Below is a summary of posts for February 2012.
Summary of Posts for January 2012
Washington Wine Round-up January 22nd to 31st 2012
February Virtual Tasting - Columbia Crest 2009 H3 Cabernet
How Automated Cross-Posting from Facebook to Twitter Can Defeat the Purpose of Social Media
How Wineries Can Make Automated Facebook and Twitter Cross-posts More Effective
Washington Wine Commission Hires New Executive Director
Washington Wine Round-up February 1st to 7th 2012
Winds of Change Blowing for Washington Wine
Fresh Sheet February 15th 2012
Should Washingtonians Be Drinking More Washington Wine?
Washington Wine Round-up February 8th to 14th 2012
Five Wines Under $15 - February 2012
Washington Wine Round-up February 15th to 21st 2012
Two Washington Wineries Focus on Succession Planning
Cabernet Sauvignon Production Down 28% in 2011, Overall Production Down 11%
Taste Washington! 2012 Seminar Tickets on Sale
Tonight! February Virtual Tasting - Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Tonight! February Virtual Tasting - Columbia Crest 2009 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon
February's Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine will be the 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine retails for $15 and is widely available. The tasting will take place 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 Pacific using the hashtag #ccrest. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.
Taste Washington! 2012 Seminar Tickets on Sale
Reminder: February's Virtual Tasting takes place Tuesday February 28th from 7-8pm Pacific. Read about how to participate here.
Tickets for this year's Taste Washington! seminars are now on sale. In keeping with 2012's expanded event, the seminars take place on both Saturday March 31st and Sunday April 1st. The full list of seminars is below. Go here for additional information and to purchase tickets. Note that I will be participating in the panel discussion on 'Over-Delivering at Every Price' on Saturday and moderating the 'Celebrated Vintages' panel on Sunday, so come and join me!
This year's Grand Tasting will also take place on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for individual days may be purchased for $75 (General Admission) and $125 (VIP) as well as for both days at $150 and $99 respectively. See the list of participating wineries here. Hope to see you there!
Saturday Seminars 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Washington Wine: Over-Delivering at Every Price $45
Vineyard Exploration: Red Willow Vineyard $45
Canlis: Food and Wine Pairing $60
Sunday Seminars 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Mythbusting: Food and Wine Pairing with Tom Douglas $60
Celebrated Vintages: Highlights from a Quarter-Century of Washington State Wines $45
Vineyard Exploration: Ciel du Cheval Vineyard $45
Tickets for this year's Taste Washington! seminars are now on sale. In keeping with 2012's expanded event, the seminars take place on both Saturday March 31st and Sunday April 1st. The full list of seminars is below. Go here for additional information and to purchase tickets. Note that I will be participating in the panel discussion on 'Over-Delivering at Every Price' on Saturday and moderating the 'Celebrated Vintages' panel on Sunday, so come and join me!This year's Grand Tasting will also take place on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for individual days may be purchased for $75 (General Admission) and $125 (VIP) as well as for both days at $150 and $99 respectively. See the list of participating wineries here. Hope to see you there!
Saturday Seminars 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Washington Wine: Over-Delivering at Every Price $45
Vineyard Exploration: Red Willow Vineyard $45
Canlis: Food and Wine Pairing $60
Sunday Seminars 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Mythbusting: Food and Wine Pairing with Tom Douglas $60
Celebrated Vintages: Highlights from a Quarter-Century of Washington State Wines $45
Vineyard Exploration: Ciel du Cheval Vineyard $45
Cabernet Sauvignon Production Down 28% in 2011, Overall Production Down 11%
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon production dropped sharply in 2011, decreasing from 31,900 tons produced in 2010 to 23,100 tons – a 28% decline. Overall, grape production in the state was down 11% from the previous year. This marked the first time in more than five years that grape production decreased in Washington.
The crop reductions were caused by a November 2010 frost that came shortly after the end of that year’s growing season. Red grape varieties were particularly affected, with production decreasing 20% in 2011. Meanwhile white grape varieties were down 2% from the previous year’s figures.
Riesling was again Washington’s most produced grape in 2011. Meanwhile Cabernet Sauvignon fell from second to third behind Chardonnay (see table below).
Several other interesting pieces of data came out of yesterday’s production numbers from the USDA. Whereas Malbec had been the state’s most expensive grape per ton for the last four years, Grenache was the most expensive grape in 2011 ($1,606 per ton) followed by Petit Verdot ($1,546). Malbec, meanwhile, came in third at $1,413.
