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Five Wines Under $15 - May 2013

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

L’Ecole No 41 has throughout its long history (the winery recently celebrated its 30th anniversary) carried the banner for Washington Chenin Blanc, making its first varietal offering in 1987. While plantings of the grape in the state have dwindled in recent years (see an article I wrote on Chenin Blanc for Edible Seattle a couple years ago here), the L’Ecole Chenin Blanc has flourished. The winery makes nearly 4,000 cases of its Chenin to slake the nation’s thirst.

Each vintage is a testament of how well this grape does in Washington, and L’Ecole’s 2012 Chenin Blanc is no different. Hailing from four vineyards in the Yakima Valley each planted over thirty years ago, it almost feels like stealing at $14.

For A Song is the house label for Vinum Importing & Distribution with Kyle Johnson (Purple Star, Native Sun) making the Washington wines. The lineup is increasingly diverse and includes – sampled below - Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, a Red Blend, and a positively thrilling Riesling. See previous reviews of winery’s Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Southern Rhone-style blend here.

Read previous Five Wines Under $15 here.

L’Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley 2012 $14
 (Excellent) An aromatic wine with pear, melon, floral notes, and whiffs of tropical fruit. It’s medium bodied, off dry with well-balanced acidity and abundant pear flavors that carry through on the finish. A superb wine and an outrageous value at this price. 100% Chenin Blanc. Willard Farms, Phil Church, Upland, and Rothrock vineyards. 0.8% Residual Sugar, 6.5g/L TA, 13.5% alcohol. 3,850 cases produced.

For A Song Riesling Caliche Lake Vineyard Columbia Valley 2012 $10
 (Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with peach, pear, and abundant mineral notes. It’s off dry with beautifully balanced, mouthwatering acidity and an extended finish. One to stock up on, this is an absolutely terrific value outshining many considerably more expensive wines. 11.9% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

For A Song Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2011 $10
 (Good) An aromatically appealing wine with candy corn, pear, yellow apple, tropical fruit and a kiss of spice. It’s medium bodied with a textured feel. Aged in French oak (5% new). 13.8% alcohol. 2,000 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

For A Song The Score Red Wine Columbia Valley 2011 $14
 (Good) Though only a small percentage of the blend, the Syrah expresses itself with notes of game and olive followed by red fruit and smoke. The palate is plush in feel but shows the vintage’s elegant styling with a touch of dryness on the finish. 90% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot. 13.9% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.  Recommended.

For A Song Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2010 $14
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with cherry, chocolate, and light floral notes accented by barrel spices. It’s on the lighter side of medium bodied with citrusy acidity and smooth tannins. 14.2% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Tonight! May Virtual Tasting - L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc


The May Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine is the L'Ecole No 41 2012 Chenin Blanc. This wine retails for $14 and is fairly widely available. The tasting will take place from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy the 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 #lecole41. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

For folks in the Seattle area, L'Ecole will be pouring their Chenin Blanc as well as other wines at Wine World & Spirits from 6-8pm. Stop by!

Washington Wine Round-up May 15th to May 21st 2013

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

From around the country...

Wine Spectator writes that a wine Investment group makes big moves in the Pacific Northwest.

The Washington Examiner writes about blind tasting Washington wines.

Bloomberg writes about Bacchus boosting its wine holdings with DeLille and Panther Creek.

San Diego City Beat tells A tale of two twist-offs: the 2012 Babich and the 2011 Fish House.

MarketWatch reports on the 4th Riesling Rendezvous.

Shanken Daily News writes about Precept Wines driving growth.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes that Northwest restaurants, wineries welcome Copper River salmon. They also write about a San Francisco firm buys Panther Creek, invests in DeLille and the wine industry extending Lake Chelan’s tourism season. Read wine reviews here.

Lucha Vino compares Washington Zinfandel v. Puglia.

Paul Gregutt writes about Kevin White.

Write for Wine writes about a fundraiser held by Efeste with Rockin’ Sips.

Cornichon writes about Cave B.

WineEyak presents a brief history of wine in the Yakima Valley.

Wine Peeps writes about Milbrandt Vineyards 2012 Traditions Pinot Gris and 2010 The Estates Cab.

The Zinfandel Chronicles reviews the 2002 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes that Lake Chelan rolls out the barrel.

The Washington Vine writes about Giant Wine Red Blend and a Maryhill Cabernet.

Wild 4 Washington Wine reviews the McKinley Springs 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and Pomum Cellars 2010 Tinto.


From the locals...

The Seattle Times writes that underage wine students can now taste subject.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about a service for winery co-owner Mike Dunham.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Pomum Cellars.

HeraldNet.com writes that Canoe Ridge Vineyard is back in action.

The News Tribune writes about Cabernet.

