A Delightful Visit to Duck Pond Winery
On this hot, sunny, July 7th, Mrs. Flaneur and I decided to check out a local winery. We had a 2-for-1 coupon left over from the Wine and Food Classic for a tasting at Duck Pond Winery in Dundee and decided to give it a try. We were not disappointed.
Location and Setting
Duck Pond Winery is located at 23145 Hwy 99 West, Dundee, OR 97115. If you are coming from McMinnville, head north on 99W and make a u-turn about 800 feet past the entrance and head south again. The winery is about 300 yards back from the highway, so you can see the highway traffic but cannot hear much highway noise. It is nicely landscaped with sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, and - yes - a pond, complete with koi fish. The patio is shaded by the building in the mid-afternoon, and there is a wooden deck built around a large shade tree. Indoor seating is also available.
Tasting Menu
The tasting menu consisted of the following wines:
La Chouette Pinot Gris - $35
Riesling - $25
Pinot Noir Rosé - $35
Pinot Noir (Cattrall Vineyard in Amity) - $68
Organic Pinot Noir - $65
Cabernet Sauvignon - $50
I will admit my bias: I am not much interested in white wines and much prefer red wines.
White Wines:
The two whites in the tasting flight, the Pinot Gris and the Riesling, were both good, mellow, and unobjectionable wines perfect for sipping on a shady patio. The Pinot Gris had low acidity and slight hints of citrus. The Riesling, made from old vines, had a stronger bouquet and several noticeable fruit notes. Of the two whites, the Riesling came out on top, and at $25 per bottle, it is hard to go wrong with it, either for yourself or as a gift.
Rosé:
The rosé was dry and had noticeable acidity, with a slight hint of strawberry. Overall, it was unremarkable, and in my opinion, the Pinot Gris and Riesling offered better taste at the same or a lower price point.
Red Wines:
The red wines in the flight did not disappoint.
Pinot Noir (Cattrall Vineyard): This wine is outstanding, with strong notes of blackcap raspberry and a spicy, peppery flavor. Despite the bold flavor, the wine does not have a lot of tannins and is very smooth.
Organic Pinot Noir: Extremely smooth, with many fruity notes and a mild pepper flavor. This wine is a softer, milder version of the Cattrall Vineyard Pinot Noir. It contains no sulfate preservatives, making it a great option for those sensitive to sulfates.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine earned spontaneous "wows" from both me and Mrs. Flaneur. It bursts with the flavor of chocolate and cherries and is amazingly smooth. Well worth it at $50 a bottle.
Atmosphere and Events
In addition to the pleasant landscaping and great wines, the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The venue itself features live music events (upcoming on July 20 and 25 and August 17 and 25).
It is well worth the short trip for a visit to Duck Pond Winery.
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