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For the past four years I’ve published an annual list of my favorite wines based on those I’ve sampled here from the year gone by. Below is a look back at some of my favorites from 2011 (see the 2010 list here, 2009 here, and 2008 here).

This list was compiled in the following manner.

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Pamplin Family Winery, JB Neufeld, Nefarious Cellars, Covington Cellars, and Lobo Hills.

January's Virtual Tasting is tonight from 7-8pm Pacific. Read about how to participate here.

The incidence of cork taint has been variously reported to be as little as 0.7% and as much as 10%. However, for most retailers, distributors, and wineries, it often appears to be a non-issue for one simple reason. Consumers rarely return corked bottles of wine. Here I discuss what steps consumers should take when they discover a corked wine and why returning the bottle is important to help reduce the incidence of cork taint.

First let me say that when I am referring to ‘corked’ wines, I am talking exclusively about bottles affected by 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) or bottles that appear as such.

January's Virtual Tasting is Thursday January 26th from 7-8pm Pacific. Read about how to participate here.

In tough times, we continue the search for good, inexpensive wines.

We start off today with three wines from Forgeron Cellars' Blacksmith label. The goal of Blacksmith is to focus on wines that provide both quality and value. In this, winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla surely succeeds.

As I wrote earlier this month, I have changed my rating system from a home grown, five point system to a traditional five star system. Please note that these ratings will be displayed in subsequent posts as follows:

(Exceptional)

(Excellent)

(Good)

(Decent)

(Not recommended/Flawed)

Read additional details about the rating system here.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from January 15^th to 21^st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

Edmonton Journal writes about the Kung Fu Girl Riesling (look at that Canadian tariff!).

From around the country…

Shanken News Daily writes that Southern will buy Odom’s stake in distribution venture.

The Chicago Tribune writes about how to pair wine, with a callout to the Eroica Riesling.

One of the sadder stories in Washington wine from 2011 was the closing of Kennewick’s Picazo 7 Seventeen restaurant. However, to many, it seemed unlikely that owner Chef Frank Magaña would be gone for long. Indeed, earlier this week Magaña announced the opening of Chef Magaña Catering.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from January 8^th to 14^th 2012. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country (and abundance of love this week)…

Wines and Vines writes about Olympia trying to cut wine red tape.

CNN writes about the best wines to have with a grilled cheese with a callout to Washington riesling.

The Fort Wayne News Sentinel writes about Syrah as the perfect wine for winter with brief mention of Washington.

The January/February 2012 issue of Edible Seattle contains an article I wrote on EFESTĒ's Brennon Leighton. Check it out on newsstands now. See a directory of locations to find a copy here.

Enjoy!

January's Virtual Tasting wine will be the Januik Winery Red Wine Columbia Valley 2008. This wine retails for $18 and is widely available. The tasting will take place Thursday January 26th from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from a local retailer or from the winery.

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm using the hashtag #januik. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Join us!

Well folks, I’m happy to be back after a brief staycation to clear the mind, focus on some other endeavors, and plan for the year ahead. As is my custom, I want to start 2012 by discussing some things to expect on these virtual pages this year, including several significant changes. Planned changes for 2012 include:

1. A rating system revision
2. Coverage of Oregon wines
3. Addition of other writers to this space
4. A revised site design
5. Improved access to the Tasting Note Database
6. Faster turnaround on wine reviews
7. Subscription charges for wine reviews

Each of these changes is explained below.

All wines reviewed are rated as follows:

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from January 1st to 7th 2012. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

The Manila Standard gives a year in review with a callout to Washington wine.

From around the country…

Decanter writes about new AVAs, including Naches Heights.

St. Louis Today writes about 2011’s best budget friendly wines with a callout to the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, Hedges CMS, and Efeste Riesling.

As promised, a brief vacation break to bring you this round-up. Regular posts will resume January 16th.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from December 22nd to 31st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

The Illinois Daily Chronicle writes about Sleight of Hand.

NPR writes about government waste, with mention of the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center.

CNN writes about under $10 wines with a callout out to Pacific Rim.

Wine Spectator writes about 10 outstanding Washington reds.

Happy New Year everybody!

As I wrote in my last post, I’m taking a short vacation the first two weeks of 2012, although I may be posting some material ‘from the vault’ during this time as well as the occasional round-up. Look for regular new postings to resume on January 16th.

Have a great start to 2012!

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Sean P. Sullivan is the editor of Washington Wine Report and a contributing editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine, covering Washington and Idaho. He has been writing about and reviewing Washington wine since 2005.

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Editor - Sean P. Sullivan

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Washington Wine Report is an independent publication focused on bringing Washington wine to you and bringing you to Washington wine. My goal is: to help you select Pacific Northwest wines at a variety of price levels; to keep you up-to-date about the Northwest’s wineries, vineyards, and individuals; to help you plan trips to wine country; and to connect you to the larger wine community.

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