The high price of these grapes reflects the increased interest in Grenache and Petit Verdot in Washington in recent years (NB: 2011 is also the first year that production numbers and average price per ton were listed independently for these grapes). The overall average price per ton for grapes in Washington decreased in 2011, from $1,040 to $987. This reflects the significant decrease in red grape production compared to white.
While the production numbers released yesterday laid bare the full extent of the 2010 freeze, the figures were actually a slight improvement over the 15-20% crop loss that many had initially projected. Consumers should start seeing 2011 white wines on the shelves in the next several months. Most 2011 reds will not be released until 2012 or later.
The crop reductions were caused by a November 2010 frost that came shortly after the end of that year’s growing season. Red grape varieties were particularly affected, with production decreasing 20% in 2011. Meanwhile white grape varieties were down 2% from the previous year’s figures.
Riesling was again Washington’s most produced grape in 2011. Meanwhile Cabernet Sauvignon fell from second to third behind Chardonnay (see table below).
Several other interesting pieces of data came out of yesterday’s production numbers from the USDA. Whereas Malbec had been the state’s most expensive grape per ton for the last four years, Grenache was the most expensive grape in 2011 ($1,606 per ton) followed by Petit Verdot ($1,546). Malbec, meanwhile, came in third at $1,413.
The high price of these grapes reflects the increased interest in Grenache and Petit Verdot in Washington in recent years (NB: 2011 is also the first year that production numbers and average price per ton were listed independently for these grapes). The overall average price per ton for grapes in Washington decreased in 2011, from $1,040 to $987. This reflects the significant decrease in red grape production compared to white.
While the production numbers released yesterday laid bare the full extent of the 2010 freeze, the figures were actually a slight improvement over the 15-20% crop loss that many had initially projected. Consumers should start seeing 2011 white wines on the shelves in the next several months. Most 2011 reds will not be released until 2012 or later.
| Variety | Quantity Utilized in Tons | |
| 2010 | 2011 | |
| Riesling | 33,500 | 31,700 |
| Chardonnay | 28,600 | 28,500 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 31,900 | 23,100 |
| Merlot | 28,300 | 21,900 |
| Syrah | 10,900 | 10,100 |
Two Washington Wineries Focus on Succession Planning
Earlier this week, Walla Walla Valley stalwart Woodward Canyon announced that winemaker Kevin Mott and sales director Thomas Woodley have become shareholders in the winery. This creates an ownership group of Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small; their adult children Jordan Dunn-Small and Sager Small; and now Mott and Woodley.In announcing the change, Rick Small stated, “As we worked through succession planning, it became clear that Kevin and Thomas are integral to the operation of Woodward Canyon and to its future.” Mott and Woodley both joined the winery in 2003.
The Smalls will continue day-to-day management. Indeed, for anyone who has met the irrepressibly energetic Rick Small, it is clear that he is as passionate about grape growing and winemaking as ever (read a previous post on Woodward Canyon here). While this change therefore has no immediate external impact, it does have long-term implications for Woodward Canyon – one of Washington’s oldest and most storied wineries.
Elsewhere in the state, eyebrows raised last month when word that Cave B Inn and Spa in George, Washington were being put up for auction (see listing here). This facility, adjacent to Cave B Estate Winery, is one of the more majestic in the state, overlooking the Columbia River near the scenic Gorge Amphitheatre.
After speculation that the auction might be a distress sale, the winery wrote on its Facebook page, “This planned and voluntary sale event is part of the Bryan family's succession planning….We want to assure you that Cave B Estate Winery, and our winemaker Freddy Arredondo and other Bryan family members will continue to make available premium Cave B wines before and after this sale event for the foreseeable future.”
Speaking with Arredondo at the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers annual meeting earlier this month, he stated that the Bryan family has been looking to sell the inn and spa in recent years. Not having found a suitable buyer to date, they decided an auction was the best way to move forward with the sale. “We’re all excited about it,” Arredondo, who is the Bryans’ son-in-law, said of the sale.
While the auction focuses on the inn and spa, it does include parcel options for the winery and vineyards in case the buyer wants to purchase the entire site. However, Arredondo stated that even if these parcels were sold, the brand and inventory would not be. The auction will take place March 15th.
Prior to these announcements, succession planning most recently came to the fore in Washington after the sale of Betz Family Winery last spring (Read a Focus Report on the new owners of the winery, Steve and Bridgit Griessel, here). What will succession planning look like for Washington’s numerous small, family wineries? Read some thoughts posted after the Betz sale here.
Washington Wine Round-up February 15th to 21st 2012
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from February 15th to 21st 2012. Read previous round-ups here.