Writing for Seattle Metropolitan I give my wine pick of the week.

The Yakima Herald writes about alterations to state and local alcohol policies.

The Spokeman Review writes that Camp and partners purchase Overbluff Cellars.

The Capital Press writes about a private equity firm investing in two Northwest wineries.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)...

Have We No Wine Here? writes about L'Ecole and Kerloo Cellars.


That's all folks!

Finalist for 2013 'Best Single Subject Wine Blog'


I am pleased and humbled to announce that Washington Wine Report is again a finalist for 'Best Single Subject Wine Blog' from this year's Wine Blog Awards. Finalists are chosen by a panel of judges (see the list of judges here) with the final awards based on public and judges' votes. Friend and fellow local blogger Jameson Fink (JamesonFink.com) is also a finalist for "Best Writing On A Wine Blog." My congratulations to him and to the other finalists.

For me, it's the journey, not the destination. However, for those interested in voting, you can do so here until May 24th at 11:59pm...somewhere. Read more about the Wine Blog Awards here.

What is Washington's Signature Grape? Poll Take 2

Folks, I had to close down last week's poll on Washington's signature grape as the Blogger poll widget loses votes faster than Florida! I have subsequently relocated the poll to my Washington Wine Report Facebook page. See the poll results and vote here:

www.facebook.com/wawinereport 

The choices:

Umm….It’s Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grenache. Clearly.
Move over Argentina. It’s Malbec.
Screw sideways! Merlot!
Who needs one grape when we have blends?
Riesling Rules!
Is there any question? It’s Syrah.
Viva la Espana! Tempranillo.
Signature smignature. We don’t need one.

Don't see your favorite Washington grape listed or have thoughts on the subject? Leave a comment on the original post here. Note that I have closed comments on today's post to keep all of the comments about the topic in a single location.

Washington Wine Round-up May 8th to 14th 2013

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

From around the country...

San Jose Mercury News writes about O Wines.

From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about a fire destroying a Lake Chelan winery. They also write about Washington vineyards setting up for warm 2013 vintagefly fishing at Waterbrook WineryAlan Busacca heading up the Viticulture and Enology program in Walla Walla, and Barnard Griffin celebrating its 30th anniversary. Read recent wine reviews here.

Paul Gregutt writes about Carmenère.

Write for Wine writes about Barrage Cellars.

The Washington Vine says summer is back thanks to Locati Cellars.

Wine Peeps does a challenging wine pairing.

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman looks at Woodward Canyon’s Artist Series. Catie also gives a Stan Clarke story.

Wild 4 Washington Wine reviews Hamilton Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Palate Press asks whether there is evidence for terroir.

Eater Seattle writes about the new movie SOMM and talks with the Metropolitan Grill’s Thomas Price.


From the locals...

Wine Press Northwest writes about Walla Walla Community College’s wine program getting a new director.

The News Tribune writes that Seattle's Rainier Wine delivers high quality at a low price.

The Herald writes about Cabernet Sauvignon.

Oregon Live writes about Gov. Inslee signing a bill that makes it easier for certain businesses to serve alcohol.

The Columbian writes about reaction to new law allowing small, local theaters to sell wine.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Walla Walla wines in Woodinville.

The Wenatchee World writes about sommelier classes.

Seattle Metropolitan gives a weekly wine pick from yours truly.

The Seattle Times writes about Westport Winery’s arboretum.

The Tri City Herald writes about a movie shot in Lower Yakima Valley. They also write about King Cab.

KXLY writes about Spokane wineries celebrating Spring Release.

Western Farm Press writes about Eye of the Needle.

Spokane Journal of Business writes about a Spokane team designing the Wine Science Center.


That's all folks!

What is Washington’s signature grape? You decide!

Tasting through a large set of Washington wines, I am always struck by the diversity of grapes produced here. Here’s a list of varieties that I’ve come across from the Evergreen State this month:


Albariño
Barbera
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Gewurztraminer
Grenache
Gruner Veltliner
Lemberger
Madeline Angevine
Malbec
Marsanne
Merlot
Mourvèdre
Petit Verdot
Muscat Canelli
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
Primitivo
Riesling
Roussanne
Sangiovese
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
Siegerrebe
Syrah
Tempranillo
Viognier

And that’s not even a remotely complete list of all the varieties grown here.

While many regions of the wine world are defined by a single grape variety or style of wine, Washington is not and may well never be. It lacks a 'signature grape' - one variety that defines the state the way, say, Pinot Noir defines Oregon to the south. It creates some interesting challenges in establishing the state’s identity as a wine region around the country and world, but let’s not forget that these are still early days here.

So what is or will be the grape that comes to define Washington in the years to come? Here’s your chance to weigh in. Vote in the poll on the right and/or leave a comment below about what you think Washington’s signature grape is and why – or why not. Is it important for the state to be identified by a single variety or is Washington’s diversity a strength? You tell me.

