Wineries: Time to Get Mobile

An interesting moment occurred earlier this year as smartphone use surpassed conventional cell phone use. There is only one problem with the plethora of new smartphone users; wineries are not ready for them.

Meet Me In The Cellar's Annual Wine Marketing Symposium in Woodinville served as a case in point. When winery owners and workers were asked how many had a website for their businesses, everyone’s hand went up. When they were subsequently asked how many of their websites were set up for mobile users, only one person in the room raised their hand.

Indeed, a cursory review of a number of Northwest winery websites showed very (very) few set up for mobile devices. For an example of one that is go to Woodward Canyon’s mobile site at http://woodwardcanyon.com/m/index.php.

What’s the difference? Websites set up for mobile devices automatically redirect users on smartphones and similar devices to a mobile friendly version of the site. This can be as simple as providing the same information in a more mobile friendly view (for example, see the Washington Wine Report mobile site here). Alternately, information mobile users are most frequently looking for is prioritized.

For wineries, this means displaying information like directions, winery hours, and contact information in a mobile friendly format. Visitors are often able to call the winery at the touch of a button. All of this is important when people are driving around wine country trying to figure out where to go, which wineries are open, and how to get there.

Want to see what the difference in experience is like for mobile visitors using a non-mobile site? For winery owners who do not have their site set up for mobile users, try visiting your website on a mobile device and see how the experience goes. I promise you, more often than not, it isn’t pretty. Alternately, try looking at my site from your mobile phone with the redirect off. Yuck.

The good news is that setting up a mobile website is relatively easy to do. The bad news is, of course, that most wineries will need to contract with their web developer to make the necessary changes unless they are software savvy. If you are, take a look at your site analytics to see how many users are currently accessing your website from a mobile device. It might surprise you. For example, nearly 20% of all visitors to this site are accessing it via a mobile device.

How critical is it for wineries to set up a mobile website right now? At present, probably not very. Of course, whoever is visiting your website from a mobile device is probably having a pretty bad experience which is never a good thing. However, currently very few Northwest wineries have their websites set up for mobile users, so you’re not likely to lose a potential visitor to someone who does. Of course it also means you’re less likely to gain a visitor because you site is set up for mobile users.

However, in the coming months and years this is certain to change. The use of smartphones is going nowhere but up. Time to get ready.

2012 Growing Season in Washington Off to a Warm Start

After two successive cool growing seasons in the Pacific Northwest, one thing is already clear: 2010 and 2011 this is not. While no one can say with any certainty what will happen next, the 2012 growing season is off to a warm start.

Here a picture tells a thousand words. Current Growing Degree Days (GDDs) and precipitation are tracking closely to historical averages according to Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Research & Extension (click on the picture for a larger image of current GDDs). In fact, the numbers are currently close to 2003, a relatively warm year. Looking at the picture, the contrast with 2011 is stark.

Even six weeks ago things looked quite different with low temperatures across the Pacific Northwest and some considering the possibility of another cool vintage. However, temperatures in eastern Washington quickly shot up to 90 degrees and accelerated development.

While some areas in Washington were nipped by May frosts, few expect any significant effects on the 2012 crop, and winter damage was minimal. Notably, however, some growers are still dealing with the after effects of the November 2010 freeze.

Though the growing season is still young, bloom is fast approaching, and after two years of cool conditions, 2012 looks to be a return to ‘normal’ (whatever that means). Of course, things can change in the blink of an eye; this is farming after all which is part of what makes it all so interesting. Stay tuned.

A look back at Pacific Northwest history with Mosquito Fleet Winery

The tale of Mosquito Fleet Winery is one of friendship, wine country inspiration, and a love of history.

Our story begins in the year 2000 when two couples, Dr. Brian and Jacquie Petersen and Scott and Jacy Griffin, met at a birthing class. The Petersens and Griffins soon developed close friendships. With a mutual interest in wine, the couples began taking trips together to Napa, Sonoma, Walla Walla and the like. One such trip proved fateful.

Brian Petersen, a practicing chiropractor, recalls, “On a trip to Napa we were simply reminiscing about how much fun it was and my wife says, ‘We could do this.’ We all looked at each other and about a year after that we took the plunge!”

To learn about winemaking, Petersen read as many books as he could and took classes at UC Davis. “The more I learned, the hungrier I became to continue learning and growing,” he says. Along the way, Petersen also tapped into Washington’s close-knit group of winemakers.

“I was calling everyone who would take my call,” he says of getting started. “It’s been tremendous to see how helpful and supportive fellow winemakers and wineries have been.”

Mosquito Fleet Winery is named after a group of steamboats owned by early settlers of the Puget Sound. The boats moved so quickly that they were referred to as ‘the Mosquito Fleet.’ The individually owned and operated boats provided services between the Sound’s various waterfront communities.

Explaining the name Petersen says of the winery founders, “We all have a passion for history, and we all grew up around the Puget Sound. We thought the name was very fitting to pay homage to the local history of the Mosquito Fleet.”

