Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report

Home
Wine Reviews
Rating System
About
Subscribe
Contact

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

Earlier this week the Washington Wine Commission released the findings of an economic impact study on the Washington wine industry. The numbers are impressive, a clear sign of the industry’s rapid growth and its subsequent effect on the regional and national economy.

The overall economic impact of the Washington wine industry is $8.6B annually in state, $14.9B nationally. The industry creates 27,000 jobs in Washington, $1.2B in wages, and $238M in taxes. There are 2.4M tourist visits annually with $1.1B in associated spending. All of these numbers were up significantly from 2007, the last time such a study was undertaken.

Seattleites, tune in to 1150AM KKNW today 8-9am when I'll be on Table Talk Radio talking about rosé.

Now that spring is not only officially here but there is warm weather to prove it, it’s time to turn our attention to rosé.

Rosé comes in just about every shade and color. It is also made from just about every red grape being produced in Washington – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. You name it.

Some are a blend of grapes and some are varietally labeled wines. Most are fermented and aged in stainless steel, but I have had a few that were fermented and aged in non-neutral barrels (!). They can be dry, off dry, or even semi-sweet and, as is usually the case, there is no way to tell unless the bottle is labeled as such unfortunately.

Seattleites, tune in to 1150AM KKNW this Wednesday 8-9am when I'll be on Table Talk Radio.

This month's Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine will be the 2009 Charles Smith Wines Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon (Note that some readers have told me they have seen the 2010 on the shelves, so feel free to pick that up instead). This wine retails for $20 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 #charlessmith. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Join us!

This month's Virtual Tasting will take place Tuesday at 7pm Pacific. Read about how to participate here.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from April 15^thto 21^st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

No love this week.

From the blogosphere…

Table Talk profiles Brian Carter of Brian Carter Cellars.

Nectar Tasting Room and Wine Blog writes about four Nectar wineries joining the Spokane Wine Association.

Wine and Beer of Washington State reviews the Sexy Syrah event. They also write about Passport to Woodinville and a day at Vin du Lac.

Today, just a few pictures from the Walla Walla Valley. Several areas are reporting bud break and more expect to see it soon, with the timing closer to average compared to the last two years. No reports of any winter damage this year, and all fingers are crossed for a more 'normal' growing season. Click on the pictures for larger images.

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

From around the country…

Las Vegas Review-Journal writes about Covey Run Riesling.

Fox Business says forget pairing wine and chocolate; drink chocolate wine.

From the blogosphere…

Jameson Fink writes about tasting 58 Washington Syrahs.

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Fielding Hills, Seven Hills, Sweet Valley, Vin du Lac, and Walla Walla Vintners.

Washington and Oregon share hundreds of miles of border. They are the second and fourth leading wine producing states in the nation and together have well over 1,000 wineries between them. Yet the two areas could not seem more different, almost as if there were an invisible divide between them.

Let’s start with a simple lay of the land and physical appearance. It can be summed up quite simply. Oregon wine country is green; Washington wine country is not.

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

From around the country…

The Republic writes about ciders at Taste Washington.

D Magazine recommends wines from Spring Valley Vineyard.

From the blogosphere…

Writing for Foodista, Jameson Fink writes about five roses at Taste Washington.

This month's Virtual Tasting will take place on Tuesday April 24th. The wine will be the 2009 Charles Smith Wines Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine retails for $20 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 #charlessmith. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Today, just a picture of bud break on a Nebbiolo vine at Windrow Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley courtesy of Jan Roskelley of Tero Estates. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Let the 2012 growing season begin!

In the middle of the Yakima Valley appellation lies Snipes Mountain. Snipes is unique in terms of Washington AVAs in that the vast majority of it is encompassed by a single site – Upland Vineyard – with a small section of the appellation stretching across Interstate 82 to Harrison Hill.

Less of a mountain and more a part of the Yakima fold belt, like a number of other eastern Washington growing regions, Upland has elevations ranging from 750 to 1,300 feet and slopes facing in all four cardinal directions.