In the poll, I’ve included four of the ‘Big Five’ grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Riesling, omitting Chardonnay because, well, it’s not going to happen. I’ve also thrown in some grapes that more (Tempranillo) or less (Malbec) recently have generated buzz as well as some other grapes and categories bandied about. Did I miss your favorite grape variety? Leave a comment below.

Graphic above courtesy of Wine Folly. See the original post here

May Virtual Tasting - L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc


The May Virtual Tasting wine is the L'Ecole No 41 2012 Chenin Blanc. This wine retails for $14 and is fairly widely available. The tasting will take place on Thursday May 30th 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 on the specified date using the hashtag #lecole41. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Washington Wine Round-up May 1st to May 7th 2013

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

From around the country...

The Anchorage Daily News writes about the 2010 Hedges CMS.

The Pensacola News Journal writes about Duck Pond rehabilitating Merlot's poor public image.

From around the blogosphere...

Paul Gregutt writes about reader letters. He also writes about Barnard Griffin turning 30.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Leonetti Cellars and Spring Release Weekend. They also write about Barnard Griffin turning 30Westport Winery creating a 40-acre arboretumMaryhill’s summer concert series, and about a design team being chosen for WSU’s wine science center. Read their wine reviews here.

Jameson Fink and I talk about tasting wine.

Lucha Vino compares Washington Malbec v. Argentina.

WineEYak gives a toast to construction.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Pomum Cellars.

Woodinville Wine Update writes that Anton Ville Winery is going out of business.

The Washington Vine writes about LocatiCellars.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the Efeste Spring Release party.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Red Willow Vineyard.

The Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman shares a Stan Clarke story.

Wine Peeps writes about a challenging wine pairing.

Write for Wine writes about what they’ve been drinking recently.


From the locals...

The News Tribune writes that the WSU Tri-Cities wine center design has been unveiled. They also write about Avennia and about bars and restaurants getting more options to buy booze.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Walla Walla Vintners. They also write about Rainier Wine.

Wine Press Northwest writes that Richland's Barnard Griffin Winery is in good hands.

The Herald writes about Diversion wines.

KIMA TV (Yakima CBS affiliate) writes about a Naches Heights winery offering camping with a bed, electricity and spa services.

Seattle Metropolitan gives a weekly wine pick from yours truly.

Queen Anne News writes about Yakima Valley marking its 30th year.

KPLU writes about lobbyists wining and dining lawmakers after hours.

The Capital Press writes about a Spokane team picked for wine center.

The Seattle Post Intelligencer writes about Washington State bubbles in Stan's Pick of the Week.


That's all folks!

Fresh Sheet May 9th 2013

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Mark Ryan WinerySleight of Hand CellarsConvergence Zone CellarsKevin White WineryMosquito Fleet WineryWind Rose CellarsKerloo CellarsJB Neufeld, and Tranche Cellars.



Mark Ryan Winery

If there’s one constant at Mark Ryan Winery, it’s change. When I visited with founder Mark McNeilly and winemaker Mike Macmorran recently, numerous changes were afoot, from moving the winery’s tasting room across the street (and opening a new tasting room for Boardtrack Racer in the old space) to expanding the winery’s production and planning for a new winemaking facility.

“We’re not just thinking about next year. We’re thinking about the next ten years,” McNeilly says. Between its Mark Ryan and Boardtrack Racer brands, the winery grew by almost 40% in 2012. With 24 acres of grape vines coming on line next year, some of which will be used at the winery and some sold, it was time to think about a new production facility.

“It’s different going in and having things built to our specifications. I think it will help us make better wine,” Macmorran says, adding, “As we grow both labels, it’s still with quality in mind, not quantity.” McNeilly agrees saying, “We’re still doing everything by hand. You have a very intimate relationship when you’re punching down 75 fermenters!”

The cool, 2010 vintage was challenging to many growers and winemakers across the Pacific Northwest. For Macmorran, it was no different. “It was way harder in terms of overall effort,” he says. “I got a lot grayer in 2010! The challenge was to try to make sure what we got was ripe but not overripe and keep them in balance.” He also notes that the change in vintage conditions led him to use some different approaches at the winery. “The thing in 2010 was being very, very careful with oak,” Macmorran says. “Too much oak, especially with the Rhone varieties, you’ll lose that typicity.”

While Macmorran may have a few more gray hairs from the challenging vintage, the results for Mark Ryan Winery from the 2010 vintage are nothing short of astounding, the winery’s best to date. There is incredible vibrancy in the aromas and flavors as well as delineation between all of the varieties in the blends. These are nothing short of exhilarating wines, each worthy of a spot in the cellar and, as always, built to last. To wit, the Dead Horse was still sailing along a week after it was opened.