Alas, though pilings from a number of the Mosquito Fleet docks are still visible around the Sound, by the 1950s the fleet was no more as roads, bridges, and ferries took their place. But the stories of the fleet live on. Each of the Mosquito Fleet wines has a different ship featured on its front label. QR codes on the back label bring consumers to a detailed description of each boat.

Mosquito Fleet’s inaugural wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Pepper Bridge Vineyard, and it’s an attention getter absolutely loaded with cherry flavors. The wine is named after the ill-fated SS Dix. “Would you be bold enough to name your first wine after the biggest maritime disaster in Northwest history?” the winery’s website asks. For the 2010 vintage, the lineup will expand to include a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, a Bordeaux-style blend, a Syrah-based blend, and a Port-style wine.

For its wines, the winery has lined up an impressive list of vineyard sources including Pepper Bridge, Kiona, Olsen, and Double Canyon. The winery is currently producing 1,000 cases annually with the goal of growing to 2,000.

With Mosquito Fleet Winery born out of the friendships between the Petersens and the Griffins, adorning the Mosquito Fleet bottles is a tag that reads, “There are tall ships and small ships that sail the sea. But no ships like friendships and may that always be.”

Mosquito Fleet Winery ‘SS Dix’ Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2009 $38
(Good/Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with dusty spices, vanilla, earth, and cherry. The palate is absolutely loaded with dark cherry flavors accented by oak along with a well-integrated scaffolding of tannins. A beautiful expression of Cabernet and an impressive first release from this winery. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Aged 22 months in French (87%) and American oak (100% new). 13.9% alcohol. 118 cases produced. 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)

Readers, please note that Blogger, where this site is hosted, has upgraded to a new version which has significant bugs and formatting issues. There are, at present, no work arounds, so you may see significant formatting errors within the posts.

Kevin White Winery - How a Koosh Ball Led to Washington Wine

Kevin White's path to becoming a winemaker had a most unusual starting point - a koosh ball. White was majoring in computer science at the University of Connecticut when he stopped by the Microsoft booth at a campus career fair.

“They were giving away koosh balls and I wanted one,” White says simply of that first, fateful interaction with the company. What started as a koosh ball soon led to a summer internship in Redmond - and we all know how summer in the Pacific Northwest goes.

“I have yet to meet a person who comes out here in the summer and doesn’t want to stay,” White says (readers outside of the Northwest please note, it always rains here). Soon he had a job offer in hand and returned to Seattle in the midst of winter with buyer’s remorse.

“I came back in February and realized I’d come to a different planet!” White says with a chuckle. However, he soon came to love the drizzly gray area he calls home as well as his job as a program manager in Microsoft’s product development group where he remains today.

Life as a 20-something software nerd was going along normally until one day, in 2005, White had a bottle of wine that would alter the course of his life. “It was a 2003 Côte Bonneville Carriage House Red Wine,” White recalls. “That’s where I found out what wine was supposed to taste like.”

Inspired, White called up Côte Bonneville owner Hugh Shiels and asked if he could come visit the vineyard. He wanted to see the place where this wine had come from. White, who hadn’t yet been to eastern Washington laughs at the idea now, saying, “Here you have this 25 year old kid who says, ‘Can I come out and see where the grapes are grown?’”

Together White and Shiels walked DuBrul Vineyard and talked about rocks, soil, and Washington wine. “There were a lot of things he talked about that completely went over my head,” White says looking back. He was, however, transfixed.

White soon began taking classes at South Seattle Community College to learn more about viticulture and enology. He also began attending wine events around town. At one event, the Auction of Washington Wines, Shiels introduced him to winemaker Chris Sparkman of Woodinville’s Sparkman Cellars. White quickly inquired about volunteering at the winery and Sparkman just as quickly said yes.

Volunteering at Sparkman, White met Leroy Radford, who works as cellarmaster at nearby Baer Winery and also has his own winery, Flying Dreams. White picked Radford’s brain about cellar techniques and would subsequently make and store his wines at Baer’s facility. Through a contact, he also met Maison Bleue winemaker Jon Martinez and the two fast became friends. White credits both men with helping him learn the tools of the trade.

White has several goals with his eponymous winery. One is to grow a community. “I’ve always had this desire to connect with people and feel like I have something that I can share with them,” he explains. Another is to make wines that fit in at the dinner table. Finally, he aims to keep his prices low, saying, “I want my brother with four kids and limited disposable income to be able to have my wine.”

Indeed, the Kevin White Winery 2010 Syrah provides great value and is an impressive first release, full of fresh fruit aromas and flavors. White named the wine, a 100% Syrah from Olsen Vineyard, ‘En Hommage’ in tribute to the people who helped him get his start. “This wine is the culmination of all of their dedication to helping me,” he says.

White, who produced 100 cases of his inaugural wine, plans to slowly grow the winery to 1,000 cases annually. A release party is slated for June 15th at Flying Dreams Winery, after which tastings will be by appointment.

