Vino Friday Flights (9/4/08): NW Reds Blends - Respect the Hand!

In what has been a remarkable week of debuts, I have one of the biggest of the season for you this week. This eclipses Sarah Palin's convention speech last night, her "What do they call a pit bull with lipstick?"...or was it "what's the difference between a hockey mom and a tube of lipstick?" comment (I guess I didn't listen closely enough). And it even eclipses those photos of Levi Johnston hanging with the Palin and McCain fam's on the tarmac. By the way, do you think in his wildest imagination that hockey hunk Levi would ever picture himself in THAT situation when he was "expressing his love" for Bristol? And is it just me or does Cindy McCain always have a stricken look on her face whenever she's around the Palins? Although I do kind of like Cindy's fuchsia cast. Nice accessorizing!

No, this Friday the world debut is something we all can relate to. Next to Abbot's Table from Owen Roe, the other wine from David O'Reilly's stable of vinous greatness I get asked about all the time is his Sinister Hand bottling. This grenache-syrah-other blend always exceeds expectations, and it goes into general release starting next Tuesday. But since, because you customers at Vino have always over-performed when it comes to all things Owen Roe, they have decided to slip a couple of cases out early to us, so you can have the heads-up before everyone else gets word. To go with that bit of deliciousness, I have put together an outstanding supporting cast of winemaking greatness. Some of the best produce from vineyards around Oregon and Washington will be represented tomorrow, and this is yet another "don't miss" wine tastings. Am I sure? See for yourselves:

• 2006 Maryhill Winery "Winemaker's Red"
• 2006 Grochau Cellars "Tinto" Tempranillo-Syrah
• 2006 Saviah Cellars "The Jack"
• 2006 Tamarack Cellars "Firehouse Red"
• 2007 Owen Roe "Sinister Hand"

And then to complete the package:

• 2006 Andrew Rich "Coup d'Etat"
• 2006 Isenhower Wine "Red Paintbrush"

This yet another night of red wine fun that you must attend. Plus with the weather sure to change soon into unending grayness...or is it "grey"...I can never remember...the weather looks perfect for some outdoor wine sipping. It will only set you back ten dollars for the first five including the Hand, and then a nominal charge for the bonus pours. You can drop in anytime, bring your snacks and friends and indulge in a most satisfying evening! Cheers!

Taste a set of five wines during our informal drop-in tastings from 4:30pm to 8:00pm every Friday.

Sept. 5: Great Northwest Reds featuring the 2007 Owen Roe Sinister Hand. $10.
Sept. 12: France's Languedoc-Roussillon Reds. These secrets from the South of France will have you singing! $10.
Sept. 19: Reds of Argentina and Chile. Great wines from a great new region to the south. $10.
Sept. 26: Tuscany Part 1: Chianti Classicos and Reservas. The first of two great nights at the wine shack!
Oct. 3: Tuscany Part 2: Montalcino and Montepulciano. More of some of the best the planet has to offer. $10.
Oct. 10: New Oregon Pinot Noir. See what our local talent has come up with to knock you out of your chair!
Oct. 17: Southern Italian Red Wine. Perfect wines for a perfect fall evening! $10.
Oct. 24: Big California Zinfandels. Can you say chewy, teeth-staining goodness?
Oct. 31: No Tasting tonight!

Saturday Sampling (8/16/08)

This Saturday we'll have an absolutely stellar lineup of free wines for your sampling pleasure from 11:00 until 6:00. This Saturday I'm pulling out some old favorites from past Friday Flights that I think have been some of the best wine values at all their various price points. I always am excited about the wines I pour each Saturday, but this week it is going to be awesome. I hope you can come by and get your share of these:

• 2005 Tablas Creek Cote de Tablas - Perhaps the best Cali Rhone blend I've yet to taste. I LOVE this wine!
• 2004 Venta Mazzaron Tempranillo - The ultimate crowd pleaser from Spain and a great $15 red!
• 2006 Ruggeri Corsini "Matot" Barbera-Nebbiolo - A stellar value at $10.95 a pop that absolutely over-performed and even surprised me at how deliciously it was showing!
• 2007 Domaine Sorin Cote de Provence Rose - Okay, maybe it hasn't been in a Friday Flight, but this gem just came back in the market and you can get your last shot at what is annually my favorite rose of the season!

Hope to see you here! Salud!

Find us in Portland, Oregon, at 1226 SE Lexington St., Portland, OR 97202. Phone 503.235.8545 (toll free dial 1.888.922.8545) or simply e-mail vinobuys@qwest.net. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30am to 6pm (Friday 'til 8:00).