed more Alsatian style than Willamette Valley (I prefer the former). Clean finish.
Next up 2006 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with,
Walnut Crusted Pork Chop w/ Black cherry sauce, roasted Sweet Potatoes and Steamed veggies.
I asked Ray if his style was “Old World – New World” and he replied he thought mostly “New World “. This wine to me was very Burgundy (not Willamette Valley). Great intense color and rich nose of light barrel, deep pinot fruit. Would love to blind this against a nice Burgundy. Very nice wine.
Then he broke out a wine not on the menu…2006 “Succession Cuvee” 100% Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (no label). Very Intense and delicate at the same time, berries, light toasty oak, brilliant rich color and body. Come to Eugene, Oregon and I will take you to where Ray does his wines and you get one or two, 2 barrels made.
Dessert- Artisian Chocolate plate from (plug) KeKau Chocolatiers here in Eugene with 2006 Dolcino- Late Harvest Gewurztraminer, deep gold, I cannot get a nose of Gewurztraminer on the nose, more like some fruit liquer. Nice and tangy, alittle soft on the finish.
Anyone else had Capitello wines?
Michael