presented by Brittanie Wallace from Queen of Wines
Kramer Vineyards Pinot Grigio Estate ~ 2022
Kramer Vineyards began over four decades ago when our family planted roots in the northern Willamette Valley. The block from which this wine is made is in an elevated vineyard on the estate. It is a one-acre parcel of vines planted in 1986, perched at an elevation of 800 feet. It is the pinnacle of our terroir. This wine was fermented and aged in stainless-steel tanks with aging on fine lees.
Appellation: Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grapes: 100% Pinot Grigio – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: Shimmering pale straw in the glass. Aromas of Meyer lemon, green pear, and white peach rise from the glass with a hint of honeysuckle. On the palate, vibrant acidity frames layers of citrus zest, orchard fruit, and wet stone. Crisp and linear, with a refreshing, dry finish and lingering minerality.
Pairing: Pairs beautifully with scallops, shrimp, and citrus-dressed greens.
Producer: Kramer Vineyards
Auclair Sauvignon Blanc ~ 2021
Charlie Auclair was first touched by the wine bug when he took a trip to Napa in 1988. He moved to Washington State in 1992 and settled down in western Washington a few hours from one of the best grape growing and wine making regions of the world. He spent years traveling and tasting with stops in the Barossa and Yarra Valleys in Australia, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbasch and Constantia in South Africa, Bordeaux and the Rhone valley in France, Spain and of course closer to home: Oregon’s Willamette valley and Washington’s many local stars. The first wine was a 2000 Merlot that was shared with a few friends who all praised the effort. After a few years and a few more trials and an apprenticeship under another WA winemaker, the Auclair winery was born in 2008. He has continued traveling the world and refining his craft with every effort focused on making the best wines out of the best grapes.
Appellation: Red Mountain, WA
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: This is “summer sunshine in a glass” because of its fresh bright notes and complexity.
Pairing: Pairs nicely with food or a hot summer evening on the back porch.
Producer: Auclair Winery
La Espera el Valor del Tiempo Malbec ~ 2024
Back in 2003, Kurt Heinlein decided to travel to Mendoza in search of a vineyard to fulfill an old dream: to establish a family winery business that pays homage to his ancestors (FUNCKE family), thus creating a legacy for future generations. Located in San Rafael at 850 meters above sea level, guarded by the Christ who welcomes visitors to the city and blessed on one of its sides by the Diamante River, was the property of his dreams. It is one of the highest planted properties in the southern oasis of Mendoza. We benefit from a comparatively cooler climate than the rest of the department, which is reflected in the profile of our wines.
Appellation: Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo-Perdriel, Argentina
Grapes: 100% Malbec
Tasting notes: This Malbec presents a deep red color with purple hues. In the nose, red fruity aromas as raspberry and blackberry are perceived with some hints of vanilla. Gentle in the mouth, it has a medium build structure and a good balance between its time in contact with the oak and the sweet and round tannins from the fruit.
Producer: FUNCKENHAUSEN VINEYARDS
Metairie Cabernet Sauvignon ~ 2024
The Metairie Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward, medium-bodied red wine from the South of France—the 2024 vintage acts as a great, budget-friendly everyday drinker.
Appellation: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting notes: Bursting with ripe dark berries, black currant, subtle oak, and earthy spices.
Pairing: Excellent with grilled red meats, roasted lamb, hearty stews, or semi-hard cheeses like aged Cheddar and Gouda.
Producer: Metairie Winery