From around the country…
Wine Spectator writes about ten impressive Washington reds.
Wine Enthusiast writes about a Walla Walla getaway.
Florida Today writes that Washington Cabernet hits the sweet spot.
Ventura County Star writes about Cadaretta's Windthrow Red Wine.
Madison.com writes about wine and chocolate pairings with a callout to Waterbrook.
The Evansville Courier & Press writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle’s 2010 Riesling.
KTVQ writes about a Billings winery using Yakima Valley fruit.
The Lincoln Journal Star writes about Hedges CMS Red.
From the blogosphere…
Jameson Fink writes about vine pruning at Whidbey Island Winery. He also writes about a visit to The Inn at Langley.
Table Talk writes about Seattle Food and Wine Experience. They also write about Kay Simon of Chinook Wines.
Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about a visit to Long Shadows. William also writes about the Lehm Pinot Gris.
Lucha Vino writes about a tempranillo competition.
Woodinville Wine Update writes about the passing of the Willows Lodge dog. Shona also writes about upcoming events.
Northwest Wine Anthem writes about a Walla Walla wine tasting in Portland. They also give some restaurant awards.
Woodinville Patch writes about WineStumblr.
Paul Gregutt writes about battling palate fatigue.
Uncork Washignton writes about the 2008 Ross Andrew Boushey Vineyard Syrah.
Wine Peeps writes about Cadaretta. They also write about the Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mercer Island Patch writes abou the new Wine Commisssion executive director.
Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Barnard Griffin.
Eastside Uptown Girl writes about sexy Washington reds.
Wine Folly writes about the color of wine. They also write about Fat Cork.
Blue Collar Wine Guy writes about Sauvignon Blanc with a callout to EFESTE.
Food Republic writes about eight Walla Walla wines to drink right now.
From the locals…
Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt writes about Northwest sparkling wines.
The Seattle Times (briefly) writes about Alex Golitzin being nominated for a James Beard Award.
Seattle Weekly writes about Foundry. They also write about drinking Washington wine in Hawaii.
The Yakima Herald writes about red wine and chocolate weekend.
Washington Tasting Room writes about Woodward Canyon expanding ownership.
The Tri-City Herald writes about Cabernet Franc. They also write about an ownership change at Woodward Canyon.
The News Tribune writes about Petite Sirah.
Wenatchee World writes about Wedge Mountain Winery.
KXLY writes about Whitestone.
Cannon Beach Gazette writes about Tamarack.
Puget Sound Business Journal writes that craft distillers are more hopeful as key 1183 dates near.
The Longview Daily News writes that a local sheriff violated state law with liquor intiative ads.
Capitol Hill Times writes about 1183 and the local distillery.
Bellingham Herald writes about Vino Volo.
Seattle Metropolitan writes about open that bottle night.
That's all folks!
From around the country…
Wine Spectator writes about ten impressive Washington reds.
Wine Enthusiast writes about a Walla Walla getaway.
Florida Today writes that Washington Cabernet hits the sweet spot.
Ventura County Star writes about Cadaretta's Windthrow Red Wine.
Madison.com writes about wine and chocolate pairings with a callout to Waterbrook.
The Evansville Courier & Press writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle’s 2010 Riesling.
KTVQ writes about a Billings winery using Yakima Valley fruit.
The Lincoln Journal Star writes about Hedges CMS Red.
From the blogosphere…
Jameson Fink writes about vine pruning at Whidbey Island Winery. He also writes about a visit to The Inn at Langley.
Table Talk writes about Seattle Food and Wine Experience. They also write about Kay Simon of Chinook Wines.
Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about a visit to Long Shadows. William also writes about the Lehm Pinot Gris.
Lucha Vino writes about a tempranillo competition.
Woodinville Wine Update writes about the passing of the Willows Lodge dog. Shona also writes about upcoming events.
Northwest Wine Anthem writes about a Walla Walla wine tasting in Portland. They also give some restaurant awards.
Woodinville Patch writes about WineStumblr.
Paul Gregutt writes about battling palate fatigue.
Uncork Washignton writes about the 2008 Ross Andrew Boushey Vineyard Syrah.
Wine Peeps writes about Cadaretta. They also write about the Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mercer Island Patch writes abou the new Wine Commisssion executive director.
Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Barnard Griffin.
Eastside Uptown Girl writes about sexy Washington reds.
Wine Folly writes about the color of wine. They also write about Fat Cork.
Blue Collar Wine Guy writes about Sauvignon Blanc with a callout to EFESTE.
