September Wine Club

JOIN THE STORY HILL BKC WINE CLUB

Oregon is best known for Pinot Noir, but the state's cool climate is equally well suited to producing expressive, balanced Pinot Gris. The Orchards Pinot Gris from Left Coast Estate is a terrific example of why Oregon has become one of the leading regions in the United States for this versatile white grape.

The wine takes its name from the historic orchard that once occupied the property, originally planted by Oregon Trail settlers. Today, Pinot Gris thrives in these estate vineyards, where Oregon's cool growing season helps preserve freshness while allowing the fruit to develop plenty of flavor. The 2024 vintage is made from 100% estate-grown Pinot Gris from Left Coast's South Farm in the Van Duzer Corridor.

In the glass, The Orchards is bright and inviting, with aromas of white blossoms, ripe Bosc pear, white peach and citrus. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, offering generous peach and pear flavors accented by white pepper and mineral notes. Refreshing acidity keeps the wine lively from the first sip through its crisp, lingering finish.

🍽️ Pairing & Servings Tips

• Pair With: Fresh seafood, grilled chicken, summer salads, soft cheeses, and lighter pasta dishes.
• Wine Club Tip: If you typically reach for Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, give Oregon Pinot Gris a try—it strikes a wonderful middle ground combining ripe fruit, refreshing acidity, and mineral character.

Few wines capture the character of Mendoza quite like Malbec, and the Kaiken Ultra Malbec offers a particularly refined expression of the grape. Produced from 100% Malbec, this wine brings together fruit from three of the Uco Valley's most celebrated high-altitude areas. These vineyards range from approximately 3,900 to 4,600 feet above sea level, where sunny days and cool nights create a long, slow ripening season that helps preserve freshness while building concentrated fruit and structure.

In the glass, Ultra Malbec is deeply colored with violet and blue highlights. Aromas of blackberry, raspberry, violet, and white flowers mingle with hints of white pepper, clove, and vanilla from French oak aging. On the palate, the wine is smooth and silky, with generous dark fruit, good acidity, and well-integrated tannins. Twelve months in French oak adds spice and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. While Malbec has deep roots in France, it has become Argentina's signature red grape. Mendoza's high elevation, dry climate, intense sunlight, and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings provide ideal conditions for producing Malbec.

🍽️ Pairing & Servings Tips

• Pair With: Substantial dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, or hearty aged cheeses.
• Service Tip: Serve slightly cool, around 59–61°F, to emphasize its freshness and balance.

Great wine isn't about status or complex jargon—it's about the people behind the bottle, the places they come from, and the joy of finding a new favorite.

You don't need to be a sommelier to explore world-class vineyards. Every month, Beverage Director Jason Kerstein hand-selects two remarkable wines with incredible stories to tell—pairing them with straightforward food ideas so you can just uncork and enjoy.

What's waiting for you every month:

• 2 Hand-Picked Bottles from around the world (typically one white and one red).
• Jason's Tasting & Food Pairing Guide so you know exactly what dishes bring out the best in every pour.
• 10% Off all extra bottle purchases in our Bottle Shop.
• Recipe from our culinary team.
• The Joy of the Unknown: An effortless way to step outside your usual routine and try something new each month.

Take a delicious detour from your usual routine.

START YOUR WINE JOURNEY | JOIN THE CLUB

Pickup Info: Monthly selections are available for pickup at the Story Hill BKC Bottle Shop during regular business hours.

Looking to grab another bottle of past features like the Left Coast Pinot Gris or Kaiken Ultra Malbec? Stop by the shop or ask your server during your next dinner visit!