Alumni Legends

Each month, OSU Alumni Association Wine Club owners Cassie and Robert Rothstrom search out wineries with an Oregon State University connection. Then through careful selection, we bring you the best that these wineries have to offer – one bottle at a time.

Here are a few of our recently featured wineries with an Oregon State University connection:



April 2008 Releases

Kerry Norton, winemaker
Covey Run

Location: Woodinville, WA
Owner: Constellation Wines US
Winemaker: Kerry Norton
Established: 1982
Annual Production: 200,000 cases
Web Site: www.coveyrun.com
Featured Wine: 2002 Reserve Merlot
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon




2002 Reserve Merlot
Winemaker Notes: Covey Run’s 2002 Reserve Merlot is a powerful wine packed with classic cherry, raspberry and dark fruit flavors overlain with leather and dusty notes. Its intensely dark, red-purple color and youthful structure show great potential for cellaring. This is the chance to try a Washington Merlot made in a powerful style.

2003 Winemaker’s Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Notes: Fruity and full-bodied, this Cabernet Sauvignon shows supple flavors of cassis, berries, herbs, smoke, leather, toast and a hint of spice that will continue to improve in the bottle for many years. Try pairing it with red meats and game, sharp cheeses, chocolate and other rich foods.





Tom & Elliott Johns, co-owners/winemakers
Emerson Vineyards

Location: Monmouth, OR
Owner: Tom & Elliott Johns
Winemaker: Elliott Johns
Established: 2005
Annual Production: 2000 cases
Web Site: www.emersonvineyards.com
Featured Wine: 2006 Avelina Pinot Noir
2005 Syrah Lodi
2006 Chardonnay




2006 Avelina Pinot Noir
Winemaker Notes: Violet-garnet in color, Avelina is subtle and complex, with nuanced color and perfect clarity. Aromas are of berry candy, spice, and earth, opening up to raspberry and floral notes. The palate shows strawberry and cherry fruit, overlaid with minerality and hints of forest earth. Texture is rich and mouth coating; silky tannins and balanced acids frame the long finish. Try with lamb, salmon, or tomato-based pasta dishes.

2005 Syrah Lodi
Winemaker Notes: Emerson Vineyards Syrah is a near-opaque, saturated ruby color. Smoky, brambly fruit aromas give way to a robust palate of juicy blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, pepper, and pie spice. Rich, weighty texture and fine-grained tannins round out the mid-palate and finish. Pair with ribs, Indian fare, or bittersweet chocolate. This wine was featured at the 2008 Celebration of Syrah at Edgefield Winery April 11 & 12, 2008 - one of only six wineries invited!

2006 Willamette Valley Chardonnay
Winemaker Notes: Emerson Vineyards Chardonnay is fresh, tropical and round, with candied pineapple and mango notes, creamy texture, and balanced acidity. A delicious contrast to the heavily oaked, buttery style of a California Chardonnay. Try with grilled shrimp, pasta salad, or pork tenderloin.




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