Oregon Magazine

Traveling the West? Stay at Shilo Inns

Cover

Decanting with Delkin
Newport Wine Judging Results
Precede Weekend Festival
By Fred Delkin

Oregon's initial community wine fest of the modern era enters its 28th running Feb. 25-27. The 28th annual Newport Seafood & Wine Festival has already announced winners of its commercial wine judging, with 138 entries topped by best of show for Albany's small Springhill Cellars.

Springhill owner Mike McLain has grown grapes for 28 years and fashioned his own bottlings for some 18 years. He is a master craftsman with Pinot Noir and his 2001 reserve earned his current Newport plaudits. Mike,
whose wines we used to distribute, is an affable realtor when he's not making wine or tending grapes, and specializes in vineyard properties.

Springhill's Pimot Noir also earned a Newport best-of-show in 2001 with a 1988 Pinot Noir reserve. McLain maintains a moderate price level for his winners, at under $20 per 750.

The 2005 Newport commercial wine judgiing panel included Washington-based columnist Brooks Tish, Ashland wine merchant Lorn Razzano, Boulder CO wine consultant Georgia Ross, president of the Northwest Enological Society Gerald Warren of Seattle and
restauranteur Joe Swafford of Lincoln City's Bay House.

Other Gold medalists: Pinot Noir Airlie 2002 Dunn Forest vineyard, King Estate 2001. Pinot Gris Willamette Valley Vineyards 2003, Wine by Joe 2003. Riesling LaVelle 2004. Chardonnay Laurel Ridge 2002. Baco
Noir Chateau Lorane 2002. Merlot Paschal Rogue Valley 2001. Shiraz Columbia Crest (WA) 2002. Zinfandel Maryhill (WA). Sparkling Domaine Ste. Michelle (WA) Methode Champenoise NV & "Luxe" Methode Champenoise 1999.

Should you wish to immerse yourself and your tastebuds in the weekend Newport festivities, they are being staged at South Beach, with an exit at the south end of the 101 bridge crossing Yaquina Bay. Friday opening is 2 p.m., parking is available @ $3, or you can take a shuttle bus from one of several lodging properties. Saturday festival
hours are 10-5, Sunday 10-4. In vino veritas!