Weisinger’slatest batch is better than ever

In a typical winery tasting experience you really like two or three wines, kind of like another two or three and then tolerate the others.

But at Weisinger’s the other day, there were only two that I’d rate lower than the others.

I make an effort to revisit each area winery every year or two to keep up on what’s being poured and how the quality level is faring.

The current batch at Weisinger’s is probably the best the winery has produced.

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Unfortunately, there are no under-$10 wines in this group, but the prices are not bad for good quality, with all the whites at $16 and the reds starting at $19.

Weisinger’s has for years made a Dry Gewurztraminer, done in the Alsatian style, and the current 2000 release is another good one.

Two surprises among the whites are the 2001 Chardonnay and 2002 Pinot Gris.

The Chardonnay focuses on fruit rather than oak and is light and pleasant.

The Pinot Gris, first one Weisinger’s has made in several years, is full of flavor, fruitier than many by other wineries.

I liked the crisp, refreshing nature of the 2001 Semillon a little better than the 2002 Chardonnay/Semillon blend.

On to the reds.

Weisinger’s has a new merlot out, 2001 Heron Hill Merlot, and it’s excellent.

Price is $25 but worth it for a special occasion.

You could say the same for the 2001 Petite Pompadour, popular blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec - elegant as usual, at $28.

A good buy for less money is the Italian style red blend, Mescolare Lot 12, at $19.

The 2000 Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend, also $19, was my least favorite among the reds, although still interesting with its smoky flavor.

The final red in the tasting is an expensive ($40) 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, in limited production and sold only at the winery. It’s velvety with a lingering aftertaste. Because of the expense, there’s a $2 fee to sample it.

Weisinger’s is at 3150 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (daily in summer).

THE JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO wine tasting comes up Thursday, Dec. 11. This 23rd annual gala will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Rogue River Room and Redford Lounge in the Stevenson Union of Southern Oregon University in Ashland.

This has been a great event in the past, featuring wines from all over Oregon as well as local restaurant hors d’oeuvres and the like.

It sells out early. Tickets are $25 for JPR members, $30 for others, available at Ashland Wine Cellar and Chateaulin of Ashland, Adam’s Deli in Medford, the Jacksonville Inn Wine Shop or by calling JPR at 552-6301.

YOU MAY WISH TO STOCK up on some port for the holidays.

Foris of Cave Junction has in the past made a good port-style wine called Ruby. Unfortunately, the most recent batch bottled in 1995 is just about sold out. More is on the way but won’t be available for at least a year.

Otherwise, the best relatively inexpensive ports I’ve encountered come from Cockburn’s of Portugal. Its Fine Ruby at $12 is good, but better is its Special Reserve for $16.

If you feel more financially adventorous, the firm has some more expensive ones on the market, a 10-year-old tawny for $30 and a 20-year-old for $50.

WHAT WINES GO BEST WITH Thanksgiving dinner?

Some recommendations from local experts appeared in a story by this writer in the October edition of HomeLife magazine in the Mail Tribune.

Here are a few more, from David Gremmels, co-owner, and Dan Ashton, the wine guy, at Rogue Creamery of Central Point.

They’d suggest serving Zardetto Prosecco Brut with a local cheese and meat plate.

Next up, Inama Vin Soave 2001 - Soave Classico Superiore to accompany a main course of turkey, candied yams, corn pudding, mashed potatoes and bleu cheese buttermilk biscuits.

"This wine made from one of Italy’s oldest grapes has a complex layer of herbs, soft vegetal flavors and honeysuckle," say Gremmels and Ashton.

Then to go with a dessert of apple or spicy pumpkin pie, plus more cheese (of course), they’d vote for Verduzzo Vigneto Rone di Juri 1997, a light bodied Italian dessert wine.

Cleve Twitchell is a retired Mail Tribune editor and columnist. E-mail him at clevelin@internetcds.com.