Food Republic writes about eight Walla Walla wines to drink right now.
From the locals…
Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt writes about Northwest sparkling wines.
The Seattle Times (briefly) writes about Alex Golitzin being nominated for a James Beard Award.
Seattle Weekly writes about Foundry. They also write about drinking Washington wine in Hawaii.
The Yakima Herald writes about red wine and chocolate weekend.
Washington Tasting Room writes about Woodward Canyon expanding ownership.
The Tri-City Herald writes about Cabernet Franc. They also write about an ownership change at Woodward Canyon.
The News Tribune writes about Petite Sirah.
Wenatchee World writes about Wedge Mountain Winery.
KXLY writes about Whitestone.
Cannon Beach Gazette writes about Tamarack.
Puget Sound Business Journal writes that craft distillers are more hopeful as key 1183 dates near.
The Longview Daily News writes that a local sheriff violated state law with liquor intiative ads.
Capitol Hill Times writes about 1183 and the local distillery.
Bellingham Herald writes about Vino Volo.
Seattle Metropolitan writes about open that bottle night.
That's all folks!
Five Wines Under $15 - February 2012
In tough times, we continue the search for good, inexpensive wines.
Duck Pond Cellars, a sister winery to Desert Wind, is located in Dundee, Oregon. The winery’s 2009 Syrah, however, comes from Desert Wind Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. As I’ve written a number of times before, quality Syrahs from Washington are somewhat difficult to come by in the value price range. While Duck Pond’s 2009 offering doesn’t entirely come together, it is an enjoyable, extremely well priced wine that is unmistakably syrah. It also competes quite favorably with many Washington Syrahs $3-$8 more. Hard to ask for much more.
Kiona Vineyards and Winery is Red Mountain’s founding winery (read a Focus Report on the winery here). Kiona was also the first commercial winery in the U.S. to produce Lemberger back in 1980. Thirty-two years later, the Lemberger remains and has something of a cult following. Not many bottles of wine from Red Mountain in the value price range, let alone ones that comes from old vine fruit.
Renegade Wine Co. is a project from Trey Busch of Sleight of Hand Cellars. At Renegade, Busch buys juice from other wineries to bottle wines at compelling price points. The 2009 Red Wine could just as easily have been labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up 80% of the blend.
Sauvignon Blanc is Washington’s fourth most produced white grape behind Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Sales of the grape nationally have been on a downturn in the last year, with the prevailing wisdom being that the cause is the huge surge in Moscato sales. Fear not Washington growers and winemakers, consumers will be back to Sauvignon Blanc, and when they are, bottles like this budget friendly wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle will be waiting for them.
Covey Run was founded in 1982. The winery focuses exclusively on wines in the value price range. Fruit for the 2009 Merlot comes from Alder Ridge, Bacchus, and Northridge.
Read previous Five Wines Under $15 here.
Duck Pond Cellars Syrah Desert Wind Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $12
(Good) Dark in color with purple at the rim. An aromatically arresting wine – unmistakably syrah, full of floral notes, blueberries, smoke, and bacon fat. The palate has a rich inner mouth perfume with soft fruit flavors and silky tannins. Doesn’t entirely stitch together and the fruit wants a bit more concentration at times but overall an enjoyable wine given the modest price. Competes quite favorably with many Washington syrahs $3-$8 more. 99.7% Syrah, 0.3% Merlot. Aged 8 months in American oak. 14.5% alcohol. 4,177 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. RecommendedKiona Lemberger Estate Bottled Red Mountain 2009 $12
(Good) Medium ruby. A moderately aromatic wine with red cherries, Band Aid, and mulling spices. The palate is on the lighter side with soft tannins and very soft, silky fruit flavors. An enjoyable, easy drinking, well-priced red. 100% Lemberger. Kiona Estate. Aged in French and American oak (25% new). 13.5% alcohol.Renegade Wine Co. Red Wine Columbia Valley 2009 $10
(Good) An aromatic wine full of light toasty notes, raspberries, red cherries, and chocolate. The palate is light bodied, full of soft fruit flavors. Trails off on the second half. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 13.8% alcohol.Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2010 $11
(Good) A moderately aromatic wine with appealing aromas of white grapefruit, mango and pineapple. The palate is has a fairly full feel with fresh fruit flavors. An enjoyable, easy drinking bottle at a can’t-be-beat price. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 20% barrel fermentation for two months in neutral French oak. 12.5% alcohol. RecommendedCovey Run Merlot Columbia Valley 2009 $10
(Decent) A moderately aromatic wine full of raspberry aromas and bittersweet chocolate. The palate is light bodied and straightforward with soft tannins coming on late. 94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Alder Ridge, Bacchus, and North Ridge vineyards. 13.5% alcohol. 16,050 cases produced.Rating System
Please note, my rating system was revised at the beginning of 2012 as follows. Read additional details here.
