Marshall Manning

Steve, if you can plan your trip enough to know when you'll be passing near Ashland, New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro in Talent is a must-stop, but you'll need advance reservations. Marshall

Brad, many Cornas wines have aromas of blood and iron/metal, so I don't think the descriptor is that far off. If you've never had a young Verset Cornas, you should try something like the '98 or '99...I imagine you'll understand the blood descriptor then. Marshall

I'd recommend making appointments and visiting Belle Pente outside of Carlton and La Bete in McMinnville (if they have time to see you), as well as visiting a couple of places that have tasting rooms like Lange and DDO (I believe they have official tasting hours now?). Marshall

Craig, you might also want to check out Liner & Elsen on NW 21st, which is my favorite wine shop in town. Also, there's a new place on NW Thurman, Square Deal Wine Co. that looks promising. Welcome to the Northwest, by the way, we'd love to meet you some time. Marshall