The evening I attended, two local and relatively new wineries were present.

The first, Left Coast Cellars, is located in Rickreall, Oregon and is owned by Karleton, Cali and Taylor Pfaff. Winemaker Luke McCollum and Customer Relations Manager Jolie Wiles were on hand to introduce their first vintage. The four wines poured were from 2004 including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir Cali's Cuvee, Pinot Noir Latitude 45 and Pinot Noir Suzanne's Reserve. All the pours were excellent but the Latitude 45 stood out. Ripe cherry with subtle hints of clove and cinnamon make this an excellent wine to pair with hearty meals (think beef stew or filet mignon). Left Coast Cellars is celebrating their grand opening Memorial Day weekend. Call (888) 831-4916 for more information.

Not to be outdone, Amalie Robert Winery also poured four amazing wines: Chardonnay Dijon Clone `04, Pinot Noir Dijon Clone `03, Pinot Noir Dijon Clone `04 and Pinot Noir Amalie's Cuvee `04. All four wines were excellent, but the Pinot Noir Dijon Clone `04 stood apart from the others. Cherry and red raspberry fruits combined with a spicy earthiness gave this wine a very distinctive flavor. Co-owners Ernie Pink and Dena Drews are hands-on in every aspect of the winery, from planting and wine-making to marketing and selling. Amalie Robert Estate is in Dallas, Oregon and is open by appointment. A Memorial Day open house is anticipated. Call (503) 831-4703 or visit Northwestwine.com  for more information.