(Exceptional)
(Excellent) (Good) (Decent)
(Not recommended/Flawed)
Washington Wine Round-up February 8th to 14th 2012
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from February 8th to 14th. Read previous round-ups here.
The big story this week was the appointment of the new head of the Washington wine commission. Read stories from Wine Business, Wine Press NW, Bellingham Herald, AgInfo.net, Wine and Beer of Washington State.
From around the country…
North County Times writes about Walla Walla’s incubator area guiding city plans.
The Gaston Gazette mentions Buty’s Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle.
The San Antonio Express writes about the San Antonio Wine Festival.
From the blogosphere…
Table Talk profiles John Bookwalter of J Bookwalter Winery. They also write about around the world in 80 wines.
Paul Gregutt gives suggestions for the new Executive Director of the Washington Wine Commission.
The Wine Economist writes about wine, ants, and Washington wine.
Jameson Fink writes about Wines of Substance Malbec.
Lucha Vino compares a Washington and Italian Cabernet.
Vinotology writes that history is alive in Walla Walla.
Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about Gramercy Cellars.
Wine Folly writes about JM Cellars.
Northwest Wine Anthem gives a Friday find.
Steve Heimoff writes from the Grape Growers conference. Read part one here.
Wine Peeps writes about Steppe Cellars.
Wineeyak writes about new wines from Chandler Reach.
Woodinville Wine Update writes about an Oscar party at Columbia Winery.
Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about visiting Forgeron Cellars. William also writes about Barnard Griffin.
Write for Wine writes about JM Cellars.
West Seattle Blog writes about stores looking for spirits licenses.
AgInfo.net writes about Ste. Michelle Wine Estates $1M gift to WSU for wine science. They also write about the WAWGG conference.
Sammamish Patch says for the love of Valentine’s Day, drink wine.
WINO Magazine writes about Seattle Wie and Food Experience.
My Northwest writes about the Grape Growers conference.
From the locals…
KUOW writes that Washington retaurants and changing the way that they buy liquor after passage of 1183.
Seattle Weekly writes about Sleight of Hand.
Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt says that the real wine to drink with chocolate is chocolate wine.
WSU News writes about support for the new Wine Science Center.
Mercer Island Reporter writes about Jamie Peha.
Boise Weekly writes about dry riesling with a callout to Trust.
The Tri-City Herald writes about Petite Sirah. They also write about Ste. Michelle’s $1M pledge to wine science at WSU.
KNDO writes about a program at CWU teaching food and wine pairing. They also ask what kind of harvest 2012 will bring.
The Seattle Times writes about the Wine Grape Growers conference.
The Puget Sound Business Journal writes about an uptick in wine sales.
East Oregonian writes about Ste. Michelle Wine Estates pledging $1M for wine science.
Oregon Live writes about Washington taking a different path to promote tourism.
That's all folks!
The big story this week was the appointment of the new head of the Washington wine commission. Read stories from Wine Business, Wine Press NW, Bellingham Herald, AgInfo.net, Wine and Beer of Washington State.
From around the country…
North County Times writes about Walla Walla’s incubator area guiding city plans.
The Gaston Gazette mentions Buty’s Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle.
The San Antonio Express writes about the San Antonio Wine Festival.
From the blogosphere…
Table Talk profiles John Bookwalter of J Bookwalter Winery. They also write about around the world in 80 wines.
Paul Gregutt gives suggestions for the new Executive Director of the Washington Wine Commission.
The Wine Economist writes about wine, ants, and Washington wine.
Jameson Fink writes about Wines of Substance Malbec.
Lucha Vino compares a Washington and Italian Cabernet.
Vinotology writes that history is alive in Walla Walla.
Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about Gramercy Cellars.
Wine Folly writes about JM Cellars.
Northwest Wine Anthem gives a Friday find.
Steve Heimoff writes from the Grape Growers conference. Read part one here.
Wine Peeps writes about Steppe Cellars.
Wineeyak writes about new wines from Chandler Reach.
Woodinville Wine Update writes about an Oscar party at Columbia Winery.
Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about visiting Forgeron Cellars. William also writes about Barnard Griffin.
Write for Wine writes about JM Cellars.
West Seattle Blog writes about stores looking for spirits licenses.
