Phelps Creek Vineyards

“Great Wine begins in the Vineyard”

I couldn´t agree more with this! specially after visiting this piece of paradise in Oregon, at their acclaimed estate Vineyard, nestled along the west hills of the Hood River Valley, where life becomes infinite views and experiences.

Robert Morus is the “Patron” (founder and director) of Phelps Creek Vineyards; he moved to Hood River in 1989, following his dream of growing vines and living with his family. Now, the estate vinayards are 28 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with 2 more to be planted this Spring. Robert is a wonderful host, we had long wine conversations over glasses and glasses of their fabulous wines.

The two Winemakers of Phelps Creek Vineyards are Rick Cushman and Alexandrine Roy. Definitely a team with “Savoir Faire! Rick it´s a native from River Hood, he has a passion for cool weather varietals and He is an expert in the manipulation of the grape to make a great wine, the result: his wines have very clean, pure flavors; wines with good balance and very particular aromas and tastes, wines that stand on its own without being similar to something else i tried.

Alexandrine Roy brings the Burgundy style to Phelps Creek Vineyards wines, her techniques are based in tradition, as she is a 4th generation vigneron. Her wines have that “glimpse” to tradition but will rejuvenate your soul.

Their wine tasting room is located very close to the vineyard, at the Hood River Golf Course, in a cozy place that invites for great moments, they can schedule private tastings and if advance notice they can customize the tasting to include their premium wines or older vintages paired with artisan cheeses selections.

2007 Phelps Creek Vineyards, “Estate Reserve”, Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge AVA
This is a luscious wine,  great in the nose with rich in aromas of spice, butterscotch and pear. A wine with balanced acidity.  In few words, a BIG wine with very long finish.

Becky´s Cuvee Pinot Noir 2007

This wine comes from 4 premium high elevation vineyards combined with the estate fruit aged in French Oak Barrels. It has richness and balance,  beautiful flavors and a rich perfume with notes of  Raspberry, Currants and Violets with a soft finish of ripe tannins.  This wine is a very very pleasant surprise, because it doesnt have a rich color but then you smell it…you swirl it…and then you taste it…i assure you will say: wow!

2007 Phelps Creek Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge AVA

This wine is a star!  a 100%  Estate Reserve, made from the Vines first planted 17 years ago. It has a dark rich fruit flavors and a pipe Tobacco nose with mineral notes due to the  deep Volcanic soil. It is aged in French Oak barrels. Definitely an inspiring wine that will  fulfill your senses, my favorite from Phelps Creek Vineyards along with their amazing Merlot!

Celilo Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Gorge 2006

A cool weather Merlot? Yes !  Should it taste so good? no…but it does!!  This is a FABULOUS Merlot! The fruit of this wine comes from the acclaimed Celilo Vineyards on Underwood Mountain, Washington. The vineyard, sloped east and south, maximizes sun exposure and the small yield, combined with an unusually warm season, produced a vintage expressing exceptional berry flavors and richness.

I had great food, wonderful wines and fun, interesting conversations in Oregon, thank you for everything Phelps Creek Vineyards!!!

Salud!!!