It is a special treat to show these new, outstanding wines from Oregon and Washington State. Join Laura Coley this Saturday at the tasting bar for an exciting quartet of well-crafted, terroir driven wines from the Willamette Valley of Oregon and the Columbia Valley of Washington State. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon will be the players; you be the audience. See you Saturday for a great tasting!

2008 Montinore Estate Pinot Gris; Willamette Valley
The 2008 growing season in the Willamette Valley produced white wines with great aromatics and a bright fresh character. This ‘08 Pinot Gris is no exception. It is very aromatic with notes of fresh ripe pear, yellow apple and a pleasant floral/herbal accent. On the palate it bursts into flavors of ripe honeydew melon with hints of mango accenting the ripe apple/pear character. The long finish is dry, fresh and crisp with a sweet/tart apple essence and distinct mineral qualities. This estate is certified Demeter biodynamic and organic.
AWM Regular Price: $14.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $13.49 per bottle or $11.99 by the case

2008 The House of Independent Producers Chardonnay "Sagemoor Vineyard"; Columbia Valley
From Christophe Hedges, scion of Washington State's Hedges family, comes this terrific unoaked Chardonnay, made from fruit grown at the historic Sagemoor Farm vineyard in the Columbia Valley. On the nose, ripe apple, ripe pear, and some notes of tropical fruit; on the palate, fresh-tasting ripe apple, pear, and notes of lemon and hazelnut. While the lush fruit hints at sweetness, the wine finishes dry and clean as a whistle. Pair with seafood, chicken, or any kind of light appetizers.
AWM Regular Price: $12.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $11.69 per bottle or $10.39 by the case

2007 The House of Independent Producers "La Bourgeoisie"; Columbia Valley
Merlot has gotten a bad rap as of late but there is no denying this wine's appeal. Packed with supple, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure and a velvety texture this 100% Merlot is instantly appealing. Reminding us of an affordable bottle of right bank Bordeaux, this pretty Merlot would be right at home as a luncheon red with a pork roast, delicious with a pizza and spot on with a pan-seared lamb chop.
AWM Regular Price: $12.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $11.69 per bottle or $10.39 by the case

2007 Hedges Family Estate "Red Mountain"; Napa Valley
Hedges Red Mountain is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a Bordeaux-like nose of coffee and red and black fruits with a hint of black licorice and smoke, followed by a smooth palate of deep plum and just a touch of jammy red berry. On the finish, nice ripe tannins suggest the wine will be capable of several years of bottle aging. Lighter and less jammy than some of its California counterparts, this shows some nice European-style polish and grip.
AWM Regular Price: $26.99 per bottle
Special Tasting Price: $24.29 per bottle or $21.59 by the case

Special tasting prices: 10% off the bottle and 20% off by the case, mix or match unless already discounted via a special price or sale price.