For the time being, the winery remains a hobby while White focuses on his work at Microsoft and raising two four-year-old twin boys. Still, there is no doubt that White is passionate about making wine. “It’s been an interest that grows every day and an education that will never complete,” White says. “If you didn’t have the passion you wouldn’t do it because it’s worse than owning a boat!”

Kevin White Winery ‘En Hommage’ Syrah Olsen Estates Vineyard Yakima Valley 2010 $25
(Excellent) An aromatically complex wine with violets, blueberry, boysenberry, white pepper, crushed gravel, and tar with a light meaty streak after the wine opens up. The palate is soft and subtle, on the lighter side of medium bodied with a velvety feel with pure red and blue fruit flavors that draw out and lingers on a cranberry filled finish. An intriguing and thoroughly delicious bottle of wine that straddles the Old World and the New. Give six months. 100% Syrah. Olsen Vineyard. Aged 15 months in neutral French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 100 cases produced.

Picture courtesy of Kevin White.

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)

Readers, please note that Blogger, where this site is hosted, has upgraded to a new version which has significant bugs and formatting issues. There are, at present, no work arounds, so you may see significant formatting errors within the posts.

Washington Wine Round-up May 15th to May 21st 2012

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from May 15th to 21st 2012. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

The LA Times says the secret about Lake Chelan is out.

The Napa Valley Register writes about Walla Walla Valley vineyard owers looking for California buyers.


From the blogosphere…

Paul Gregutt writes about springtime rieslings. He also writes about the two most common winemaking mistakes.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Wind Rose Cellars’ Dolcetto.

Table Talk interviews Gramercy Cellars winemaker Greg Harrington.

Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about Robison Ranch.

Senator Jim Honeyford writes that the Washington wine industry is growing.

Lucha Vino compares sangioveses.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Forgeron Cellars opening a tasting room in Woodinville. Shona also writes about upcoming events in Woodinville.

Wine and Dine Walla Walla asks whether Walla Walla is just like Napa.

WineEYak writes about Gamache Vintners.

Wine Peeps writes about Columbia Crest. They also write about the 2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet and the Dowsett Family Gewurztraminer.

Crosscut.com asks whether initiatives should have a constitutional review before being voted on.

Bellevue Patch writes about Avennia.

Walla Faces interviews Paul Gregutt.


From the locals…

The News Tribune writes about a new Red Mountain irrigation plan.

The Seattle Times writes about the final attempt to stop Initiative 1183.

Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt says to look to Washington for wine value.

The Bellingham Herald writes about a Taiwanese official touring the Yakima Valley.

The Tri-City Herald writes about Precept Wine purchasing Ste. Chapelle. They also write about Tamarack Cellars, the head of the Oregon Wine Board touring Walla Walla Valley, and say that the investment in Red Mountain will pay dividends.

Tri-Cities Journal of Business writes about Thurston Wolfe celebrating its 25^th year.

KEPRTV writes that Alaska Airlines is slowly pulling out of Walla Walla.

The Issaquah Press writes about spirits sales coming June 1.

The Spokesman Review writes that the Liberty Lake market will offer wine. They also write about the attempt to block Initiative 1183.

KXL writes about Drew Bledsoe’s Doubleback winery.

The Seattle Weekly talks with Tom Glase.

The Olympian writes that Washington offers another shot to own a liquor store. They also write that competition for liquor in the south Sound will be fierce.

Oregon Live talks with Drew Bledsoe of Doubleback. They also write about the Horse Heaven Hills.

Longview Daily News writes about the Supreme Court hearing arguments on Initiative 1183.

The Columbian writes about eleven more state liquor stores closing.

Puget Sound Business Journal writes about Total Wine.


That's all folks!

Spring is here! Five Rosés Under $15

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

Juliette’s Dazzle is in all respects one of the more fascinating rosés of the 2011 vintage. The wine comes from Allen Shoup and Gilles Nicault of Long Shadows but is produced and bottled independent of the winery.

The story goes that several years ago Shoup asked Nicault to produce a dry rosé to share with family and friends. At the imploring of said family and friends, Shoup decided to produce a larger amount of the wine so that it could be commercially available and voilà! Here it is.

The fruit for this wine comes from The Benches and was set aside specifically for rosé. Though Pinot Gris is a white grape, the skins have pink tinge (a touch of Sangiovese is also added here). There may be other pinot gris rosés produced in Washington, but this is the first I have come across.

The wine, which is named after Shoup’s granddaughter, also has one of the more visually striking packages to be found on the Washington wine shelves with a flared top, tapered bottom, and a silk screened label. Better yet, the wine itself delivers and is among my favorite rosés from the 2011 vintage.

