Six Pick Program Launch at Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards
Stephen and Gloria Reustle, Winemaker/co-owners of Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards in the Umpqua Valley AVA in southern Oregon, implemented a creative marketing idea during the coronavirus shelter-in-place situation we are all faced with now. Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards crafts stunning high-quality wines across their entire portfolio, several of which I include in my personal cellar. Their wines are beautiful at release, and ageworthy too, if you have the patience to lay them down!
I washonored to be Reustle Prayer Rock’s first guest speaker for their Six Pick programvia online video. It was my pleasure to warmlywelcome members of the expansive Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards Wine Clubjoining Winemaker Stephen and Associate Winemaker Wade Smith for this onlinepresentation.
Each of the club members, loyal customers and I share something in common. We are passionate about Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards, the people, the vineyards, the winery and wine cave, and the impressive wines they craft.
Deciding upon my Six Pick selection was no easy task. Every Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyard wine I have tasted over the years shows spot-on varietal correctness, precise balance, and depth of flavor. Any one of their wines could be among my favorite six at any given time. Here is a snapshot of the video content, and a peek at my Six Pick selection.
First I reviewed their library selection 2014 Gruner Veltliner, wow. When I first tasted this wine a few years ago it was extraordinary; brimming with classic flavors, purity, and brightness. I declared that Reustle Prayer Rock’s Gruner Veltiners are the most beautifully crafted Gruners I had ever tasted.
This 2014 GV remains a classic now, with layers of Granny Smith apple, white pepper, star fruit, subtle herbs, and citrus elements, and is still ever so fresh and bright. And talk about ageworthy, it still has years of enjoyment ahead.
2016 Pinot Noir Reserve: Take note Willamette Valley, this PN from Umpqua Valley Oregon’s Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards is extraordinary! Professional wine judge colleagues of mine from near and far agree it deserves high accolades. This well-crafted Pinot Noir has secured THREE Double Gold (GG) medals in the past 18 months; at the 2020 American Fine Wine Competition, the 2019 WPNW Platinum Judging "Best of Best" Competition, and the 2019 Oregon Wine Awards.
It displays refinement and elegance in the glass. Black raspberry, Sweetheart cherries, forest floor notes, and perfectly placed oak nuances join exotic spice and brilliant balancing acidity, and the finish keeps on delivering long after the final glorious sip.
Along with these two wines, the additional wines in my six pickselection for this program include the following:
Savory and bold 2017 Estate Tempranillo
Smooth and succulent 2016 Estate Merlot
Zesty and minerally 2018 Riesling
Richly textured and lively 2018 Dolium Gruner Veltliner
Hats off to Stephen (winemaker/co-owner) and Gloria (marketing/co-owner), Associate Winemaker Wade Smith, and their entire delightful and competent staff for all they accomplish year after year in their well-groomed vineyards and gorgeous winery. And don't miss the Reustle amphitheater, overlooking their Romancing Rock and Prayer Rock Vineyards; it is a remarkable venue for musical, wine tasting, and other scheduled events. Their property also includes a beautiful two-bedroom two-bath Carriage House which can be booked for a visit (best to do so in advance, as it is extremely popular).
Joining their wine club is easy, and includes invitations to special wine releases and delightful events which are engaging and tons of fun. You can also sign up for their Observer’s Club Email List, to stay up to date on special promos and events held throughout the year. I urge you to plan a visit when wineries reopen, hopefully soon. For now, you can give them a call, and/or order wines online. They still have some of Ellen’s Six Pick wines available for purchase too, each of which are exquisite. Reach them by calling the winery at 514 459-6060, or visiting their website, www.reustlevineyards.com. Happy sipping everyone!
