Olson Ogden Wines

death cab for cutie's "grapevine fires"

Drinks Are On Me recently posted this video from Death Cab for Cutie. The song “Grapevine Fires” is a true story that recalls the 2007 wildfires in California that destroyed 1,500 homes, burned 500,000 acres of land, killed nine people, and injured 85 others including at least 61 firefighters.  The grapevine in the title refers to the Grapevine freeway in California but still, it is interesting to hear a song by a popular band referencing wine. Drinks Are on Me's Dale Cruse added this interesting bit: After the incident a local newspaper reported, “Three months after smoke from wildfires carpeted California’s vineyards, some winemakers in the thick of harvest are reporting grapes giving off unusual odors that may be signs of smoke taint.”  Check out the video above and the lyrics at Drinks Are On Me.

california's best lesser known vineyards

The San Francisco Chronicle had an article by John Bonne this past Sunday on some lesser know but really good vineyards in California.  Two vineyards mentioned in the article, Alder Springs and Manchester Ridge, we started getting fruit from with the 2008 harvest.  We get Syrah and Pinot Noir from Alder Springs and Pinot Noir from Manchester Ridge. The wine we have in barrel from these vineyards at this early stage is stunning.  I can't wait for the finished wine in early 2010! -- by John

olson ogden pouring events this week

We have a busy schedule of pouring at Olson Ogden Wines this week.  Tomorrow, June 22nd, Tim Olson will be at the California Wine Merchant in San Francisco pouring our pinot noirs as part of the Pinot Days satellite series tasting events.  I will be at the Jug Shop in San Francisco the following day, June 23rd, pouring our pinot noirs for the same reason.  On Wednesday we will be at Uncorked Events 3rd Anniversary "Best of the Best" tasting at Ruby Skye in downtown San Francisco pouring some of our 2007 vintage wines.  On Thursday, June 25th, Tim will be pouring our pinot noir again at the Pinot Days Winemakers Table Hop dinner at Pres A Vi restaurant in the Presidio of San Francisco.  And then on Sunday, the grand tasting event for Pinot Days, we will be pouring our pinot noirs for all to taste.  At the Uncorked Event on Wednesday, June 24th, and at the Pinot Days Grand Festival Tasting on Sunday, June 28th, we will be offering some unique promotions for our wines.  Don't want to spill the beans but if you will be at either of these events, don't forget to stop by and check these out.  You won't be disappointed!  Hope to see you this week at one of these events. -- by John