Barnard Griffin has long made a mark with its Rosé of Sangiovese since its first vintage in 2002. The 2011 vintage, however, provided some challenges with the winery’s vineyard sources hit hard by the November 2010 freeze. Subsequently, the winery had to look for alternative sources across the Columbia Valley. Though this wine has a bit more weight on the palate than some recent vintages, true to form, it still provides a lot of enjoyment for the price.

Charles and Charles is a joint project from winemakers Charles Smith and Charles Bieler. This wine is 100% Syrah from a variety of sources across Columbia Valley. The wine sports the moniker, “Yes you can drink rosé and still be bad ass!” Enough said.

The final two wines come from Waterbrook Winery and Apex Cellars and further display the diversity of rosés produced in the state with the Waterbrook another Sangiovese rosé and the Apex wine made from Grenache. Indeed, as I wrote recently, rosé is made from just about every red grape produced in Washington.

Look for a future post on rosés $16 and up but for now, drink up!

Juliette’s Dazzle Rosé Columbia Valley 2011 $15
(Excellent) An aromatic wine with watermelon, strawberry, and apple blossom. The palate starts out broad and fruit filled with cherry and orange rind then pulls back for a tart, crisp finish. An extremely enjoyable wine at an excellent price. 98 Pinot Grigio, 2% Sangiovese. The Benches. 13.3% alcohol, TA 0.7, Residual Sugar 1%. Sample provided by winery.

Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese Columbia Valley 2011 $12
(Good) Electric pink. A moderately aromatic wine with watermelon, candied cherry, and spice. The palate is tart and fruit filled, a bit weighty at times, with strawberry and rhubarb flavors with mouthwatering acidity. Wallula, Va Batavia, Gunkel, Lonesome Spring Ranch, and Crawford vineyards. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.1% alcohol, 0.85 TA, trace residual sugar. 6,950 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Charles & Charles Rosé Columbia Valley 2011 $11
(Good) Pale salmon colored. Lightly aromatic with watermelon, spice, herbal notes, and a very light game note. The palate is crisp and clean, medium weight with abundant fruit flavors. Drinks just a hair off-dry. 100% Syrah. 37% Don Talcott, 23% Art Den Hoed, 17% Nate Den Hoed, 11% Clifton Bluff, 10% Suholdonik, and 2% Clifton vineyards. 13% alcohol. Recommended

Waterbrook Sangiovese Rosé Columbia Valley 2011 $12
(Good) Pale cherry red. A little reductive initially this wine opens to reveal candied strawberry, cherry, and spice. The palate drinks dry and is light bodied with tart, sour cherry flavors that turn to raspberry toward the finish. 100% Sangiovese. Oasis and Canyon Ranch vineyards. Aged 3 months in stainless steel. 12.0% alcohol. 1.1% Residual Sugar. TA 0.75. 1,657 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Apex Cellars Grenache Rosé Columbia Valley 2010 $12
(Decent) Medium cherry red. A moderately aromatic wine full of strawberry and raspberry aromas. The palate is weighty with fruit flavors with the alcohol poking through on the finish. 13.5% 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)

Readers please note that Blogger, where this site is hosted, has upgraded to a new version which has significant bugs and formatting issues. There are, at present, no work arounds, so you may see significant formatting errors within the posts.

Tasting Note Database updated

The Tasting Note Database has been updated to the present date. See the database here. Read an explanation of database fields here.

Enjoy!

Tonight! May Virtual Tasting - 2011 Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese

May's Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine is the 2011 Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese. This wine retails for $12 and is widely available, though if for some reason you can't find it, feel free to grab another bottle of pink wine! The tasting will take place 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 #bgriffin. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Washington Wine Round-up May 8th to 14th 2012

Reminder: This month's Virtual Tasting takes place Thursday 7pm Pacific. Read about how to participate here.

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

From around the country…

The Lousiana Daily Comet writes about House Wine.

Shanken Daily News writes that Gallo is eyeing Ascentia.


From the blogosphere…

Paul Gregutt asks whether viognier is the 12^th man of grapes. He also writes about Seven Hills Winery and asks whether bigger is always better.

The Seattle Weekly writes about sipping wine and tweeting.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Avennia.

Jameson Fink writes about Washington wine pairings in the Edible Seattle cookbook.

Wine Peeps writes about Washington Syrah.

Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about the 2011 Waterbrook Rosé. Catie also writes about the Poet’s Leap Botrytis Riesling and rosé.

WineEYak writes about Milbrandt’s fourth anniversary.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about a weekend of Washington wine.

Write for Wine writes about the success of Washington wine industry.

On Milwaukee talks with sommelier Nate Norfolk who briefly mentions Washington State as a place to find value.

Auction of Washington Wines profiles Lisa Baer of Baer Winery.


From the locals…

The Herald.net writes about the closure of Washington Public Market. They also write about a wine summit picking the Northwest’s best wines.

Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt says to roll out the rosés.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Marsanne.

Puget Sound Business Journal writes that banquet permits can now be applied for on-line. They also write about glass stoppers.

The Seattle PI writes about a Walla Walla Petite Sirah topping a wine judging.

