Reviews
and Awards by Vintage:
Firesteed 2001 Oregon Pinot Gris Awards
- 84 Points "Recommended" - 2003 Beverage Testing Institute
- 85 Points "Recommended" - Wine Advocate, November 2002
- Bronze: 2003 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
- Bronze: 2002 Enological Society
- Bronze: 2003 International Eastern Wine Competition
- 83 Points "Recommended" - 2002 Beverage Testing Institute
- Best in Label Illustration - Gold, Firesteed Cellars, 2001 Oregon Pinot Gris - Jerry D. Mead's New World International Wine Competition
The Northwest wine industry has reached an age where the "pioneers" have matured and are scaling back their hands-on involvement or switching to advisory status. Great wines continue to be made, and these empire builders can sit back to admire what time and hard work hath wrought.
Before I put my friends into rocking chairs prematurely, it should be said that a lot ahs been accomplished in a very short time by Doug Gore and Howard Rossbach. At opposite ends of the scale of production, Columbia Crest and Firesteed wineries both produce superior products at affordable prices.
Howard Rossbach began his involvement with the Northwest wine industry as a sales and marketing representative for well known local wineries. His desire to produce his own brand of affordable - and high quality - Northwest wine yielded the now popular Firesteed label in 1992. His "Virtual winery" approach operated by contracting grapes (originally just Pinot Noir in Oregon) and having the wine made under contract at another winery.
Howard's ability to create affordable, quality wines has grown the Firesteed brand from initial annual production of 7,000 cases to the anticipated 2003 production of over 50,000 cases. His virtual winery has now become a brick-and-mortar reality with the Firesteed facility in Oregon opening on Thanksgiving weekend on Highway 99W (2 miles north of the junction with Highway 22). Visitors are encouraged to pay a visit to this picturesque part of the Oregon wine country. Firesteed is open daily from 11 to 5.
2001 Firesteed Pinot Gris - $9.99 per bottle
The hallmark of Firesteed wines is a clean fruitiness that allows the varietal to speak first, sing really, with a voice that reassures the wine drinker. No heavy oak, no weird off aromas or flavors, thin palate, no hot alcohol finish.
Many wine judges investigate wines with an eye to locating faults. Each little misstep by the bottling results in a "ding" on the score sheet. Too oaky "ding", metallic finish... "ding". Too many "dings" and the wine fails the test.
Firesteed Pinot Gris doesn't get any "dings". It offers aromas of melon, pear and citrus - clean and pure. The palate is rich and balanced with ample refreshing acidity. Complex fruit flavors lead to a delicate finish with hints of toffee and spice. This is a great wine and a great value. Thanks, Howard.
"Some Great Wines from Old Friends", Chuck Hill, Wines Northwest, December, 2003
85 Points "Recommended"
Firesteed 2001 Pinot Gris (Oregon); $10. - Honeydew melons and white peaches are intermingled with apricots in the aromas as well as flavors of the 2001 Pinot Gris. Soft, expressive, and fresh, this excellent value is a delicious, easygoing wine to drink over the next year. Tel. 206-233-0683
"Oregon's 2000s - The Hat Trick" Wine Advocate, November, 2002
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