Back to School by Susie Moore

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!

Women Who Wine

Join the members of the Upper Rogue Wine Tour for this fun and exciting 2nd Saturday event - Women Who Wine. Sample wine and enjoy the fun themes located at each vineyard.

Themes:
Agate Ridge Vineyard - Sip & Shop
Cliff Creek Cellars – Spa Day
Crater Lake Cellars - A little bit Cheezy!
Del Rio Vineyards – Creative Cupcakes
Folin Cellars – The Joy of Olive Oil
LaBrasseur Vineyard - Chocolate Cravings

When: Saturday September 11th
Time: 11-5pm

Free Wine Tasting @ all locations
Click here for Upper Rogue Map!

End of Summer . . . stepping closer to harvest

August is almost over and summer is drawing to a close. Although, it is tough to say goodbye to summer we are excited about what fall and the harvest season has to offer. Harvest is looking like it will be a late start, we will be lucky if we can start picking in the third week of September. Here are a few pictures of pre-harvest preparation. Jason & Clayton Wallace are cleaning the bins used for grape holding and transportation.

An evening of fine wine, gourmet food, and fabulous people!

Saturday marked the 3rd annual Dinner Under the Stars for Del Rio. I was thrilled to be an attendee for the event. The evening started out a bit breezy with the mighty wind making its way through the park, a sure sign that a storm was in the evening air. We, however, were lucky and the lightning didn’t make it all the way to Gold Hill. Instead, we were treated with five star service and a fun event. Our menu was melt in your mouth good. Platon and the Jacksonville Inn dinner crew were all wonderful servers. In addition to great food, Platon offered a window into each meal and entertaining stories of Greek life in East Africa.

Jean- Michel provided the inside scoop to each of the wines paired with our courses. He glowed as he spoke describing the process and characteristics of the 2008 Estate Reserve Petite Syrah, our 2010 World of Wine Gold medal winner. The evening was topped off by the sounds of talented local guitarist, Michael Cruz.

In the end, debates ensued over the favorite course. Mine was the Salmon Cannelloni, Jolee loved the Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese gelato and Rob said hands down the ribs were the best. Overall it was a yummy and joyous occasion. I learned from fellow dinner guest Ron Semoni about raising and showing miniature donkeys, enjoyed my first compressed watermelon, and once again experienced Del Rio at its finest.

Please enjoy the following pictures and we hope to see everyone back next year!

Summer Concert - Clint Ingbretson

Summer Concerts – Friday August 13th – 6-9pm
Clint Ingbretson

Clint Ingbretson is an entertainer to the core. Mr. Ingbretson is well-renown in Oregon and has entertained thousands while performing and impersonating legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Dean Martin, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong and many others. People frequently comment that his voice and performances are often better than the original artists themselves… especially during his performances as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Outstanding!

We are excited to have Clint back this Friday. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner to enjoy on our tasting room grounds. *Outside alcohol is not permitted

Cover Charge: $7.50 Public and $5.00 for Wine Club members

Harvest T-Shirts

Harvest is just around the corner and that means our 2010 Harvest T-Shirts are in! Check out this year’s design and order yours today:


The t-shirts are only $12.50 each. They are available for purchase at the tasting room or online.