The Spokesman Review says that tasting rooms are rolling out new wines.

Seattle Weekly writes about Chris Ainsworth of Saffron.

The Idaho Statesman writes about Precept purchasing Ste. Chapelle.

The Yakima Herald writes about a Taiwanese official touring Yakima Valley.

The Tri-City Herald writes about legislators on a wine country bus tour. The News Tribune also writes about this.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

Walla Walla Lifestyles writes about Myles Anderson of Walla Walla Vintners.

D Magazine writes about an introduction to Cote Bonneville.


That's all folks!

Washington Wine Round-up May 1st to 7th 2012

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

From around the country…

The LA Times writes about the search for the perfect oyster wine with a callout to Cedergreen and several other Washington wineries.

WineBusiness.com writes about Precept opening two Walla Walla tasting rooms.


From the blogosphere…

Table Talk writes about Gordy Venneri of Walla Walla Vintners. They also write about the search for the perfect oyster wine.

Jameson Fink says drink local Puget Sound Wines.

Paul Gregutt writes about Spring Release Weekend in Walla Walla.

Lucha Vino gives a cross Walla Walla throw down.

Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about Canoe Ridge and Precept Wine Brands.

Under the Grape Tree writes about Amavi.

Jacksonville Wine Guide writes about Governor Gregoire’s comment on California wine.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.

Architectural Record writes about the new Charles Smith tasting room.

Nectar Tasting Room & Wine Blog writes about upcoming Spokane events.

Bellevue Patch writes that Washington wineries compete with the best in the world.

Wine Peeps writes about Baer Winery. They also write about the Columbia Crest Amitage.

Palate Press writes about the history of Washington wine.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Tieton Cider Works.

Wine Foot writes about the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley (or what I like to refer to as the ‘Occupied Area’).

Write for Wine writes about Washington wine in Washington, D.C.


From the locals…

Writing for the Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt writes that grenache has come roaring back.

The Bellingham Herald writes that Initiative 1183 may not aid public safety after all.

The Yakima Herald writes about its new wine column.

The Tri-City Herald says that the Washington wine industry’s growth leaves room for more.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about the launch of Avenue Wine Group, a new custom crush facility.

The News Tribune writes about the wine industry’s bright spot during tough times. They also write about the wine industry forming in the South Sound.

Seattle Weekly writes about Kerloo Cellars.

KOMO News writes about shifting money from I-1183.

The Seattle PI writes about Maryhill.

Bellevue Reporter writes about Total Wine coming to Bellevue.

Yakima Magazine writes about brown bag wine night.

Wenatchee World writes about Lake Chelan’s fast growing wine history.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

The Yakima Herald writes about the economic impact study of Washington wine.

The Republic writes about 14 Hands.

Wonderful Machine writes about the eastern Washington photography of Ron Wurzer.


That's all folks!

Fresh Sheet May 10th 2012

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Maison Bleue, Tulpen Cellars, Two Mountain, Smasne Cellars, Seufert Winery, Dowsett Family Winery, and Patton Valley Vineyard.

Maison Bleue

In a very (very) short time, Maison Bleue winemaker Jon Martinez has established himself as one of the state’s top winemakers. However, with the winery’s new releases, Martinez raises the bar even higher, with these wines competing with – and in some cases besting - the state’s top wines.

Maison Bleue’s latest releases contain some stylistic wrinkles. The 2011 Chardonnay from French Creek vineyard is a much fuller bodied, more fruit forward wine than previous vintages. Instead of using partial malolactic fermentation and partial stainless steel ageing, Martinez used full malolactic fermentation and oak aging in second and third fill barrels.

In terms of the new reds wines, the difficulties of the 2010 growing season have been well documented. “It was stressful has hell,” Martinez says of the vintage. “For things to work out the way they did, it took twice as much work. Maybe three times.” And the wines are just about that much better.

The 2010 Jaja Red Wine displays a heft and serious seldom seen in a wine at $25. Notably, Martinez included 26% of Mourvedre in the blend. “The big dose of Mourvedre took this to another level,” he says of the wine, which hails from Boushey and Upland vineyards.

The real stars of the show, however, are the La Montagnette Grenache and Gravière Red Wine. The 2010 La Montagnette Grenache is almost ethereal, displaying an exceptional purity of fruit. In terms of Washington Grenache, it is quite simply in a class by itself.

However, I am saving the best for last. For the 2010 Gravière Red Wine from Upland Vineyard, Martinez uses a whopping 75% Mourvedre along with 20% Syrah and 5% Grenache. The results are stunning. This is the finest Southern Rhone blend I have had from Washington to date and as good a wine as I’ve had this year. Just a baby now, this wine should last in the cellar as long as you care to hold it.

While the prices have increased on some of the new Maison Bleue wines, realistically, these wines were under priced before and, with quality this high, they still represent values.

Maison Bleue produces 3,500 cases annually. Read previous posts on the winery here.