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Betz Family Winery, EFESTĒ, Angel Vine, Auclair Winery, Wines of Substance, and Tamarack Cellars.

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

Buckle your seatbelts. This week's round-up is a long one.

From around the country…

The Anchorage Daily News writes about Eye of the Needle’s Little Italy.

The Washington post writes about Taste Washington expanding to two days.

The Cape Gazette writes that women deserve all the credit as wine pioneers.

Wines & Vines writes that the sale of Cave B has been deferred. They also write about landowners envisioning Walla Walla Valley vineyards.

Well folks, Taste Washington weekend 2012 is a wrap.

I thought it was a particularly great event this year. I have to admit that I had some concerns about the move to a two-day format for the Grand Tasting. Would it be too taxing on the wineries and restaurants? Would there be enough consumer support?

The weekend proved these concerns unwarranted. Based on an informal survey of a number of participants, there seemed to be resounding support for the change. Many winery representatives I spoke with gave a consistent description – “less frenzied” – and noted that they were better able to talk with attendees about their wines. While some noted that they might be inclined to have additional help for the event next year, most seemed to enjoy the slightly shortened day and the opportunity to enjoy Seattle Saturday evening.

Below is a summary of posts for March 2012.

March is Washington Wine Month!

Washington Wine Roundup February 22nd to 29th 2012

Washington State Wine 2012 Tour Guide released

Wine Country Porn from Napa Valley

Newer Posts Older Posts Home

Editor

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.

