Woohoo...92!
Thursday | 26 May 2011
We just learned that the editors at Wine Enthusiast rated and reviewed our 2008 Reserve Syrah and awared it 92 points. Only a selection of their reviews appear in print, but beginning August 1, you can look for it at WineMag.com.
In her follow report on Hospice du Rhône titled “An extravaganza of Rhônes,” Laurie Daniel at the San Jose Mercury News wrote that our first Reserve "is plump and lively, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, a note of roasted coffee and firm structure."
» Order 2008 Reserve Syrah
The Demise of the Cowhorn Choke?
Wednesday | 25 May 2011
After two years of working with the artichokes, I am so sad to say that I am considering abandoning the project. So far this season, we are pleased to see that the plants are beautiful and vibrant. No temperature or pest problems, soil is healthy and the irrigation has worked like a charm. Yet, check out the photos of the chokes themselves. These baby chokes are not similar in size. Also, notice how the smaller one is already opening, as if it is bolting to seed very quickly. These inconsistencies are not a chefs dream! Bill and I have served them up and they are tasty, but I don’t know if they will make the Cowhorn grade for selling them commercially. I am too sad about it to give up just yet. A little more pondering until I decide what to do.
– Barbara Steele
3 Cowhorn wines nominate for Sunset magazine awards
Thursday | 19 May 2011
Sunset magazine just notified us that three of our wines have been nominated for the annual Sunset Western Wine Awards. Our Viognier and Spiral in the Good Value category and our 2008 Reserve in the Special Occasion category.The Sunset Western Wine Awards are recognized as one of the highest honors for Western winemakers and focus solely on wines produced in the West. Judging to start mid June. We will keep you posted.
– Bill Steele
I Love This Time of Year!
Wednesday | 18 May 2011
Last night for dinner, Bill and I had an asparagus sandwich and a Syrah 74. The sandwich is open face with a layer of almond, asparagus and roasted garlic puree, layered with roasted asparagus and then topped with cheddar cheese! The Syrah 74, well … you know what that is. It was a WONDERFUL meal!
– Barbara Steele
Recycling Update: New Life for Old Bottles
Wednesday | 11 May 2011
In our ongoing quest to close the loop on as many aspects of our farm and winery as possible, Cowhorn is happy to introduce a new upcycling partner located right here in the green state of Oregon. Rebootle creates one of a kind, handmade, casual glassware for the eco-conscious consumer that is functional, beautiful, and dishwasher safe.
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Applegate Valley Goes to Hospice du Rhone
Wednesday | 11 May 2011
Yes, Cowhorn is stretching its wings once again. Last week I was pouring Cowhorn wines at Hospice du Rhone in Paso Robles. Hospice du Rhone is the largest gathering of Rhone style wine producers in the States. Lately I hear people saying that the Applegate is the up and coming Rhone growing region. Sort of a Paso Robles in the making.
Surely I love when I hear that, as Cowhorn only grows Rhone variety grapes. But, in truth I think the magic of the Applegate is that we can be home to great wines from many varieties. Our climate and geology offer diversity that is not matched anywhere in the world other than the rainforests! One aspect about fine wine growing that makes folks wax poetic is the mystery of the vintage. Here in the Applegate, unlocking the mystery of our farms is equally as romantic!
– Barbara Steele
Sweet sprigs break ground
Thursday | 05 May 2011
It's Asparagus Season here at our Applegate Valley estate, when the sweetest springs in the Rogue begin breaking ground in their 2-acre patch between the forest and the vineyard.
In addition to preserving biodiversity as part of our Master Plan, Cowhorn is a perennial polyculture, and asparagus is our first commercial crop each growing season. With over 15,000 plants, of the Purple Passion and Jersey Knight varieties, we expect to pick about 125,000 spears this year weighing in at around 8000 pounds.
Rogue locals will find Cowhorn Asparagus available at the Ashland Co-op, Shop 'n Kart, and on the menu at New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro.
Barrels of fun for sale
Wednesday | 04 May 2011
From bistro tables to bird houses, used wine barrels offer a super stylish way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Each summer we’ve been happy to see about 10 to 15 Cowhorn barrels get a second lease on life at new homes around the Rogue.As Cowhorn continues to grow, we will have more beautiful old barrels to roll out each summer. This year, we expect to have closer to 30 barrels available for purchase for $35 each, or two for $50. Such a deal!
Barrels are available on a first come, first serve basis. So if you know you want one (or two), please be sure to say so when you make your appointment for a tasting and tour of the estate.
And if you’re inspired to send us photos of your barrel’s new life as an ice chest or a dog house, we’d love to see them!
Grenache Rosé at Callahan's Lodge
Tuesday | 03 May 2011
Callahan’s Mountain Lodge is classic Oregon. The restaurant originally opened with just eight stools and five tables back in 1947.
It quickly became a favorite stop along the “Old 99” where weary travelers could find good food, good drinks, and good company on their way over what is today the highest mountain pass on Interstate 5.
The Callahan’s tradition continues in a recently rebuilt world-class lodge sporting some of the most comfortable accommodations in the rugged range at the southern end of the Rogue Valley.
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