Some recent sips

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2007:

This has just rolled out into the market and I decided to give it a run tonight. It shows some nice melon shaded by citrus notes. It has a very very light color, almost lacking color. Some would call it "light straw". Gives some good flavor throughout the palate. A little on the front, some nice mouthfeel and midpalate of melon. Finishes with nice acidity and a little citrus, green apple notes. Pretty enjoyable as an apertif, would match up with a nice variety of foods. Worth checking out.

Deschutes Brewery St. Tanith Belgian Ale:

Deschutes just opened a new brewpub in Portland (hooray!). In addition to all of their great beers on tap (some cask conditioned too!) they offer brews that are only available at the pub. They were offering an extra pale ale (passed), a couple others and one that caught my eye, their Belgian style. It comes in a brandy snifter glass and packs a punch at around 8%. Good fruitiness with some hops and that Belgian fruitiness on the beer that makes it awful good. A great deal at $3.50! I've added it to my short list of bars to frequent downtown. imperial pints (20 oz!) for just over $4, say no more.

Stumptown Tart:

Another Belgian style beer from an Oregon brewery. This one sets itself apart by being brewed with marionberries and then aged in pinot noir barrels. It's available in bombers in some places around town for $3/btl. I went quarters on a case with some coworkers. I was half expecting a framboise, sweeter style beer. But that wasn't the case. It didn't have much sweetness but some nice berry notes. It didn't knock me out right at first, however it grew on me. It does have a certain flavor note that I would chalk up to the pinot noir barrels. For the price, it's a nice change of pace for the improving weather.