AgInfo.net writes about Ste. Michelle Wine Estates $1M gift to WSU for wine science. They also write about the WAWGG conference.
Sammamish Patch says for the love of Valentine’s Day, drink wine.
WINO Magazine writes about Seattle Wie and Food Experience.
My Northwest writes about the Grape Growers conference.
From the locals…
KUOW writes that Washington retaurants and changing the way that they buy liquor after passage of 1183.
Seattle Weekly writes about Sleight of Hand.
Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt says that the real wine to drink with chocolate is chocolate wine.
WSU News writes about support for the new Wine Science Center.
Mercer Island Reporter writes about Jamie Peha.
Boise Weekly writes about dry riesling with a callout to Trust.
The Tri-City Herald writes about Petite Sirah. They also write about Ste. Michelle’s $1M pledge to wine science at WSU.
KNDO writes about a program at CWU teaching food and wine pairing. They also ask what kind of harvest 2012 will bring.
The Seattle Times writes about the Wine Grape Growers conference.
The Puget Sound Business Journal writes about an uptick in wine sales.
East Oregonian writes about Ste. Michelle Wine Estates pledging $1M for wine science.
Oregon Live writes about Washington taking a different path to promote tourism.
That's all folks!
Should Washingtonians Be Drinking More Washington Wine?
The Washington wine industry has grown rapidly in the last twelve years from several hundred wineries at the turn of the century to over 740 today. Are Washingtonians keeping up and drinking enough local wine?Data on in-state purchases of Washington wine can be difficult to come by. However, at last week’s Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers annual conference, Danny Braeger, Vice President Group Client Director on the Beverage Alcohol Team at Nielsen, provided some insight.
According to Braeger, looking at Nielsen’s measured grocery channel - which I should note only accounts for a percentage of sales – 36% of Washington wine sales are within state. In comparison, neighboring Oregon purchases 55% of its wine. Some smaller producing states, such as Michigan, purchase a whopping 86% of their own wine. By comparison, Washington’s in-state consumption doesn’t seem particularly encouraging.
However, if it seems odd to think that so much Washington wine is actually being sold out of state, it’s because it is. As a wine producing region, Washington is notable for its numerous small producers, the vast majority of which make less than 5,000 cases annually. Indeed a frequent complaint from Washington wine lovers and interested parties is that specific wines are often very difficult to come by.
As one might expect, the state’s largest player – Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE), which owns Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, and a number of other brands – skews the data considerably. SMWE makes more wine than most of the rest of the wineries in the state combined. They also, of course, have heavy grocery store placement.
So what does Washington’s in-state consumption look like if we remove SMWE from the picture? Here things look considerably better, growing to 54% sold within the state. This is comparable to Oregon at 55%. California, which of course dominates production in the U.S., stands at 23%.
One question arises from these data - is it better to have more local sales or more sales throughout the country? Similarly, where should Washington as a region focus its marketing efforts? Should the focus be on trying to increase sales within the state or should it be to increase sales outside of the state?
I believe the answer has to be both. Much can be done to increase local wine consumption – particularly in the large Seattle market. However, it is critically important that the state raise its profile in other areas of the country and indeed around the world to continue to grow the industry.
While Washington has established itself as a significant wine region, many of the producers and wines are still not well known outside of the region. Continuing to grow the Washington brand further beyond the state’s borders to the rest of the country and indeed around the world is the next step in the state’s evolution as a wine region. But we still need to make sure we take care of our own backyard.
Fresh Sheet February 15th 2012
Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent Washington wine releases – includes wines from Mark Ryan Winery, Two Vintners, Desert Wind Winery, Forgeron Cellars, and Idilico.
Mark Ryan Winery
The 2009 Mark Ryan Winery red releases mark a transition for the winery. This is the first vintage with Mike MacMorran serving as head winemaker. MacMorran joined the winery in 2008 as assistant winemaker, taking over head winemaking responsibilities from Mark McNeilly one year later (McNeilly retains the title of Executive Winemaker).
A former medical student, MacMorran started out in the wine business as a harvest intern at DeLille Cellars in 2005. He subsequently worked his way up to cellar master and assistant winemaker before joining Mark Ryan.
MacMorran describes leaving his medical school days behind as follows. "As I was finishing my second year of med school my wife asked me what I wanted to do when I was ready to someday retire from medicine. I said I'd love to be a winemaker. She looked at me a little funny and said ‘So you're going to medical school so you can someday be a winemaker?’ She left it at that."
