Oregon Wine Club–May 2024

Analemma 2021 Mencia

The Analemma Mencia 2021 is a captivating expression of Oregon’s terroir, a wine that whispers tales of the Mosier Hills with each sip. It unfurls a bouquet of rose petal, honeysuckle, and lavender, a fragrant prelude to the lighter-bodied yet texturally rich palate. Notes of white pepper, crushed gravel, and graphite lend an earthy complexity, while the distinctive tannins suggest a wine with both character and poise. This Mencia pairs beautifully with herb-driven dishes and roasted meats; imagine it alongside a Reuben sandwich, or a Portobello mushroom steak for a vegetarian twist. For those who favor the grill, it’s an ideal companion to barbecued pork or pepper steak, enhancing the smoky flavors with its vibrant profile. The Analemma Mencia 2021 is truly a wine that celebrates the diversity of flavors, both in the glass and on the plate.

2020 Rambeaux Chardonnay

The 2020 Rambeaux Chardonnay, crafted by the esteemed Lynn Penner-Ash in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is a wine that eschews the typical opulence of Chardonnay for a more mineral and steel-inflected profile. Its core is not of lush fruit, but rather a complex tapestry of citrus, apple, and celery, with fruit skins taking center stage over flesh. The dominant acidity suggests a wine that is both bold and refreshing, perfect for pairing with a buttery cream sauce over lighter seafood. This Chardonnay is a testament to the subtlety and elegance that the Willamette Valley terroir can bring to such a beloved varietal.