Oregon Wines With Portitude

Valentine’s Day is coming on quicker than a horny teenage boy, and the pressure to go big or go home can do a number on one’s inspiration, turning off even the most romantic of souls. This year, I suggest elevating your game by keeping it simple.

Trade in the cliché of red roses and jewelry for a homerun instead; a home-cooked meal followed by a glass of sensuous wine promises to be far more intimate, memorable and mood provoking than expensive trinkets and restaurant menus. Maybe I just have a bit of crush, but this much I know is true. There’s not much more titillating than a hearty meal and a provocative glass of Port. Pair this exotic and seductive wine with a selection of locally crafted dark chocolates, some Stilton cheese, and your Valentine of choice and you’ve got yourself a steamy and interactive dessert that’s sure to arouse your inner hedonist resulting in an evening of impassioned satisfaction.

Sex in a Bottle

Port has a long, dark history, almost as dark as the wine itself. True Ports are location-specific and can actually only be called Port if they’re from Portugal, one of the most quixotic places on Earth. And though there are many covetable bottles of Port available at your supermarket, many Oregon producers are crafting alluring and beguiling Port-style wines from a variety of wine grapes such as Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Syrah and even Marechal Foch.

Woo the wine lover in your life with a bottle of kissable Port or Port-style wines. Real Port is hot (and by hot I mean HOT as in not frigid – think salacious) but there are a number of Oregon brands producing their inspiration of this timeless beauty.

A word of warning: Be careful, these wines may appear as sweet and simple as the girl next door, but with higher alcohol levels, Port really packs a punch and technical knockout is not your goal. While a little buzz can lead to an amorous evening, respect the difference between making a pass and being passed out and keep your pours small… a little goes a long way.

Locally made Aphrodisiacs 

2008 Kramer Pinot Noir Port ($30)

A ruby-style wine tasting of bright raspberries, sweet cherry flambé with hints of cocoa enhanced by a good Stilton cheese. This dessert wine is lighter in style than traditional Port, but the Gamay Beaujolais complements both the region and your Valentine’s kiss.

2010 Coelho Serenidade Marichal Foch ($34)

Reflecting the family’s Portuguese heritage, this Port-style wine stands on its own when tasted side-by-side with the real deal. Just a few sips and you’ll be watching your partners lips wrap around the word “Mmmmmmm.” If you can keep your focus on the wine, you’ll find it to be silky and voluptuous, tasting of ripe blueberry, pomegranate, fig and caramel. Beautifully balanced, with just the right of amount of acidity, this luscious wine will not only mature with grace, it will leave your mouth watering. More, more, more.

2007 Brandborg Hurrah Syrah ($24)

When you want a little spice in your life, this is a go-to dessert wine. Press your partner up against the wall and lick them from head to toe with sweet blueberry and blackberry flavors that lead in to a fun and pleasing cinnamon and black pepper finish which really comes on strong when accompanied by dark chocolate. But then, who doesn’t?

2008 Troon Insomnia Port ($24)

The Tempranillo for this wine, grown in the Applegate Valley, creates a wine that says “Oh wow, holy cow.” Similar to a traditional Portuguese Port, the wine is rich with flavors of black currants and baking chocolate and is also reminiscent of a thick, sweet blackberry pancake syrup. This wine pairs best with creamy chocolate, salty cheese or your partner’s neck.

Seduction by Chocolate (and cheese)

Roll Chocolates (Portland, Oregon)

As impressive to look at as they are to eat, these chocolates are obviously made with passion, love and devotion. Their Salted Caramels are dreamy and creamy, but the Salted Almond Crunch is downright heavenly, with just right amount of smooth, dark ganache, caramelized almonds and sea salt. When paired with a glass of Port, you just might find yourself slipping off into a state of bliss. I discovered these irresistable treasures at Cana’sFeast Winery in Carlton, but they’re at various locations around town or obtainable by direct contact.

Legato Chocolate (Portland, Oregon)

Simply elegant with a kiss of panache, these chocolates are hot little numbers. Salacious enough on its own, the dark chocolate and cayenne pepper truffles enjoyed with a glass of Port were simply sizzling. These chocolates are not yet widely available, contact Legato directly to place your order.

Tree Bark - Strohmayer Fruit & Nut Co. (Hillsboro, Oregon)

Made of dark chocolate, dried pitted plums and Oregon hazelnuts, it’s a natural when paired with Port. Not overly sweet, the healthy fruit, nut and chocolate combination complements the wine with interest but without feeling overly indulgent.

After Effects (well, what I'm willing to share publicly)

Adendum
Draw her a piping hot bubble bath and she'll call you her hero.

Cruise In Offers More than Mere Burgers

Normally, when I think of diners, I think of greasy spoons, but the Cruise In Country Diner is doing things a bit differently, taking the grease out and replacing it with locally sourced, healthy products instead. Alright, there's still a little grease, but it's organic, grass-fed beef juice that'll be dribbling down your chin.

