We loved Sokol Blosser when we lived in Portland ten years ago, so we were delighted to discover the wines these days are even better than we remembered. And we tried a holiday flight of seven wines when we visited in early December!

We have always liked Sokol Blosser’s Pinot Gris with seafood in the summer, and 2006 Dundee Hills Cuvee Pinot Gris was no exception. We also enjoyed the 2005 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, with its smooth finish. Our absolute favorite was the 2005 Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir, with its rich, lush flavors of black cherry and blackberry.

But a special treat was the unexpected Meditrina IV –a unique rich and juicy blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel, a Meritage which, at $18, is a great value. We have never tasted anything like it!

What did we take home? Sokol Blosser’s Evolution (11th Edition), a blend of nine different white grapes with a unique parade of flavors. Yes, our preference is red wine. But in the spring, when we have our first taste of Copper River salmon, this will be the wine that we drink.

Cheers!