The State of Jefferson
Spend any time in southern Oregon and you can’t escape references to the “State of Jefferson”—even on winery websites. In 1941 there was an abortive, but very real, secession movement (inspired by the lack of good roads in the rural area) that aimed to create what then would have been the 49th state—to be named “Jefferson”—from the counties forming southern Oregon from Douglas County, to northern California’s Mendocino County. A Proclamation of Independence was drafted, Yreka was designated the capital, a governor was elected, and the main road was blockaded. But timing was bad. The nascent rebellion came to an immediate stop on December 7, 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor—participants swore allegiance to…
1976 South Block Reserve – The Eyrie Vineyards
By now it is a well worn tale to Oregon wine aficionados: how in 1979 a pinot noir from The Eyrie Vineyards bested all but one red Burgundy in a GaultMillau tasting in Paris, thereby attracting the interest of Robert Drouhin to Oregon and sparking the legitimation of Willamette Valley pinot. What hasn’t been fully appreciated is that the winning wine, vintage 1975 South Block Reserve, was never sold on the open market. Indeed, The Eyrie South Block Reserve wines were made in vintages from 1970 to 2007—but only two vintages were ever released for sale. “The more Dad liked a wine,” explained son Jason Lett, “the more he wouldn’t sell it!” Winemaker, legend, and…
St. Innocent Winery, Oregon
2008 Pinot Noir, Temperance Hill Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills
Anam Cara Cellars, Oregon
2008 Pinot Noir, Heather’s Vineyard, Nicholas Estate, Chehalem Mountains
Salem dining now in session
The city of Oregon’s political movers and shakers finally has a food scene worth advocating thanks to a group of seasoned chefs trying new approaches and a handful of talented fresh faces rising in the ranks. One of the most exciting additions is chef David Rosales’s La Capitale. Rosales, the son of prominent Mexican restaurateur Pedro Rosales, of La Margarita Co., honed his techie at various restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Chez Panisse in Berkeley, before bringing his passion for french cuisine to a prime corner seat in the city’s historic Pacific Building. Legislators and lobbyists alike come for French staples such as croque monsieur and grilled-to-order bavette steak. The house-ground burger is…
Van Duzer Vineyards, Oregon
2010 Pinot Gris, Estate, Willamette Valley
Retro Redo
Cookbook author Ivy Manning takes us through the kitchen remodel in her 1940s-era house, and shares her riffs on classic recipes inspired by the historic Mallory Hotel in Portland, Oregon.
Astoria at 200
By MJ Cody From the March/April 2011 issue I’m sitting in Fort George Brewery and Public House eating one of the most unusual yet delicious
Helioterra, Oregon
Helioterra 2009 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Matello, Oregon
Matello 2009 Pinot Noir, Lazarus, Willamette Valley