Maison Bleue Au Contraire Chardonnay French Creek Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $25
(Excellent) This is a complex and intriguing expression of Chardonnay full of Bosc pear, hazelnut, melon, white peaches, lime zest, and spice on a surprisingly aromatic wine. A stylistic departure from previous vintages, the palate is medium plus bodied - a textured wine with richness without ripeness – with drawn out acidity, full of spice and citrus flavors. 100% Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in two and three year old French oak for five months. 100% malolactic fermentation. 13% alcohol. 650 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue Jaja Red Wine Yakima Valley 2010 $25
(Excellent/Exceptional) Pale ruby. An aromatic wine full of black and red raspberries, white pepper, plum, violets, and sage. The palate is tart and textured, chock full of drawn out red fruit flavors and floral notes with a white pepper filled finish. Considerably more gravitas than the 2009 and a wine that will only benefit from a few years in the cellar. 37% Grenache, 37% Syrah, and 26% Mourvedre. Boushey and Upland vineyards. 30% whole berries. Aged 10 months in two to five-year old French oak. Racked once with regular lees stirring. 14.5% alcohol. 390 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue La Montagnette Grenache Upland Vineyard Snipes Mountain 2010 $35
(Exceptional) Wound up tightly initially, this wine unfurls to reveal great aromatic complexity with wild raspberries, plum, peppery spice, and cassis. An incredibly compelling, rich mouthfeel that brings both weight and ethereal lightness with exceptional purity of fruit. A seemingly endless finish. Unlike any other Grenache being produced in the state, this wine is simply in a class by itself. 100% Grenache. 30% whole berries, 15% stem inclusion. Aged 10 months in five year-old French oak barrels. Racked once with regular lees stirring. 14.8% alcohol. 165 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue Gravière Red Wine Upland Vineyard Snipes Mountain 2010 $45
(Exceptional)Locked up tightly right now but chock full of white pepper, mineral, floral notes, herbal and ‘sauvage’ notes. The palate is richly flavored with stunning purity of fruit. Exquisitely balanced and light on its feet, with a textured feel full of white pepper, savory notes, and dark fruit flavors. Almost impossible to say where the wine ends and the finish begins, this wine hangs on as long as you want to count. As seamless as they come, this is a completely stunning wine that should lay down in the cellar for decades to come. On the high (high) side of the scale, this is as fine a Southern Rhone blend as the state has produced to date and as good a wine as I have sampled this year. 75% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, 5% Grenache. 245 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Tulpen Cellars

Tulpen Cellars is the work of Ken Hart and Rick Trumbull. Hart, who serves as winemaker, is vineyard manager for a who’s who of Walla Walla Valley including Abeja, Dunham, àMaurice, and Walla Walla Vintners along with numerous other properties. Trumbull is a sustainable vineyard and orchard consultant and the founder of Sustainable Soil Solutions, which is dedicated to creating compost teas.

A simple story tells you much of what you need to know about Ken Hart. On the afternoon of my visit, I took a cab to Hart’s house to taste through the latest releases and stay for one of Hart’s famed dinners with a group of other guests. Giving the cab driver the address he said, “Oh, you’re going to Kenny’s house! You’re in for a treat.” Indeed, Hart is not just a skilled grower and winemaker, his home is also the best restaurant in town with multi-course meals complete with wine pairings for a room in this case of close to a dozen - no easy feat.

For the Tulpen wines, Hart takes the cream of what is already a very fine crop from the fruit that he works with. The results are wines of extremely high quality. Better yet, these wines are among the best values being produced in Washington - I can’t think of another winery with a stronger lineup of wines with sub-$30 prices. The only downside here is that production is microscopic, but these are wines worth seeking out.

Read a previous post about Tulpen Cellars here.

