The first week of our fiscal quarter is always an exciting one for me. With three months ahead to worry about selling the wine I buy, I get to instead focus on bringing in new items that I’ve been tasting over the previous weeks. So, while I could go much longer on my list of cool, new stuff today, I’ll try to keep it brief.

New Wines

2009 Cameron Winery Vino Pinko, Rosé, Oregon – This is one of those wines that I hardly need to describe.Those who are fans of John Paul’s wines clamor for the stuff every summer; the kind of fanaticism that you hardly want to mess with. Well, the tangy pink sauce is here, and though I haven’t tasted this vintage yet, I’ll be taking one home tonight. Hit me up on your next visit and I’ll be happy to share my thoughts. $15.29/btl.

2009 Elemental Cellars, Auxerrois, Oregon – The folks at Witness Tree Vineyards have been offering reds and whites under this value label for years, but only in 2009 did they begin making an Auxerrois from neighboring Zenith Vineyard (west of Salem). You’d be hard pressed to find a white varietal being grown in Oregon that is more obscure than Auxerrois (pronounced ‘ox-urr-wah’). This sibling of Chardonnay is often blended with Pinot Blanc in its homeland of Alsace, but is made entirely on its own here. In fact, it is one of the best, regardless of origin, that I’ve tasted in quite some time. Aromas are of quince and apple and sweet pear. On the palate it has great texture without being heavy, relying on bright acidity and notes of orange peel to lift it through the snappy finish. Drop in today and taste this lovely white. $13.99/btl.

2008 Mia Encosta, White, Portugal – Being new to the Portland market, this isn’t a winery for which I have many details. However, this hardly matters because it represents a downright mind-bending value for the price. Wines of this complexity so rarely exist for less than fifteen dollars that I consider it my duty to push this lovely stuff. Aromas start with melon and pear but never enter the super ripe zone that inflicts many whites from places as warm as Portugal. On the palate there is a lively core of green melon and apple, with a crackle of minerality and something that reminds me of white pepper on the finish. Yum! $8.79/btl.

2009 Broadley, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon – Broadley’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is not merely one of the first Pinot releases each year, it is also consistently one of the best values in its category. The 2009 offers a slightly richer texture, thanks to the warmer weather last year, yet maintains great focus in spite of the intense fruit. The wine is brimming with black cherry and plum, subtle spice notes, and a long finish. Superb price-flavor ratio, as always, at $17.99/btl. I will also be pouring this one today.

Tastings:

• Friday, Aug. 6, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. – Shawn and I will be opening a few of these new arrivals, including the Elemental Cellars Auxerrois and the Broadley Pinot Noir.

• Saturday, Aug. 7 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. – We’ll be pouring new arrivals from the beer department.

Cheers!