This is the official date!  This is the official place which should be easy for everyone to get to!

Two Decembers ago a few of us went to the Modern for BYOB Sunday evening in December after Dorian came back from Oregon with some Pinots. We were BLOWN away by the Montinore that she brought in particular.  We are going to do the same thing, at a different restaurant, again because now Dorian has a whole selection to choose from obtained during her September 2013 trip, including that that FABULOUS Montenori that we also had at the Furniture in the Yard in July. If you missed it, now is your chance! 

I am opening this for 6 people and Dorian, but am happy to expand the reservation if needed, so go on the wait list if we fill up!  We will bring the Montinore, the Willamette, the Blue Pirate and the Wine by Joe in that order (less or extra if needed).  The total fee is 18 for the wine, paypal fee and meetup fee.

 Montinore 2010 estate reserve pinot noir ($30) that we loved: Bright red.  Lively aromas of red berries, cherry, Asian spices and fresh rose.  Shows deeper blackberry and cola qualities on the palate, with peppery spice notes adding lift and cut.  Closes sweet, spicy and long, with lingering floral character and impressive clarity.

A Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2009 ($40) An elegant Pinot Noir with layered aromas and flavors of cherry, black pepper, plum and dark chocolate lead into a long spicy finish. "Earthy and dark with a pine and herbal savor, this wine is limber and fresh. There’s enough tension in the structure to suggest it will merit cellar time." Pair with prime rib, quail, duck, wild game, and winter vegetables-especially mushrooms. Great paired with dishes with complex spices. Try with a variety of medium to strong cheeses. 

A Blue Pirate 2009 Pinot Noir ($16): Wonderful notes of strawberry jam, cherry, tobacco and rose fill the nose. Rose notes continue on the palate coupled with raspberry, clove and cherry. Lingering fruit on the finish is balanced with soft tannins. VINTAGE NOTE: 2009 was nothing if not a challenging vintage in northern Oregon, as it was characterized by extreme heat spikes in late July and late August, a record number of 90+ degree days & hot conditions in late September.

Wine by Joe Pinot Noir 2011 ($18):  This wine slips into your mouth with juicy and lip-smacking flavors of berries and cherries that mirror its aromas with just a touch of leather. An excitingly complex and well-balanced Pinot Noir with vivacious acidity and a soft and velvety mouth feel which wraps around your tongue delivering the impression of sweetness from the soft ripe tannins.