Instagram

Social

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

2020 Tour Guide

Labels Cloud

14 Hands 2010 Initiatives Abbey Page Abeja Adams Bench Airfield Estates Alder Ridge Alexandria Nicole Alternative Closures aMaurice Cellars Amavi Ambassador Ancestry Ancient Lakes Andrew Januik Andrew Will Anelare Angel Vine AntoLin Apex Cellars Ardor Arlington Road Cellars Array Ash Hollow Ashan Auclair Avennia Baer Winery Balboa Barnard Griffin Barons V Barrage Barrister Beresan Bergevin Lane Betz Family Winery Board Track Racer Bonair Winery Bookwalter Boomtown Boudreaux Cellars Brian Carter Bridgman Bunchgrass Winery Bunnell Family Buried Cane Buty Cadaretta Cadence Cairdeas Cana's Feast Candy Mountain Canoe Ridge Canon del Sol Cartel Wine Group Cascade Valley Wineries Castillo de Feliciana Castle Rock Winery Cave B CAVU Cayuse Vineyards Cedergreen Cellars Charles and Charles Charles Smith Wines Chateau Rollat Chateau Ste. Michelle Chelan Estate Chelan Ridge Chinook City Limits Cloudlift Cellars Clubhouse Cellars Co Dinn Col Solare College Cellars Columbia Crest Columbia Gorge Columbia Winery Concentric Wine Project Cooper Wine Company Corked Counter Corked Wines Corliss Estates Corvidae Corvus Cellars Cote Bonneville Cougar Crest Covey Run Covington Cellars Crayelle Cellars Cuneo Cellars CZ Cellars Darby Daven Lore DeLille Delmas Desert Wind Distant Bay DiStefano Domaine Pouillon Domaine Ste Michelle Donedei Double Canyon Doubleback Dowsett Family Winery DuBrul Vineyard Duck Pond Cellars Duckhorn Dumas Station Dunham Dusted Valley Dynasty Cellars Efeste Eight Bells El Corazon Eliseo Silva Elsom Cellars Ensemble Cellars Envious Cellars Erath Eritage Estrin Estates Eyrie Fall Line Falling Rain Fidelitas Winery Fielding Hills WInery Figgins Five Star Cellars Fjellene Flying Dreams Flying Trout For a Song Force Majeure Forgeron Full Pull Wines Furion Cellars Gard Vintners Giant Wine Co Gifford-Hirlinger Gilbert Glencorrie Goedhart Golden Ridge Goose Ridge Gordon Brothers Gorman Gramercy Cellars Grand Rêve Grosgrain Guardian Hard Row Harvest 2010 Harvest 2011 Harvest 2012 Harvest 2013 Harvest 2014 Harvest 2015 Harvest 2016 Harvest 2017 Harvest 2018 Harvest 2019 Hawks View Haystack Needle Heaven's Cave Hedges Family Estate Helix Hestia Cellars Hogue Cellars Hoodsport Hors Catégorie Horse Heaven Hills Horsepower Vineyards Hyatt Vineyards Idilico Intrinsic Isenhower Cellars Januik Winery JB Neufeld JM Cellars Jones of Washington Juliette's Dazzle K Vintners Kaella Winery Kerloo Kevin White Kiona Kontos Cellars Kyra Wines L'Ecole Lake Chelan AVA Lantz Cellars Latitude 46 North Laurelhurst Cellars Lauren Ashton Lawrelin Leonetti Cellar Liberty Bay Cellars Lobo Hills Locati Cellars Lodmell Cellars Lone Birch Lone Canary Long Shadows Lost River Winery Magnificent Wine Company Maison Bleue Manu Propia Mark Ryan Winery Maryhill Matthews Estate McCrea Cellars McKinley Springs Mercer Estates Michael Florentino Milbrandt Vineyards Modern Wine Project Monesia's Song Morrison Lane Mosquito Fleet Mountain Dome Naches Heights Naches Heights AVA Napeequa Vintners Native Sun Nefarious Nelms Road Nicholas Cole Cellars No Girls Nodland Northstar Northwest Wine Round-up Nota Bene Novelty Hill NW Totem Cellars NW VIne Project NxNW Obelisco Estate Olsen Estates OS Winery Otis Kenyon Ott and Murphy Owen Roe Pacific Rim Palencia Palouse Pamplin Pandora Parejas Passion Patterson Paul Gregutt Pendulum Pepper Bridge Phylloxera Pic of the Vine Plumb Cellars Pomum Cellars Pondera Portteus Pour Me Powers Proletariat Wine Company Proper Prospice Puget Sound Purple Star Quilceda Creek Ramseyer Vineyards Randall Harris Rasa Vineyards Red Diamond Red Mountain Red Willow Reininger Renegade Result of a Crush Rex Hill Reynvaan Family Vineyards RiverAerie Riverhaven Cellars RMV Cellars Robert Ramsay Robison Ranch Cellars Ross Andrew Rotie Royal Slope Rulo Winery Russell Creek WInery Rusty Grape Vineyard Ryan Messer Ryan Patrick Sageland Vineyards Saint Laurent Salida Wines Salmon Harbor San Juan Vineyards Sandhill Sapolil Cellars Savage Grace Saviah Cellars Scarborough Screwcaps Seattle Area Wineries Seufert Seven Hills Winery Shady Grove Winery Sheridan Silvara Silver Bell Silver Lake Winery Sineann Six Prong Skylite Cellars Sleight of Hand Smasne Cellars Snipes Gap Vineyards Snipes Mountain Snoqualmie Sockeye Sodovino Sol Stone somme de parties sonoris Soos Creek Sparkman Cellars Spindrift Spokane Area Spring Valley Steele Wines Stella Fino Stevens Winery Stomani Cellars Stonecap Stottle SuLei Cellars Sweet Valley Winery Swiftwater Syncline Cellars Syrah SYZYGY Tagaris Tamarack Cellars Tefft Tempus Tenor Wines Tero Estates Terra Blanca Winery The Burn of Columbia Valley The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater Three Rivers Winery Thurston Wolfe Tildio Townshend Cellar Tranche Treveri Trust Tulpen Cellars Two Mountain Two Vintners Upland Estates Va Piano Vineyards Valdemar Estates Viento Wines Vin du Lac Vinyl Wines Virtual tasting W.T. Vintners Wahluke Slope Walla Walla Valley Walla Walla Vintners Walter Dacon Washington Hills Waterbrook Waters Waving Tree White Bluffs Whitestone Whitman Cellars William Church Willow Crest Wilridge Winery Wind Rose Cellars Wine Enthusiast Wine Enthusiast Scores WineGirl Wines Wines of Substance Woodhouse Wine Estates Woodinville Wine Cellars Woodinville WIneries Woodward Canyon Winery Yakima Valley Yellow Hawk Cellar Zerba Cellars Zero One Vintners