MacMorran’s impact on the wines is notable, sharpening up Mark Ryan’s already impressive portfolio. The wines are across the board stunners – as good as any wines that the winery has made. Each of the new releases is marked by incredibly bright, fresh aromatics that are nothing short of dazzling. These are wines that one can just smell and be satisfied, with layers of complexity. Ah but to taste…
Of note, the 2010 Viognier – as good as I’ve had from Washington – includes fruit from Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow vineyards.
Mark Ryan Winery Viognier Columbia Valley 2010 $28
(Excellent/Exceptional) Pale lemon yellow. An aromatic tour de force - a wine you can just sit and smell and be entirely satisfied - showing floral notes, fresh, ripe peach, lime, and a touch of vanilla. The palate is textured and full of fruit flavors with a distinct minerality accented by lime-like acidity that stretches out to an extremely long finish. My favorite Viognier Mark Ryan Winery has made with the words ‘absolutely beautiful’ written and underlined two times in my original tasting notes. 100% Viognier. Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow vineyards. Aged in neutral oak (67%) and stainless steel. 13.9% alcohol. 375 cases produced.Mark Ryan Winery Long Haul Red Wine Red Mountain 2009 $48
(Exceptional) Again, an aromatic tour de force with fresh, ripe raspberries along with chocolate, earth, and floral notes. The palate is rich and textured, tart and tightly wound with red fruit flavors, mineral notes, and firm but beautifully integrated tannins. A knockout of a wine with compelling aromatics and a palate that delivers. 64% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, and Stillwater Creek vineyards. Aged in French oak (73% new). 14.8% alcohol. 550 cases produced.Mark Ryan Winery Dead Horse Red Wine Red Mountain 2009 $52
(Exceptional) Dark ruby. An extremely aromatically appealing wine with dark fruit, currants, mineral notes, high toned milk chocolate, and floral notes. The palate is full of red and blue fruit flavors bringing both elegance and brawn – though its Long Haul littermate is bigger. A beautifully long finish. Has the legs to go the distance in the cellar. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 11% Malbec, and 6% Petit Verdot. Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, and Obelisco vineyards. Aged in French oak (76% new). 14.7% alcohol. 850 cases produced.Mark Ryan Winery Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2009 $80
(Exceptional) Dark in color with purple at the rim. A dark and brooding wine that is locked up tightly at present with mineral notes, floral notes, dark, dark cherries, and chocolate. The palate is simultaneously bold and understated, rich and restrained. An incredibly impressive wine with beautifully integrated tannins, full of fruit flavors, and a long finish. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot. Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Aged in French oak (88% new). 14.7% alcohol. 200 cases produced.Two Vintners
Two Vintners is a joint project of Morgan Lee and Donavon Claflin who are, of course, the two vintners. Lee works as winemaker at Covington Cellars in Woodinville, which is located next door to the Two Vintners facility; Claflin serves as his assistant winemaker.
Two Vintners focuses on small production wines that over-deliver for the price. Each of the wines below is pegged under $30 but comes from attractive sites, such as Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills, and Stone Tree.
While the lineup is impressive across the board, the 2009 Stone Tree Vineyard Zinfandel is the standout if for no other reason than the relative scarcity of this grape in the state. Stone Tree has in a very short time established itself as a top site, with several winemakers particularly excited about zinfandel and Tempranillo. Look for an increasing number of vineyard designated bottles in the coming years. And keep an eye on Two Vintners.
Two Vintners Merlot Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2008 $29
(Good) An aromatic wine with mint, earth, and red fruit. The palate is ripe and juicy with chalky tannins and a zing of acidity. Oak is very much in check on this restrained, appealing wine. 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. 14.3% alcohol. Approximately 130 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. RecommendedTwo Vintners Syrah Columbia Valley 2009 $20
(Good) An aromatically appealing wine with a surprising amount of complexity for the price point with red fruit, spice, brown licorice, and savory notes. The palate is on the lighter side with chalky tannins. 100% Syrah. Pepper Bridge and Kiona vineyards. 14.7% alcohol. Approximately 200 cases produced.Two Vintners Syrah Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2009 $29
(Excellent) Dark in color. A perfumed wine with abundant high toned aromas of floral notes, game, chocolate, and mineral notes. The palate is light bodied, silky and lively with a lingering, mineral laden finish. Some my find it a bit too light bodied; others will swoon. 100% Seven Hills. 14.3% alcohol. 73 cases produced.Two Vintners Lola Red Wine Columbia Valley 2008 $25
(Excellent) Brightly aromatic with berry, penetrating black cherry, and light herbal notes. The palate is fruit-filled, clean, and fresh. A very enjoyable, well priced wine. 50% Cabernet, 50% Syrah. Klipsun, Kestrel, Stonetree, and Mirage vineyards. 14.5% alcohol. 180 cases produced.Two Vintners Zinfandel StoneTree Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $25
(Excellent) An aromatically compelling wine with brambly fruit, dark chocolate, and whiskey barrel. The palate is rich and silky. Has a lot of booze in it but holds it well – this is Zinfandel after all. 75% Zinfandel, 18% Primitivo, and 7% Petite Sirah. 15.6% alcohol. 310 cases produced.Desert Wind Winery
Desert Wind Winery is located in Prosser just off interstate 82 (the winery is visible from the highway).
