Snagging a last minute invite to a wine maker dinner at the Seattle Art Museum’s TASTE restaurant I felt lucky. Then I found out the meal would surround about Pinot Noir, my favorite. Then I found out the guest of honor was Nick Nicholas, “tractor man” at Nicholas Vineyard - the foundation of Anam Cara Cellars’ wines…plus a roster of “A” list wineries in the Willamette.

 

Pinot-centric I expected perfection…and that was delivered. Where I was blown off my chair with the ’07 Estate Riesling, Chehalem Mountains! With a total of only 3 acres planted with Riesling I nodded that it would be special. The off-dry style has a lingering Mosel style, but with a decidedly New World freshness. The less than two percent residual sugar made it a perfect pair for the Qualicum Bay scallop served with house-made crème fraiche, rosemary vinaigrette and melted fennel-radicchio slaw that Chef Craig and his team prepared.

 

Of the Pinots the outstanding ’05 Heather’s Vineyard Pinot Noir was the queen of the night, served with Skagit River Ranch braised oxtail bundled together with a “pancake.” With just two barrels available this is a special treat.

 

I’ll be strolling (or running) over to DeLaurenti’s to nab me a few bottles!