Viva La España!

In just a few hours we will be boarding a plane to Espana! I (Christine) was becoming increasingly anxious since we hadn't planned any of the 12 day escape beyond our flight. But, once I looked up the quaint village and winery we will be headquartered at, my stress was eased.

We will be flying into Barcelona and heading southwest to the Priorat region, which many consider Spain's most exciting and up-and-coming winegrowing appellation. Chris's friend, Albert works as the assistant winemaker at his family's winery, Vall Llach. To our pleasant surprise, Vach Llach is one of the leading producers in Priorat (even named on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 List of 2011). They make three red blends from 60-90 year old Cariñena, Granacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah vines. Chris and Albert met this past Spring working harvest in New Zealand's Marlborough region and spent an additional week traveling the islands.

Outside of winery visits, we hope to take in as many of the recommendations our new friends, Thomas and Kate, from Divison Winemaking Company graciously gave us as their top eats in Barcelona and the six cheeses Tom from the Rogue Creamery suggested to seek out.

We are packing four bottles of our wine to share with our host and new friends.

We can't wait to share our experience with you.

Salud!

Chris & Christine

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Friday Night Pouring at 38 Central

God King Slave - Wine for our time... Friday 5-7 pm, enjoy a complimentary tasting of God King Slave Wine ~ special prices by-the-glass & by-the-bottle, small plate food pairings & experience "the fine art of casual dining" at 38 Central. Their words, "Come kick it with the the Best of the Valley." http://www.facebook.com/events/316160198401985/

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'Tis the Season... For Top 100 Lists

'Tis the season for Top 100 Wine Lists...

...and as the Northwest Wine Anthem puts it, "We think the Top 100 list from the Wine Enthusiast makes great toilet paper. Not one Oregon wine? Get the hell out of here."

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Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour - Part II

• Experience the new age of Oregon wine in the second leg of the Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour. Saturday, December 17th 5:00-8:00 pm Red Slate Wine Co., Portland The night will feature three wine (maybe more) brands from three distinct regions: Division Winemaking Company- It started as an "itch" when Tom enrolled in an entry level sommelier course and when Kate visited her family home in the Loire Valley in central France. It has now evolved into a winery on Divison Street in Southeast Portland, the site of Tom and Kate's first home together. Division represents the two sides of wine growing; vineyard farming and wine making. Finally, Division is the two people who strive to bring their creativity, ideals and love of wine. God King Slave Wines - At 24 and 27 years old, Christine Collier & Chris Jiron, have released their inaugural wine, a Syrah-Tempranillo blend from the Rogue Valley. Their mission to “Create like a God. Command like a King. Work like a Slave.” is bringing new energy to the Southern Oregon wine industry. Brigadoon Wine Company- Having caught the winemaking bug at an early age, Matt Shown has been working in the vineyards since he was 8 years old. Matt will be showcasing the Pinot Noirs and Pinot Blanc his family are committed to making. Enjoy the lineup from these three producers for just $10 (waived with 6 bottle purchase). The Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour will be a traveling series showcasing young winemakers from around the state.

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This Weekends Pourings

I have some upcoming tastings and I'd love to pour for you! Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm I'll be at the Harry & David Country Village and on Monday from 5-8 pm I'll be at Corks Wine Bar & Bottle Shoppe for the Jacksonville Barn Company Fall Open House. I hope you can try our wine soon!

- Christine

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Downfall of a Cult California Winery

A must watch for anyone who works in the wine biz! Simply hilarious. Does this mean our 14.5% alcohol wine will reign? haha

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Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour

A month or so ago, I was at the gym when an idea struck me. Let's get other young winemakers together and celebrate the future of Oregon wine. And so it begins...

Experience the NEW AGE of Oregon wine in the first leg of the Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour.

Saturday, September 24th
5:30-8:30 pm
Corkscrew Wine Bar in SE Portland

The night will feature three hot new wine brands from three distinct Oregon regions:

Fausse Piste- Jesse Skiles is celebrating the Rhone in a different kind of Way. In 2008, at the age of 24, Skiles departed as the Chef at Owen Roe Winery to develop Fausse Piste, a boutique Rhone based wine label using vineyards from across Washington and Oregon. Jesse’s has acquired a strong following and hopes to open a Tasting Room in the heart of Portland in the near future.

God King Slave Wines - At 24 and 27 years old, Christine Collier & Chris Jiron, have released their inaugural wine, a Syrah-Tempranillo blend from the Rogue Valley. Their mission to “Create like a God. Command like a King. Work like a Slave.” is bringing new energy to the Southern Oregon wine industry.

