Vino Friday Flight (2/5/10): The Big Bordeaux Blast!

Being new to the fatherhood game, I am already thinking about lessons that Colman needs to learn. One of the most important, I think, is have a plan and stick to it. Assuming it's a good plan, of course. The Oregon wine industry had a plan: make world class pinot noir. Then they screwed the whole thing up by deciding to charge too much for it (you should hear the tales I hear about HUGE quantities of unsold, high-end wine sitting cased up at warehouses in the valley, with no customers in sight). The Democrats had a plan: get Obama elected, control Congress, and make the world BELIEVE. Of course, like most Demo plans this one has come crashing down around them. As per usual when they have it going their way, they start running in ten different directions, trying to do too much, and take their foot off the GOP's throat and let them off the mat. I mean they lost a solid party seat in Mass. to this guy (photo, left)

He's good looking and all, but really. At least the Bush gang, even though their messages were fantasy, never took their eye off the ball and worked it. So this all relates to this Friday's tasting how? Bordeaux, where they have been working their plan for centuries, is a prime example of sticking to message. All they do, heck, all they have ever done, is make mainly cab and merlot based wine better than anyone on the planet. Unlike American cab/merlot producers who have jacked up alcohol levels and manipulated their wine in search of higher scores, the Bordelaise just keep on keeping on. After all this time their message hasn't gotten old, and it's as relevant as ever. Do one thing, do it better than anyone else, and things will work out fine. Are you listening Colman? No? Well, if you'd quit crying for a minute maybe you'd get it! For the rest of you, here's how it's done:

2008 Chateau Tour Blanche Bordeaux
2006 Chateau du Bousquet Cotes du Bourg
2005 Chateau Bourbon La Chappelle Medoc
2005 Chateau Saint Andre Corbin St. Georges-St. Emilion
2005 Chateau Fontesteau Haut Medoc

And of course three more world class reasons to love Bordeaux:

2005 Chateau Loudenne Medoc
2005 Chateau Roche-Morin Pessac Leognan
2003 Chateau des Tourelles Pauillac - The second wine of the legendary 2nd growth Pichon-Baron, whose wine in the super-ripe and rich '03 vintage scored 95 and 93 points from the Spectator and Advocate respectively, and is now selling for well over $100 per. This 2nd label at $41 a bottle is absolutely stellar, classic Bordeaux!

This clinic in classicism will be held at the Hall of Truth on SE Lexington Street from 4:30 till 8. I would say attendance is mandatory, but I'm sure you already know that. Just ten dollars will garner you so much wisdom and clarity (if you want the advanced lesson, a few dollars more for the bonuses will surely open new vistas of understanding). Feel free to drop in at anytime. Bring others who want to share the learning. Bring food to keep up your strength and focus. We'll provide the source materials to slake your thirst for knowledge! Cheers!


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

Feb. 5: Vino's Bordeaux Blast More goodness from the French!
Feb. 12: American Rhone Blends. The latest from the Rhone Rangers.


Saturday Sampling (2/6/10)

Man, that guy who writes that stuff above is a wordy mofo isn't he? Loves to hear himself throw around his half-baked ideas like he's some dime store Socrates. That's why on Saturday we keep it simple. Nothing complicated, just great wine at even better prices, especially coming on the heels of this week's fabulous Vino E-Special offering. Sampling, for free of course, will take place from 11 till 6. You like wine? This is how easy it is:

2007 Brigaldera Valpolicella "Rondinella"
2007 Vina de Arganza Bierzo Mencia
2008 25 Lagunas Malbec Mendoza
2009 Vinarium Torrontes Mendoza "Coiron"

We'll 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).