2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The results are in and we are excited to announce the following Del Rio wines and their accolades:

2009 Viognier - Best of Class!!!!
The nose displays aromas of peach, grapefruit and fresh mint flavors. On the palate the smooth texture is held up by the acidity with a slight lemon characteristic. The barrel ageing gives a light nuance of oak flavors and complexity to the wine. - - $20

2009 Pinot Gris - Silver

The light gold color of the Pinot Gris brings in the true varietal flavors of apple, pear with a touch of almond and vanilla. The creamy and buttery mouth follows and lengthens because of the acidity which will allow this wine to age well. - - $16

2008 Syrah - Silver

The intense and deep violet color of the 2008 Syrah is followed by a fusion of bay leaf, thyme and berry flavors. The mouth shows spicy black pepper aromas, vanilla and oak taste from the barrel ageing. - - $35

2008 Petite Syrah - Silver

Del Rio Vineyards' Petite Syrah displays a deep red color followed by rich flavors of black currant, spices and finishes with intense tannins. The partial oak aging in French and American oak barrels adds further nuances to the wine. -- $48

2009 Pinot Noir - Bronze
Our 2009 Pinot Noir has a bright ruby color and displays aromas of cherry, rosemary, and vanilla. The nose leads to delicate violet flavors, accompanied by a structured mouth feel that will ensure long aging. - - $28

2008 Claret - Bronze
The 2008 Claret shows the qualities that have made this blend a favorite. The nose shows intense fruity notes of black currant and cherry. It is then followed by woody flavors of cedar and coffee. The 18 month barrel aging, contributes to a well balanced mouth feel with silky young tannins. - - $35

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the an American wine competition and this year it drew in a record number of entries, 5,050 wine from 23 states. Southern Oregon wines did quite well at this years event. Here is a link to the full list of results: http://www.winejudging.com/medal_winners.htm

90 Points - Del Rio Claret

Monday evening we were given the good news, the 2007 Del Rio Claret was given 90 points by the Wine Spectator.

Wine Spectator is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on wine and wine culture. It publishes 15 issues per year with content that includes news, articles, profiles, and general entertainment pieces. Each issue also includes from 400 to more than 1,000 wine reviews, which consist of wine ratings and tasting notes. All wines are reviewed in blind tastings, unless specifically noted, to reduce any potential bias.

Harvey Steiman, tastes and reports on a wide variety of wine types, but his primary areas of responsibility as a critic are Australia and the Pacific Northwest. Harvey Steinman describes Del Rio Vineyards 2007 Claret as “Smooth and velvety, nicely ripe with cherry and herb flavors carrying through against refined tannins. Lingers nicely on the deftly balanced finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2014.” –HS

Quick Factsheet:
Blend:
50% Cabernet Sauvignon
30% Merlot
10% Malbec
10% Cabernet Franc

Wine Making:
Aged 18 months in 60% French, 30% American, 10% Hungarian oak barrels, of which, 30% was from new oak.

Price:
$35.00/bottle *Wine Club members save 20%

Available online – purchase today!

Back to blogging

My hiatus from blogging about the joyous happenings at Del Rio has finally ended, as I am happy to report I am back in the Rogue Valley and working full time at Del Rio. Expect lots of incredibly interesting posts as we navigate the grape growing, wine making, and wine selling process. I am very excited about all the adventures on the horizon. Being back in Oregon feels amazing and Del Rio has been bustling as the summer weather draws in many energetic tasters.

Here is the latest:

San Francisco International Wine Competition Results:
2007 Del Rio Cabernet Sauvignon - Double Gold Medal
2007 Del Rio Claret - Silver Medal
2007 Del Rio Syrah – Silver Medal
2008 Del Rio Pinot Gris – Silver Medal

Summer Concert Series – Up Next - Broadway Phil & The Shouters

Del Rio’s summer concerts have been a hit. They are a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening. The next concert on the calendar is Friday July 30^th at 6pm with the sounds of the local band Broadway Phil & The Shouters. The band has been rocking the Rogue Valley since 1994 and offers a range of music from West Coast blues, R & B, to roots rock. There is a cover charge of $7.50 for the general public and $5 for wine club members. Bring a blanket, a picnic dinner, and get comfortable on the tasting room grounds for the evening.

Check out their website for more information - http://theshouters.org/

In case you were curious about your DRV blogger . . . here is a little bit about me.

Born and raised in the Rogue Valley I was introduced to the Wallace family at a Patrick Elementary PTA meeting. From babysitter to tasting room employee and now blogger the time I have spent working for the Wallace family has been great and not to mention all the delicious wine! Two years and a Masters Degree in International studies later, I have returned home from Denver and am eager to be back working at Del Rio. Please feel free to email me with any suggestions or comments on our wine blog. lindsey@delriovineyards.com

91 Point Syrah

2007 Del Rio Syrah

Wine Spectator Rates - 91 Points!

Tasting Notes

100% Syrah
The nose of the Syrah is a mixture of black current, bay leaf and thyme. Aged

50% in new oak, the smokey mouth gives way to an intense spicy black pepper finish.

Vintage Notes - 2007
Benefitting from a late harvest the grapes experienced much cooler temperatures, lower alcohol levels, structured acidity and ideal flavor development. 2007 was indeed an excellent vintage.

Food Pairing
Pair with beef, lamb, and game or blackened meaty fish such as salmon and tuna. We also recommend a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, goat, aged gouda, gruyere, and camembert. Enjoy it now or cellar for up to five years.

$35.00/bottle
$336.00/case

* Rio Club Members Save 20% off the bottle

Buy Now!

2010 Grand Harvest Awards - 6 medals!

The Grand Harvest Awards were established in 1990, is the only wine-judging event that is based on terroir - "a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation, and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions, grapes and wine making savoir-faire, which contribute to give its specific personality to the wine."

Del Rio was the only winery to win medals for the Rogue Valley (AVA).The vineyard took home the following accolades:

Gold
2007 Claret

Silver
2008 Pinot Noir
2007 Syrah
2008 Chardonnay

Bronze
2007 Merlot
2008 Pinot Gris

Click here to view other winners.