Brigadoon Wine Company- Having caught the winemaking bug at an early age, Matt Shown has been working in the vineyards since he was 8 years old. Matt will be showcasing the Pinot Noirs and Pinot Blanc his family are committed to making.
Enjoy the lineup from these three producers for just $10 (waived with case purchase).

The Young Winemakers of Oregon Tour will be a traveling series showcasing young winemakers from around the state.

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A Proud Parent

It is so exciting to see your own wine on someone's dinner table. I imagine the feeling is like watching your little one walk for the first time or graduate kindergarten 

(okay... maybe not that significant, but you get my point). 

Amye, my dear friend from high school, was enjoying some Syrah-Tempranillo with pizza night! 

- Christine

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Uncle Mitch, CSW

One of the most gut-wrenching moments from visiting family this weekend was when Uncle Mitch swirled, sipped and swallowed our wine. See what this CSW thought of our wine. 

Family is so humbling!

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OregonWineGeeks.com Review

We have our first real "review" (outside of our parents) and it is really cool!

OregonWineGeeks.com had this to say about our 2009 Syrah-Tempranillo:

This unique red from two young winemakers with the label God, King Slave.
  Create like a GOD.Command like a KING.Work like a SLAVE.- Constantin Brancusi

You should let this young wine breath a moment before going at it.  A light ruby color, lower alcohol red half Syrah and half Tempranillo is elegant and refined.  The nose has a touch of barnyard, subtle black fruit, spicy green pepper, a touch of leather and black pepper.  The mouth feel is full with a sweet fruit and a subtle tannin.  This mayl improve even more over the next year or two but is satisfying and hits the palate just right now.  We had this today at 38 Central, our WINE central on Tuesdays for sup and sip.

Score: 89 
Cost: $ 28

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C St. Bistro announces Wine Release Dinner Menu

Come eat and drink with us and celebrate our inaugural release!
C St. Bistro announced the menu for this Friday & Saturday's wine release dinner! You can't get much fresher than setting the menu after you buy the ingredients from this morning's farmers' market. 

AMUSE BOUCHE
Cornmeal Fried Okra Stuffed with Caramelized Onion/Garlic Chevre and Heirloom Tomato Relish

FIRST COURSE

Watermelon and Sweet Basil Gazpacho with Smoked Halibut Cheek

Troon Vineyard 2010 Dry Riesling

MAIN COURSE

Maple Brined Natural Pork Chop with Cipollini Quinoa, Grilled Red Haven Peach and Balsamic Syrup

God King Slave 2009 Syrah - Tempranillo

DESSERT

Blackberry Cobbler
Bellini

$45 includes dinner and wine.
We will have bottles and cases available for purchase. 

C St. Bistro is located at 230 E C St. in Jacksonville.

Reservations recommended. 

Call 541.231.7368 or email godkingslavewines@gmail.com. 

Hope to see you there!
- Chris & Christine

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God King Slave makes an entrance

Yes, we are making our entrance!

Read Medford Wine Examiner, Janet Eastman's article featuring... us... and don't forget to come celebrate with us this Friday and Saturday, August 19th & 20th, is our official wine release party. C St. Bistro, 5-8 pm, be there. For more information click here. We really, really, really want to see you!

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Our #1 Competitor - Chateau Miller

I think we should just withdraw our hat from the ring after watching this video on Chateau Miller.

How could we ever compete with the quality of vineyard sites,  clonal selection, winemaking and market response?

Chris and I came across this hilarious parody tonight and had to share it with you. My tummy still hurts from laughing. 

- Christine Collier (yeah, that's French)

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Wine Release Party!

Join us at our favorite local restaurant for a very monumental event. 

- Chris & Christine

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Will Row for Wine

Twenty-two bottles of Southern Oregon wine floated the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River this July 20th-22nd. Only empties returned thanks to the guests attending the first annual Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour hosted by Rogue River Outfitters. 


Guests enjoyed two nights and three days on the river paddling by day and sipping local wines by night. Rogue River Outfitters approached Chris and I to select and present the wines to pair with the evening meals. The wines selected for the trip included Troon Vineyard “The River Guide” Dry Riesling, Quady North Cabernet Franc, Del Rio Vineyards Viognier, Folin Cellars Tempranillo, Abacela Port, and the inaugural release of God King Slave.

It was an incredible collaboration to enjoy the scenery and adventure of the iconic Rogue River with the wines that are produced in this valley. - Chris Jiron

The scenery was beautiful, the wildlife was exciting, the river was thrilling, the food was exceptional, the lodging was comfortable, but the best part was the people, including the guides. We came together and are taking away lifelong memories. Wine has always been such an important tool in bringing people together and building lifelong friendships and this trip was no different. I hope we continue this trip for years to come and are able to share our regional wines in such a unique way. - Christine Collier

Dates for the 2012 Rogue River Rafting & Wine Tour have been set for July 18th-20th. The trip will have 12 paddles open and we would love for you to join us. Please visit the Rogue River Outfitters page for more information and to book your trip. 


