Patrick McElligott on Oregon Appellations
By Ed Rydbeck

Yesterday is but a memory. Today will be a memory tomorrow. In the future tomorrow will be another day of memories. Our entire life is made of memories. It is memories that make us what we are. This is why you do not want to miss our November 12 wine tasting program on Oregon Pinots.

As we live in the Puget Sound area, we are well aware there are six appellations in Washington. Washington Wineries are proud of what they create and want the consumer to know from what appellation their wine is derived. This does not hold true for Oregon wineries, as they push Oregon rather than the appellation.

Oregon Appellations are: North Willamette, South Willamette, Umpqua & Rogue.

This is why Patrick McElligott will be our guest speaker at our Tale of Two Pinots Program on November 12 at St. Demetrios Cultural Center. Oregon is well know for its Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varietals, but little is known of the distinctive flavor each appellation imparts into each vintage.

This is where memory comes into play. You will taste a Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from each of the four appellations in Oregon. Patrick will explain the nuances of each, with and without food (prepared by Ray's Boathouse), so your brain cells can start to create your lasting impressions of each. Patrick has selected award-winning wines from each appellation.

The Pinot Noirs are all from 2000, which is arguably the best all-around year Oregon has ever had. They are voluptuous, fruity wines that will age well and scored well in magazine tastings. Two of the Pinot Gris are from 2001 and the other two from 2002. All four are low in acidity, which makes them softer and drinkable with or without food. Overall, we know you will be impressed by Patrick's selections.