Two of my new favorite wine labels come from Domaine Pouillon. I was introduced to them at a lunch in Hood River, OR, highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of the Columbia Gorge wine region. As a coffee lover, the label for the 2009 Syrah “French Press” immediately caught my eye. You also gotta love a wine that is only available in magnums. The name recalls Winemaker Alexis Pouillon‘s time working at legendary Chateauneuf du Pape producer Chateau Beaucastel. It is a Syrah not lacking in boldness; a gutsy red. (Total bummer note: it is sold out at the winery.)
And talk about a charming label! The “Ste. Lyle du Frigo” (“Saint Lyle of the Fridge”) is a lovely Viognier ice wine. Made from frozen grapes that have small amounts of juice that are more like highly-concentrated nectar, it is a luscious dessert wine. With all the prettiness you expect from a Viognier without being heavy or cloying, it was one sweet way to end a meal.
Full disclosure: I tasted these wines while on a trip sponsored by the Oregon Wine Board.