Blog Archive

► 2020 (30)
- ► March (19)
- ► February (4)
- ► January (7)

► 2019 (34)
- ► December (1)
- ► November (1)
- ► October (5)
- ► September (2)
- ► August (2)
- ► July (3)
- ► June (2)
- ► May (2)
- ► April (9)
- ► March (1)
- ► February (2)
- ► January (4)

► 2018 (48)
- ► December (3)
- ► November (2)
- ► October (5)
- ► September (3)
- ► August (2)
- ► July (4)
- ► June (6)
- ► May (2)
- ► April (2)
- ► March (6)
- ► February (10)
- ► January (3)

► 2017 (46)
- ► December (2)
- ► November (6)
- ► October (2)
- ► September (4)
- ► August (10)
- ► July (2)
- ► June (2)
- ► May (2)
- ► April (3)
- ► March (6)
- ► February (6)
- ► January (1)

► 2016 (73)
- ► December (5)
- ► November (4)
- ► October (7)
- ► September (8)
- ► August (6)
- ► July (1)
- ► June (5)
- ► May (8)
- ► April (3)
- ► March (6)
- ► February (13)
- ► January (7)

► 2015 (71)
- ► December (2)
- ► November (5)
- ► October (6)
- ► September (4)
- ► August (5)
- ► July (6)
- ► June (8)
- ► May (2)
- ► April (6)
- ► March (9)
- ► February (11)
- ► January (7)

► 2014 (122)
- ► December (14)
- ► November (4)
- ► October (7)
- ► September (15)
- ► August (6)
- ► July (14)
- ► June (10)
- ► May (9)
- ► April (13)
- ► March (11)
- ► February (10)
- ► January (9)

► 2013 (192)
- ► December (22)
- ► November (18)
- ► October (14)
- ► September (17)
- ► August (10)
- ► July (14)
- ► June (14)
- ► May (15)
- ► April (17)
- ► March (17)
- ► February (20)
- ► January (14)

▼ 2012 (219)
- ► December (23)
- ► November (20)
- ► October (19)
- ► September (18)
- ► August (18)
- ► July (18)
- ► June (17)
- ► May (18)
- ▼ April (17)
- ► March (18)
- ► February (18)
- ► January (15)

► 2011 (233)
- ► December (30)
- ► November (19)
- ► October (22)
- ► September (18)
- ► August (15)
- ► July (18)
- ► June (16)
- ► May (18)
- ► April (17)
- ► March (24)
- ► February (17)
- ► January (19)

► 2010 (285)
- ► December (30)
- ► November (18)
- ► October (26)
- ► September (22)
- ► August (23)
- ► July (27)
- ► June (19)
- ► May (21)
- ► April (25)
- ► March (31)
- ► February (20)
- ► January (23)

► 2009 (278)
- ► December (31)
- ► November (26)
- ► October (21)
- ► September (18)
- ► August (16)
- ► July (18)
- ► June (26)
- ► May (23)
- ► April (22)
- ► March (23)
- ► February (22)
- ► January (32)

► 2008 (163)
- ► December (50)
- ► November (22)
- ► October (15)
- ► September (16)
- ► August (26)
- ► July (17)
- ► June (9)
- ► May (2)
- ► April (2)
- ► March (1)
- ► February (3)

► 2007 (4)
- ► November (2)
- ► June (2)

Pages

Home
Wine Reviews
Rating System
Submissions
Interpreting scores
How I sample wines
About
Publications
Awards
Appearances
Archival Links

Instagram

Editor - Sean P. Sullivan

About

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.

Popular Posts

Editor

Instagram

Social

2020 Tour Guide

Labels Cloud

Blog Archive

Pages

Instagram