Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from January 1^st to 7^th.


From around the country

The Anchorage Daily News recommends the 2008 Hedges CMS Red.

The San Jose Mercury News writes about increasing alcohol levels in California wine. While no explicit callout to Washington here, alcohol levels are increasing here as well (Mercy!).


From the blogosphere

The 1 Eye Wine Guy at Kiona does a video blog on the 2006 Kiona Chardonnay paired with Croque Monsieur.

Paul Gregutt writes about friction in the three tier system. He also writes about the dreaded 89 point score.

Beyond the Bottle looks at Chelan Estate’s 2004 Pinot Noir. They also look at Pacific Rim’s 2008 Organic Riesling, their 2007 Chenin Blanc, 2008 Wallula Vineyard Biodynamic Riesling, 2007 Dry Riesling, and Wapato Point Cellars 2008 Pinot Grigio.

The Oregon Wine Blog looks at Port-style wines from Yakima Valley and checks out Wine Girl Wines. They also give a best of 2009 with a list that includes Terra Blanca, Col Solare, and DeLille.

Schiller Wine writes about Pacific Rim Dry Riesling and Ch. Ste. Michelle's Eroica.

DrinkNectar checks out Latah Creek. They also check out Nikos Wine Bar in Spokane.

WINO Magazine writes about the Seattle Food and Wine Experience. They also talk wine with Paul Golitzin of Quilceda Creek and write about Café Metropole.

Wine and Beer of Washington State writes about important items for tasting rooms to have and also essential items.

Wine Peeps hands out its Best of Washington Wine Country awards for 2009. They also write about where Washington wine is available in Los Angeles.

Yak Yak Wine writes about Chinook’s 2008 Cab Franc Rose. They also write about Sageland’s 2006 Malbec.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Woodinville weddings and the purchase of Willows Edge Farm. They also write about Hollywood Hills Vineyards moving.

Write for Wine writes about some favorite wineries to look for in 2010.

WAWineman checks out Columbia’s 2008 Barbera. They also write about O’Shea Scarborough’s 2008 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, and Ch. Ste. Michelle’s 2008 Gewurztraminer.

Toward Every Wind writes about Corvidae’s Rook.

The Wine Commentator checks out Latitude 46’s 2002 Vindication.

RJ’s Wine Blog writes tasting notes on Cadence and Abeja.

Pacific Northwest Wine, Beer, and Food Ramblings writes about Terra Blanca’s 2001 Reserve Cabernet.

Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about the 2010 Wine Bloggers Conference (the conference will be in Walla Walla) Scholarship Fun.

Wine Musings writes about Woodward Canyon’s 1989 Charbonneau Vineyard Cabernet.

River City Food and Wine writes about Owen Roe’s 2007 Abbott’s Table and Milbrandt Vineyard’s 2007 Traditions Cabernet.

Vino Diary writes about Long Shadows 2006 Pedestal.

One Rich Wine Guy names top wines of 2009 which includes wines from Kontos Cellars, Pepper Bridge, Saviah Cellars, Barnard Griffin, Fidelitas, Gordon Brothers, and Garrison Creek.

Jeremy Lycan gives some favorites for the year, including two wines from Charles Smith, and says Washington state wine is here to stay.


From the locals

The Tri-City Herald looks back at 2009.

Woehler writes about Vin du Lac.The Bellingham Herald writes about Dynasty Cellars.

That’s all folks