Christian Miller (CMM)
Christian Miller
Pinot Blanc 2007 Willamette Valley Estate, Bethel Heights fine zesty apply-citrus Pinot Blanc fruit, medium body, lively, good acid, good length, slightly creamy.
Syrah Oregon Mason Dixon 2005, Francis Tannahill nice woodsy smoky-oakey aroma with a touch of meaty Syrah fruit; dark woodsy-berry fruit with medium body, some tannic structure, good length and density. From several vineyards in North and South Oregon.
White Blend Jack 2005 Oregon, Francis Tannahill an essay in Orange Wine based on some of the Slovenian-Fruilian styles, blend of several varieties fermented and left on skins for 6 months, but limited oxidation. Alarming orangey-brown color, very closed aroma with hints of Semillon-like beeswax plus dull vinous fruit; medium-full body, mild tannins, very dry, orange peel inflected fruit. Interesting, but cant say I really enjoy it. Probably better with cream sauces or salumi.
Pinot Noir 2006 Willamette Valley Justice vineyard, Bethel Heights aromatic clovey PN spice backed with black cherry fruit and mild woodsy tones; medium body, some density and grip, decent acid, long and elegant moderately tannic finish.
Petite Sirah Rogue Valley 2006, Carpenter Hill fragrant blackberry fruit with a distinct pepper note; medium-full body, good acidity, fine-grained but vigorous tannins, plenty of fruit and good length. Not complex, but exceptionally pure and well-balanced Petite Sirah.
Viognier Rogue Valley 2008, RoxyAnn sumptuous Viognier aroma with peachy-tropical fruit; medium-full body, adequate acidity, no heat, smooth and fruity, dry and juicy. Fun wine.
White Blend Applegate Valley 2007, Warrick (Wooldridge Creek) oak and subtle pear-grape fruit mingle in nose; medium body with good acid, present but not intrusive oak, creamy texture and subtle Semillonish fruit on palate. Graves blanc in style, but in fact (surprise!) a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Noir! Classy wine.
Red Blend Applegate Valley 2006, Warrick (Wooldridge Creek) ripe leafy but not green fruit mingles with subtle oak in a Bourg-Blayish Bordeaux style, moderate oak, decent acid, medium tannins, dry, decent length. Cab,Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc.
Syrah Umpqua Valley South Face Reserve 2005, Abacela somewhat closed, dusty black fruit with a touch of leather; medium-full body, chewy tannins, dry meaty-dusty finish with a little smoky funk (brett?), plummy fruit and dry tannins in the finish. Serious ripe vin de garde style, like a cross between Southern Rhone Syrah and Mountain Cab. Would like to see it in 5 years.
Porto Umpqua Valley Estate Abacela fine aroma of roasted black fruits with some oak and sweet spices; medium-full, some density, plush tannins, good length. From Portuguese port varieties (Touriga Nacional, Francesca, Tinta Rouriz, etc.)
Syrah Oregon Mason Dixon 2005, Francis Tannahill nice woodsy smoky-oakey aroma with a touch of meaty Syrah fruit; dark woodsy-berry fruit with medium body, some tannic structure, good length and density. From several vineyards in North and South Oregon.
White Blend Jack 2005 Oregon, Francis Tannahill an essay in Orange Wine based on some of the Slovenian-Fruilian styles, blend of several varieties fermented and left on skins for 6 months, but limited oxidation. Alarming orangey-brown color, very closed aroma with hints of Semillon-like beeswax plus dull vinous fruit; medium-full body, mild tannins, very dry, orange peel inflected fruit. Interesting, but cant say I really enjoy it. Probably better with cream sauces or salumi.
Pinot Noir 2006 Willamette Valley Justice vineyard, Bethel Heights aromatic clovey PN spice backed with black cherry fruit and mild woodsy tones; medium body, some density and grip, decent acid, long and elegant moderately tannic finish.
Petite Sirah Rogue Valley 2006, Carpenter Hill fragrant blackberry fruit with a distinct pepper note; medium-full body, good acidity, fine-grained but vigorous tannins, plenty of fruit and good length. Not complex, but exceptionally pure and well-balanced Petite Sirah.
Viognier Rogue Valley 2008, RoxyAnn sumptuous Viognier aroma with peachy-tropical fruit; medium-full body, adequate acidity, no heat, smooth and fruity, dry and juicy. Fun wine.
White Blend Applegate Valley 2007, Warrick (Wooldridge Creek) oak and subtle pear-grape fruit mingle in nose; medium body with good acid, present but not intrusive oak, creamy texture and subtle Semillonish fruit on palate. Graves blanc in style, but in fact (surprise!) a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Noir! Classy wine.
Red Blend Applegate Valley 2006, Warrick (Wooldridge Creek) ripe leafy but not green fruit mingles with subtle oak in a Bourg-Blayish Bordeaux style, moderate oak, decent acid, medium tannins, dry, decent length. Cab,Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc.
Syrah Umpqua Valley South Face Reserve 2005, Abacela somewhat closed, dusty black fruit with a touch of leather; medium-full body, chewy tannins, dry meaty-dusty finish with a little smoky funk (brett?), plummy fruit and dry tannins in the finish. Serious ripe vin de garde style, like a cross between Southern Rhone Syrah and Mountain Cab. Would like to see it in 5 years.
Porto Umpqua Valley Estate Abacela fine aroma of roasted black fruits with some oak and sweet spices; medium-full, some density, plush tannins, good length. From Portuguese port varieties (Touriga Nacional, Francesca, Tinta Rouriz, etc.)