Rogue River Outfitters is a second generation family-owned and operated guide and outfitter service. Craig and Tina Hughson truly believe the Rogue River is one of those beautiful world famous rivers that everyone needs to see and experience. They are one of few outfitters on the Rogue providing both rafting and fishing excursions. To learn more about Rogue River Outfitters visit http://www.rogueriveroutfitters.com/ or check out their blog at http://rrorafting.com.

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Surprise in the Wine Box

Click the link to watch our surprise in the wine box:

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VACATION. In the Willamette Valley.

Thursday, 4 pm. Chris and I hit the road for a weekend wine getaway up in the Willamette Valley. Here are some of my favorite moments from the trip.

First stop, beer at Venti’s Cafe Basement Bar with old friend Mike and new friend Kristen. Oops! Forgot to take a picture here.

Chehalem Tasting Room, Newberg. I’ve always been a fan of Chehalem whites, which was the reason for the stop, but lucky for us, the winemaker dropped off a lot of open bottles, meaning we tried everything from Pinot Gris (that tasted like Sauvignon Blanc) to a Gamay/Pinot blend to  five single vineyard Pinot Noirs. Coincidentally enough, Chaney, the generous Chehalem-ite, just got back from a Vintage in New Zealand where him and Chris crossed paths. We even cracked open a bottle of our 2009 God King Slave for the staff to try.

Colene Clemens Vineyards, Newberg. One of the newest producers in the Willamette Valley, the winemaker, Steve Goff, use to be the assistant at Beaux Freres. With a gravel driveway to rival Lange Estate Winery, it makes you wonder if it is going to be worth it (dust covered picture below). And it is. Currently tasting three wines, a rosé the color of copper with some major acidity, an Estate Pinot Noir and the Estate Reserve that is as good as any we tried all weekend. Plus they have one hell-of-a view.

The Allison, Newberg. The home of the cutest glass water bottles on the planet, the most irresistible  burger made with Pinot Noir, the most lovely smelling soap and lotion from Boony Doon, many late night indulgences in soft chocolate cake infused with Pinot of course,  and the best sleep I’ve had all year – making it the most ideal place to stay while in wine country. We couldn’t have been more fortunate.

Farm to Fork, Dundee. Incredible farm-fresh breakfast for two people that rarely have more than cups full of coffee ’til noon.

Wine Tasting with Friends, Everywhere. Our buddies, Franklin and Simon joined us for some wine tasting throughout the Dundee Hills and Chehalem Mountains. Who knows if the Willamette Valley was ready for that many over-swirls, f-bombs, or “industry” jokes, and who really cares.

Adelsheim Vineyard, Newberg. Happy 40th Adelsheim. Your “Lizzy” Reserve and Bryan Creek Pinots were everything I ever wanted in a Pinot. I bought an Auxerrois because it was delicious and I think it is fun to make up pronunciations.

The most hilarious thing I have ever seen. Joe’s Secco.

The Painted Lady, Newberg. The best dining experience ever. Chris and I ate here last year and anticipated our return more than anything else on the trip. If you go, you must leave the wine and food pairing to them, the combos are mind-blowing:

ME: Wild Salmon Carpaccio, Pistachios, Capers and Local Olive Oil 2007 Argyle BrutCHRIS: Oregon Shrimp Napoleon w/ Avocado, Cucumber & Citrus Aioli 2009 Trisatum Riesling

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ME: Seared Diver Scallop and Alaskan Spot Prawn with Bourride 2009 Bergstrom Old Stones Chardonnay
CHRIS: Hazelnut Crusted Halibut with Sunchoke Puree and Red Wine Reduction 2007 Le Cadeau Enquinox Pinot Noir
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BOTH: Beef Two Ways; Prime New York Steak and Braised Short Ribs 2008 Pamphlin Family JRG Red Wine
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ME: Chocolate Grand Marnier Souffle 2007 Abacela Port
CHRIS: Chevre Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote 2006 David Hill Muscat Port

I seriously have never complained about being this full in my life, but there isn’t one bite I would take back!

Other worthwhile moments- drinking the strongest drink of my life at Thistle in McMinnville (congrats to them for being named Restaurant of the Year by The Oregonian), and  having our friend Travis tell us:

Ripe fruit, dry fruit, leather and spice. All around drinkability. It was great. 50/50 Syrah/Temp (2009 God King Slave) was meant to be. You might want to keep that going.

That made my whole weekend!

Sunday 11 am I throw myself a pity party because my fabulous vacation was coming to an end. But…welcome home my new friends!

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