Tulpen Cellars Coalescence Red Wine Columbia Valley 2008 $26
(Excellent) The only thing better than the Tulpen Cellars wines themselves are the prices, and the 2008 vintage offerings are, again, among the better bangs for the buck in the state. This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend utilizes five Bordeaux varieties to create an aromatically appealing wine with abundant spice, herbal notes, cherry, floral notes, and milk chocolate. The palate is rich and hedonistic, full of chocolate and cherry flavors with grainy tannins. Lewis, Wallula, Tokar, Frazier Bluff, Les Collines, and Chelle den Millie vineyards. Aged in French oak (30% new). 14.2% alcohol. 74 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Tulpen Cellars Merlot Columbia Valley 2008 $28
(Excellent) Close to 100% varietal, this is a very pretty, classically Washington version of the grape full of raspberry, cherries, and milk chocolate aromas and flavors with plump, ripe tannins. Hangs on the finish. A bit wound up at present, give this one some time to open up to see it at its best. 95.2% Merlot, 4.8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Lewis and Wallula vineyards. 14.6% alcohol. 99 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Tulpen Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2008 $28
(Excellent) This is the yin to the 2008 Columbia Valley Merlot’s yang with identical fruit sources and blend percentages but with the varieties flipped. Locked up tightly at present, this wine opens to reveal high toned herbal notes, black cherry, and spice. The palate is taught and tight, full of black cherry flavors. Give one year or decant. 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.8% Merlot. Lewis and Wallula vineyards. 14.1% alcohol. 107 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Tulpen Cellars Sangiovese Columbia Valley 2008 $24
(Good/Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine loaded with cranberry, raspberry, and light herbal and earth tones. The palate is full of ripe, tart cranberry flavors accented by a touch of chocolate. 93.9% Sangiovese (Lewis, Desert Hills), 6.1% Cabernet Sauvignon (Tokar, Heather Hill). 14.2% alcohol. 67 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Tulpen Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley 2008 $24
(Excellent) Though varietally labeled as Syrah, this is truly a Southern Rhone style blend. This is an aromatic wine with floral notes, raspberries, and white pepper. The palate is full of deliciously rich, ripe fruit flavors with lip smacking tartness and enough tannins to lay down in the cellar. 77.1% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 7.7% Grenache, and 5% Viognier. Mill Creek, Lewis, Art Den Hoed, and Wallula vineyards. 57 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Two Mountain Winery

Two Mountain Winery was established in 2002 by brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn. The Rawns are one of a number of multi-generation farmers in the Yakima Valley.

Two Mountain is located in Zillah in the Rattlesnake Hills, a sub-appellation of the Yakima Valley AVA. The Rawns planted the 26-acre Copeland Vineyard there in 2002. Matthew Rawn serves as winemaker with Patrick overseeing vineyard operations (read the winery dog bios here).

All of the Two Mountain wines sampled below are aromatic, lighter bodied wines that are low in alcohol with less overt influence of new oak than often seen in the state.

Two Mountain Winery Hidden Horse Red Table Wine VIII Washington State NV $15
(Decent) Ground cranberries, orange peel, red raspberry jame, and red currant on a very fruit forward aroma profile. The palate is light bodied with soft fruit flavors and light tannins. 13.9% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Two Mountain Winery Lemberger Rattlesnake Hills 2010 $16
(Decent/Good) An aromatic wine with orange peel, cranberry, herbal notes, and a light medicinal note. The palate is medium bodied, soft and fruit filled. 82% Lemberger, 18% Merlot. 13.4% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Two Mountain Winery Merlot Yakima Valley 2008 $20
(Decent) Abundant cranberry, raspberry and mint on a fruit forward aroma profile. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, soft and fruit filled with soft tannins and minimal oak influence. 94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.7% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Two Mountain Winery Cabernet Franc Reserve Yakima Valley 2008 $30
(Decent) A moderately aromatic wine with abundant herbal notes, crushed nuts, and pure cherry aromas. The palate is medium bodied, plush, soft and restrained with cherry flavors and soft tannins. A wood spice filled finish. 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot. 14.0% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Two Mountain Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley 2008 $25
(Good) A moderately aromatic wine with abundant herbal notes – almost veering toward the green veggies at times – along with black cherry, raspberry, and light chocolate. The palate on the lighter side of medium bodied with fresh fruit flavors and soft tannins. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 13.8% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.


Smasne Cellars

Winemaker Robert O. Smasne of Smasne Cellars comes from a fourth generation to raise crops in the Yakima Valley. Smasne started making wine in 1996. Since then he has created a long resume, which includes stints as assistant winemaker at Pepper Bridge and Amavi and director of winemaking at Alexandria Nicole.

Smasne started Smasne Cellars in 2006. The winery is an umbrella for several different labels - Smasne, Smasne Reserve, Farm Boy, and ½ Ass. Many of the Smasne wines focus on fruit from Upland, Lawrence, and Phinny Hill vineyards.

Smasne Cellars has tasting rooms in Woodinville and Kennewick with a production facility in Grandview.

