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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2004)
While ch unks of America’s Midwest and East are still shoveling sidewalks and huddling at homefires, denizens of Western Oregon valleys have been sucked out of their houses by the strangely bright yellow orb in the normally leaden sky. and vastly under-appreciated chenin blanc grape. Bethel Heights Vineyards (Salem area top-shelf winery) used to make one of the prettiest versions of this wine in the market; sadly, they decided to take out the vines and plant the more complex pinot blanc — which is beautiful, but I miss the little wine with the fresh face. Happily, other versions are still available. The French are still masters of this vin: Look for Monmousseau 2001 Vouvray ($8) in your market, and you’ll have tagged a tangy white with aromas of flowers and green fields, flavors of pears and green melons. For a few pennies more, South Africa pro- duces Kanu 2003 Chenin Blanc ($9) that’s as charming as an adolescent who doesn’t pretend to know it all. Spring cannot come without pinot noir, and no lover of the season and these wines should miss the fact that many makers are just now releasing reserve versions from the fine 2002 vintage. And soon now we’ll begin to see first releases from 2003; from what we’ve tasted in barrels, the best of these will bring tears of joy. Right now, two bargains (for pinot noir) stand available: A to Z Wineworks 2002 Pinot Noir ($17.50) is touted as “the best ... under $20;” might be true, or close — medium body, bright flavors of cherries and raspberries, a touch of pepper — loverly, just loverly. Competitive at a little less is Torii Mor 2001 Pinot Noir ($17), again medium body, distinctive black-cherry pinot flavors and aromas with a pleasant earthy note, quite satisfying juice. For many, spring marks the last days for big reds and we really like Cline 2002 Red Truck ($9). The label alone is fun on the table, but the wine is a big, juicy blend of dark grapes like mourvedre and syrah, plus others, yielding rich aromas and fla- vors of berries and cherries, tingles of chocolate. Uh-oh, gotta go. Sun just broke out again. Must plant bulbs, shallots, onions, maybe send condolences to friends in Maine. Cya’ll at Saturday Market! Hahahahahahaha! ew CAMPUS AREA DELIVERY TAKE OUT ★ EAT HERE SERVING DELICIOUS NEW YORK PIZZA BY THE SLICE AND BY THE WHOLE PIZZA PIE 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT MON-SAT ★ 3:30PM-MIDNIGHT SUNDAY $ 2.00 OFF ANY 18” LARGE OR 16” MEDIUM PIZZA PLUS 2 FREE 20oz. SODAS 686-9598 COUPONS GOOD UNTIL APRIL 15, 2004 10¢ OFF PLUS A SLICE ® 1 FREE 12 OZ. SODA 1211 ALDER ON CAMPUS NEXT TO SACRED HEART HOSPITAL Fisherman’s Market Fantastic Seafood Entrées Entrées change weekly. Fresh U-Bake Sea food Fresh Crab Dinner $10.95 Good Inexpensive Wine Variety of Microbrews Orders to go: 484-CRAB 7th & Blair • Open 11-8 Mon.-Sun. APRIL 1, 2004 31
