Highlights of the 2004 ‘A Taste of Ashland’

These were some of the highlights of the 2004 "A Taste of Ashland," a late April wine-food-art event presented in many of Ashland’s art galleries.

One of the first wines to come out of Roxy Ann, at the historic Hillcrest Orchards in east Medford, was a fine 2001 Claret, a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Now the 2002 has been bottled. Samples were poured at "A Taste of Ashland."

I thought it was the best wine there, or at least the best of those I had an opportunity to try.

The 2002 Claret adds cabernet franc to the mix — 52 percent merlot, 26 percent cabernet sauvignon and 22 percent cabernet franc. The results are grand, worth the retail price of $22-$24.The Academy, small winery near the town of Applegate, poured four wines. My favorite was the 2002 Pinot Noir, smooth and flavorful, for $15. The other two reds on the market are the 2002 Merlot and 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, each $17. The Academy also makes a good 2002 Chardonnay for $12.

Since the winery is open only by appointment, tasting at events like these presents an appreciated opportunity.Not many Oregonians are aware that wine is being made in Siskiyou County, Calif., just below the Oregon border. Shasta View Winery of Montague began operations in 1996.

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At "A Taste of Ashland," owners Roger and Gail Rogers poured samples of three wines: a buttery 2002 Chardonnay that sells for $19, a fruity 2001 Zinfandel, $24, and a high quality 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28 — all three very good. The wines can be found in Medford at the Eden Valley Orchards tasting room in the Voorhies Mansion.

Another out-of-town winery whose products are not easily found in Jackson County is Chateau Lorane, located near the town of Lorane, south of Eugene. This column paid a visit there a couple of years ago.

Chateau Lorane specializes in wines made with organically grown grapes, and poured several at the Ashland event. I liked the 2000 Chardonnay ($15) and 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20). There was also a $15 Pinot Gris (I didn’t get the year of release), not quite as good.Chateau Lorane makes a number of wines from fruits other than grapes. Its Life Force, a non-vintage apricot mead, tastes better than most of its kind. It costs $16.

Other worthy wines at the event included Valley View 2001 Rogue Red and two Silvan Ridge wines from Eugene, 2001 Pinot Gris and 1999 Oregon Merlot, made with Rogue district grapes.The Valley View blend features syrah, cabernet sauvignon and merlot for $12.

The Silvan Ridge Pinot Gris is crisp and pleasant, $12. The merlot is one of the better ones on the market, priced from $15 to $19.

A Taste of Ashland offers something a little different in the way of a wine and food event. Instead of having everything in one large room, patrons walk from gallery to gallery. Art on display at each stop adds an additional dimension.

The only change I’d suggest would be to make it a little later in the day. Current hours are noon to 4 p.m. The region’s other major wine events are staged in the evening, probably not practical for art galleries. But even 1 to 5 p.m. would be an improvement.

THE REGENCY GRILL RESTAURANT in Medford’s Rogue Regency Inn continues to showcase a number of Southern Oregon wines, by the glass as well as the bottle.

The other night I sipped Valley View Chardonnay ($4.50 a glass) with my salad and then Bridgeview Blue Moon Merlot ($3.95) with an entrée of veal marsala accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables. Foris and Academy are among other local labels available.

REMINDER: Troon Vineyards, 1475 Kubli Road, in the Applegate Valley, opens its first-ever tasting room on Memorial Day weekend. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday, through the summer.

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