Brant Blodgett's House - October 18, 2007 The group gathered at Brant's Tigard home. Guests Bill Kimmer and Jim Shaw both attended the tasting - members Greg Bunnell (with family in Sunriver) and Neal Bell (with his bride in Mexico) were not present. Two white wines were served for the Pre-wine selections and served with a fresh thrity five pound Salmon from Tillamook Bay courtesy of Brant's father and founding member, Ron Blodgett. Bottle A, a 2006 Domaine des Forges Sauvignon from Loire, France was true and precise - fooling no one. Bottle B, a 2005 Prinz von Hessen Riesling from Rheingau, Germany was dry, had hints of fruit and citrus, but without the sweetness most often associated with the varietal. Good things were said about both wines. The group then held a short meeting to discuss Greg Bunnell's motion to accept Bill Kimmer as a member of Willamette Wine Tasters. The motion passed without dissent and Bill was welcomed into the group. The group also agreed to the 2008 tasting schedule.  The wines for the blind tasting were served in two flights or four wines, and served from the most recent vintage to the oldest vintage to examine the effects of time, storage, and longevity of the Zinfandel offerings. At the conclusion of the tasting, the group was uncertain about the varietal or blend. Most picked up on the late harvest flavors and aromas. Guesses ranged from Italy's Amarone to other obscure varietals. Only Howard correctly guessed the varietal as Zinfandel. For dessert, Brant's wife, Karen, baked a Pumpkin Cheesecake that was served with a 2001 Rosenblum Cellars "Rosie Rabbit Vineyard Late Harvest Zinfandel given to the host by Greg Bunnell a few year's back. An extra bottle, a 2003 Cayuse Flying Pig, was also opened and disappeared quickly. |