Smasne Farm Girl Kaitlin Rayann White Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $14
(Good) Pale lemon yellow. A moderately aromatic wine with floral notes, peach, honeysuckle, and melon. The palate drinks off-dry, medium-plus bodied with a viscous feel, full of stone fruit flavors. 56% Roussanne, 39% Viognier, and 5% Marsanne. 13.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars Aligoté Upland Vineyard Snipes Mountain 2010 $18
(Good) Pale straw colored. Very lightly aromatic with spice, straw, and hazelnuts. The palate is broad and medium bodied with a fleshy, textured feel drinking just off-dry. An intriguing bottle of this very seldom seen varietal that could pass for Chardonnay in a blind tasting. 13.5% alcohol. 45 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Smasne Cellars Morio Muscat Upland Vineyard Snipes Mountain 2010 $18
(Decent) Brightly aromatic with orange peel, honeysuckle, and lavender. The palate is dry and on the lighter side of medium bodied with abundant orange flavors and a lime note on the finish. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars ½ Ass Red Wine #3 Columbia Valley 2008 $36
(Good) Medium ruby. A fruit-forward wine with red currant, cranberries, crushed nuts, raspberries, high toned herbal notes, and wood spice. The palate is medium bodied, full of silky red fruit flavors with a wood spice filled finish. 63% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. 14.2% alcohol. 74 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars Block 3 Syrah Lawrence Vineyard Columbia Valley 2008 $35
(Good/Excellent) A lightly aromatic wine with cranberry, red fruit, floral notes, and mineral notes. The palate is soft with tart red fruit flavors that linger on the finish. 13.9% alcohol. 94 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars Block 3 Syrah Lawrence Vineyard Columbia Valley 2009 $35
(Good) Medium ruby. A moderately aromatic wine full of wild blueberries, spice, violets, and light game notes. The palate is soft and silky with a tart finish. 13.9% alcohol. 71 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars Carmenère Phinny Hill Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills 2008 $35
(Decent/Good) Brightly aromatic full of freshly snapped bell pepper, cherry, and spice. The palate is soft and silky, gliding along with velvety tannins and cherry flavors. Bell pepper aromas and flavors take over the show at times. 13.9% alcohol. 119 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon Upland Vineyard Snipes Mountain 2008 $45
(Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with black cherry, herbal notes, and vanilla. The palate is full of cherry flavors with chalky tannins and a wood spice filled finish. 13.5% alcohol. 54 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Smasne Cellars Robert O Smasne Owen’s Reserve Columbia Valley 2008 $100
(Excellent) Dark ruby. An aromatically brooding wine with herbal notes, cherry cola, medicine cabinet, cranberry, licorice, and wood spice. The palate is loaded with tightly coiled cherry flavors and firm tannins that lead to a graceful finish. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, and 3% Carmenère. 14.2% alcohol. 37 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Seufert Winery

Seufert Winery owner and winemaker Jim Seufert is a fourth generation Oregonian. The winery is located in Dayton, Oregon within the McMinnville appellation. However, fruit for the Seufert wines comes from a variety of vineyards in the McMinnville, Yamhill-Carlton, and Chehalem Mountains AVAs. The wines below represent several different appellations as well as different clones of Pinot Noir.

Seufert Winery Pinot Noir Coleman Vineyard McMinnville 2009 $35
(Good) An aromatic wine full of ripe black cherries, cedar, and a light barnyard note. The palate is medium bodied, full of ripe cherry flavors and soft, velvety tannins. A fruit forward, appealing wine that gets a little weighty on the palate but delivers a lot of enjoyment. 100% Pinot Noir. Pommard clone. Aged in French oak (25% new). 13.5% alcohol. Less than 100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Seufert Winery Pinot Noir Vista Hills Vineyard Dundee Hills 2009 $35
(Good) An appealing aroma profile with stargazer lilies, earth, bark, cherry, and light toasty notes. The palate is light bodied and soft with light cherry flavors that broaden out across the palate before trailing off toward the finish. 100% Pinot Noir. Dijon clone. 13.6% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Seufert Winery Pinot Noir Horseleap Vineyard Willamette Valley 2009 $30
(Decent) Comes off as reduced initially before opening to reveal a lightly aromatic profile of moss and strawberry notes. The palate is soft with tart cranberry flavors. 100% Pinot Noir. Pommard and 777 clones. Sample provided by winery.


Onesies

It’s safe to say that no one in the state is as passionate about Gewürztraminer as Chris Dowsett at Dowsett Family Winery. Dowsett’s Gewürztraminer hails from 1982 plantings at Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge. These vines are dry farmed, a rarity for Washington. Despite a cool growing season and a cool site, these nearly 30 year old vines found their way to produce an exemplary wine. “The fruit was the most uniform colored I have ever seen out of there,” Dowsett says of the vintage. The proof is in the bottle.

Dowsett Family Winery Gewürztraminer Celilo Vineyard Columbia Gorge 2011 $22
(Excellent) An aromatic wine redolent with spice, rose petal, lychee, and grapefruit. The palate is medium bodied, laden with spices and mineral with a tart, drawn out finish. Less acid driven than it’s 2010 counterpart but still more than enough to take this wine where it wants to go and another beautiful offering from this winery. 100% Gewurztraminer. Fermented in neutral French oak. 0.4% Residual Sugar. 7.1 g/100ml T.A., 12.7% alcohol. 170 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Oregon has made a big splash of late with its Chardonnays and bottles like this one from Patton Valley Vineyard show why, sitting squarely between the Old World and the New. Fruit for this wine comes from Bethel Heights Estate Vineyard.

Patton Valley Vineyard Wente Clone Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2009 $24
(Excellent) Lightly aromatic with mineral, green apple, and spice. The palate is medium bodied and textured with green apple flavors and a tart finish. 100% Chardonnay. Bethel Heights Estate Vineyard. Fermented and aged in French oak (20% new). 14.1% alcohol.

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)

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