On a recent exploration of some of Oregon’s small producers, Sylke Neal-Finnigan and Allison George of the Washington County Visitor’s Association wooed me with the wines from Ardiri Wines, Beran Vineyards and A Blooming Hill Vineyard (reviews to come soon). While navigating the countryside on that beautiful Friday afternoon, we passed a little diner I had previously noticed, advertising their selection of local beer and wine. I casually, and half-jokingly, said we should go… I could have sworn I heard those burgers calling to me, a whispering voice floating on the breeze… "Eat Me". Sylke must have heard them calling too, because after our tasting, she suggested we go grab burgers. Fantastic idea, I wish I had thought of it.

I don’t typically write about restaurants (there’s already more than enough restaurant reviewers out there), but every once in a while, something special jumps out at me, gets me really excited, and I just have to spread the word.

The Cruise In Country Diner, located in Hillsboro, Oregon, on the busy corner of River Road and Farmington, was founded by Terry (nicknamed Mr. Organic) and Nancy Newman Hummel just over a year and a half ago. Aside from the extensive selection of mouth-watering beef and buffalo burgers to choose from, like the Hemi-Challenger (3-patties) and the healthier Convertible (no bun), Cruise Inn is taking things to new heights, offering natural, organic and local produce, gluten-free buns and beer, 13 local micro-brews on tap, local draught root beer, four neighborhood wines (from Oak Knoll, Beran Vineyards, Helvetia Vineyards and Forest Grove Cellars), handmade shakes, even organic coffee and ketchup… all at affordable prices and good for the whole family. I've lost track of how many wins that is.

The owners, who were were being the very best hosts as they circulated the restaurant, and mingled with guests. Nancy told us how the addictive bottomless fries we were devouring were picked up that very morning from Hoffman Farms, just down the road; it doesn’t get much fresher or more local than that.

The premium quality is to be savored in every bite, and though they insist they’re not fast food, our orders were delivered so promptly, it was like they knew what we were going to order before we did. Next time you’re anywhere near the Hillsboro area, squeeze in a visit to the Cruise In… the 1950's car memorabilia will catch your interest, but it's the burgers that will capture your heart.

East Willamette Valley Part 2… A Breath of Fresh Air

Wasson Brothers, conveniently located on Highway 26, halfway between Portland and Mt. Hood was established by twin brothers Jim and John, and is generally known for their dessert wines, but is actually the oldest winery in Clackamas County. Wasson Brothers been on the scene for over 25 years and purchase all their fruit locally. They primarily grow all their own fruit with the exception of Merlot, Niagra and Concord grapes. They produce a private label of white Riesling for Timberline Lodge that’s sweet, crisp and fruit. Many garageista winemakers sign up on a list to purchase juice after it’s been crushed but prior to inoculation for home wine making.

The 80–acre Christopher Bridge Satori Springs estate, now owned and operated by the Carlberg family, has been in the family since the 1950’s. 15 acres is planted organically and biodynamically, specializing in estate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris (and some experimental varieties), with wines made by winemaker Christopher Carlberg. Chris describes wine as an experience, something I’m very akin to. He says he makes his wines so they dance rather than march, glitter rather than blind and caress rather than coerce. Subtle, subliminal beauty. They’ve recently built a lovely tasting room with deck affording stunning and relaxing valley views. A cozy fireplace is sure to warm you in the winter months as does the friendly hospitality all year round. The 2008 Pinot Gris has great acidity and just a hint of residual sugar making it sweet on the entrance yet dry in the mouth. At $12, this wine is a steal!! Drinking the 2007 Pinot Noir was like walking through the forest during summer when it’s been dry for some time. You find some sweet wild raspberries and acidic, tart cherries that taste a bit of the dusty earth. You swear you also detect some roses, but realize your standing next to a wild rose bush, breathing in the sweet and fragrant aromas instead… inhaling the moment.

Oswego Hills – Ahhh, my neighborhood winery and it only took me nearly a year to visit and review it. This gorgeous winery, located just minutes from my house, and extremely accessible from anywhere in the Portland-Metro area, is a surprising backdrop of vineyards, farmland and intricately restored historic barns located directly in the hills above West Linn and Lake Oswego. Jerry and Leslie Marshall own the 40-acre estate and have planted 15 acres, producing their first commercial vintage in 2001. Originally an equestrian center (home to Roy Roger’s horse Trigger), the Marshalls actually lived right behind the property for 40 years dreaming of ownership, until 1997 when they purchased the estate and were able to make their dream a reality. Oswego Hills produces 12 wines, the non-estate wines are all sourced from one vineyard in Benton City, Washington. Oswego Hills is probably known best for their Marechal Foch, tasting of plum, raisin and allspice (and the only red wine that can be chilled), it’s simply gorgeous with a bit of dark chocolate. Visit Oswego Hills and discover the magnificent homestead just a stone’s throw from the city. You'll be glad, both for the welcome escape and the pleasant discovery.