Desert Wind focuses on two estate sites, Desert Wind and Sacagawea vineyards, both of which are located on the Wahluke slope. Desert Wind Vineyard is a staggering 540-acres, planted primarily to Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. In contrast, Sacagawea is a significantly smaller site of approximately 50 acres.
Intriguingly, each of the wines below is a vineyard designate from one of these two sites. While many of the wines are small production, the winery’s large vineyard also allows them to make certain wines at scale, such as the just under 5,000 case Cabernet Sauvignon.
Desert Wind Winery Bare Naked Viognier Desert Wind Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2010 $15
(Decent) Almost completely clear in color. A moderately aromatic wine with creamiscle and floral notes. The palate is tart and acidic with an unctuous feel. 100% Viognier. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 14.5% alcohol. 251 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.Desert Wind Winery Riesling Sacagawea Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $12
(Decent) An aromatic wine with orange peel, citrus, and floral notes. The palate is off-dry, full of peach and citrus flavors. 100% Riesling. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.0% alcohol. 1.13g/100ml RS. 473 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.Desert Wind Semillon Desert Wind Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $15
(Decent) Pale lemon yellow. Aromatics dominated by oak spice, vanilla, and straw. The palate is broad and full of oak spices and citrus flavors. The wood steals the show here. Barrel fermented and aged 6 months sur lie in neutral oak. 98.8% Semillon, 1.2% Chardonnay. 13.9% alcohol. 170 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.Desert Wind Tempranillo Desert Wind Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $20
(Good) Aromas of sweet, slightly raisined, red fruit along with grape soda, leather and spice. The palate is fruit filled and broad with chalky tannins and a lingering finish. An enjoyable offering of this emerging varietal at a very reasonable tariff. 96% Tempranillo, 2% Merlot, 1% Barbera, and 1% Syrah. Aged 17 months in American oak. 14.5% alcohol. 427 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.Desert Wind Winery Malbec Desert Wine Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $20
(Decent) Medium purple. Aromas are very restrained with light blueberries, boysenberries, and spice. The palate has soft, plush tannins with a tart finish. 97% Malbec, 2% Merlot, and 1% Barbera. Aged 20 months in American oak. 14.5% alcohol. 160 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.Desert Wind Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Desert Wind Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2009 $20
(Good) Medium ruby. Distinctly Cabernet Sauvignon with herbal notes, cherry, and vanilla. The palate is dry and chalky, full of plush cherry flavors. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Barbera. Aged 12 months in American oak. 14.5% alcohol. 4,932 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.Onesies
The white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape inspire Forgeron Cellars’ Ambiance White Wine. The wine is primarily a blend of (the seldom seen) Grenache Blanc and Marsanne with a healthy splash of Orange Muscat to add to the complexity and lift the aromatics.
Forgeron Cellars Ambiance White Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $25
(Good) A lightly aromatic wine with toasty spices, orange spritz, and peach. The palate is simultaneously rounded and edgy with citric acidity that cuts all the way through the wine. 47% Grenache Blanc, 47% Marsanne, 17% Orange Muscat. 14.1% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.I wrote about Idilico last year after an impressive debut with an Albarino and Grenache. The winery was started by Javier Alfonso of Pomum Cellars with the goal of focusing on Spanish varieties.
Tempranillo has been gaining traction in Washington in recent years. This bottle shows why but at a fraction of the cost of many out there. Don’t look for it to last long.
Idilico Tempranillo Washington State 2009 $20
(Good/Excellent) A vibrantly aromatic wine with cherries, cigar box, and spice. The palate is deliciously fresh and fruit filled with pure cherry flavors and minimal oak influence. A rare find at this price point for this emerging varietal. Upland, Airport Ranch, and Elerding vineyards. Aged in neutral oak. 14.0% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.Rating System
Please note, my rating system was revised at the beginning of 2012 as follows. Read additional details here.
(Exceptional) (Excellent) (Good) (Decent) (Not recommended/Flawed)