Macmorran believes that part of what has improved the wines is the blending process. “We blend later and later every year,” he says. “It gives us a better opportunity to see where the wines are at.” Whatever the cause, these are wines to seek out and are among my favorites from the 2010 vintage.

Read previous posts on Mark Ryan Winery here. Picture above by Richard Duval.

Mark Ryan Winery Viognier Columbia Valley 2011 $28
 (Excellent) An uber aromatic wine with pear, apple, peach, and mineral notes. The palate has a real sense of freshness with a lemony crispness and a tart finish. Has a lot of texture and viscosity while still retaining its elegance. 100% Viognier. Ciel du Cheval, Red Willow, and Olsen vineyards. Aged 8 months in neutral French oak (94%) and stainless steel. 14.2% alcohol. 350 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Winery Lost Soul Syrah Yakima Valley 2010 $48
 (Exceptional) Completely opaque. An aromatically complex and expressive wine with iron, huckleberry, herbs, currant, bacon, and earth. The palate is satiny, textured, and dense with seamless fruit and earth flavors that draw out and lead to a lingering finish. A gorgeous wine that you can just sit and smell and be completely satisfied. 100% Syrah. Les Vignes de Marcoux Vineyard. Aged 20 months in French oak (33% new). 14.9% alcohol. 225 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Winery Wild Eyed Syrah Red Mountain 2010 $48
 (Excellent/Exceptional) A moderately aromatic wine with mineral, blackberry, blueberry, and bittersweet chocolate. The palate is densely packed with dark fruit and chocolate flavors will retaining a supple feel. High on the delicious scale. 100% Syrah. Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Aged 20 months in French oak (45% new). 14.9% alcohol. 275 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvedre Red Mountain 2010 $48
 (Excellent) Dark in color. A dark, brooding wine with graphite, violets, dark cherries, chocolate, white pepper, and wood spices. The palate is opulent and full with cherry flavors and firm tannins. 86% Mourvedre, 14% Syrah. Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow vineyards. Aged 20 months in French oak puncheons (59% new). 15.1% alcohol. 175 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Winery The Dissident Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $32
 (Excellent/Exceptional) A moderately aromatic wine with raspberry, black currant, earth, floral notes, mineral notes, and spice. The palate has a beautiful texture, richness, and suppleness combining power and elegance. Way over delivers for the quality that is in the bottle. 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 22% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Obelisco, Kiona, and Force Majeure vineyards. Aged 20 months in French oak (47% new). 14.6% alcohol. 1,900 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Long Haul Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $48
 (Exceptional) Aromatically vibrant with currant, earth, floral notes, and chocolate. The palate is perfumed and rich with dark fruit and chocolate flavors with firm but well integrated tannins. A drop dead gorgeous wine with a long life ahead of it if you can keep your hands off it. 61% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot. Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Red Willow, and Force Majeure vineyards. Aged 21 months in French oak (72% new). 14.8% alcohol. 1,100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Winery Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2010 $52
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Dark in color. Aromatically brooding and locked up with dark fruit, cassis, floral notes, blackberries, and spice. The palate is incredibly rich and textured with great density and depth and firm tannins that still need some time to fully stretch their legs. Give two plus years or a long decant. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot. Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, Red Willow, Kiona, and Force Majeure vineyards. Aged 21 months in French oak (78% new). 14.9% alcohol. 1,175 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mark Ryan Winery Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2010 $80
 (Exceptional) Closed up at present with blackberry, black currant, earth, and oak spices. The palate is richly concentrated with dense fruit and chocolate flavors with firm but beautifully integrated tannins. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, and Red Willow vineyards. Aged 21 months in French oak (81% new). 14.9% alcohol. 225 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Sleight of Hand Cellars

The latest releases from Sleight of Hand Cellars include a new Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy Bordeaux-style blend, The Conjurer from the 2011 vintage. Fruit for the wine comes from Blackrock and Blue Mountain vineyards. The 2010 wines from winemaker Trey Busch provide much of what there is to love about this vintage – purity of fruit flavors with a compelling, textured mouthfeel.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Magician’s Assistant Cabernet Franc Rose Blackrock Vineyard Yakima Valley 2012 $18
 (Good) Pale copper with a slight pink tinge. It’s moderately aromatic with spice and strawberry. The palate is medium bodied with a rounded feel and tart cherry flavors. 100% Cabernet Franc. Blackrock Vineyard. Fermented in stainless steel and barrel aged for five months in neutral French oak. 13.5% alcohol. 0.19% Residual Sugar. 225 cases produced.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Enchantress Chardonnay French Creek Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $28
 (Good) Appealing aromas of toasty spices, citrus, stone fruit, and hibiscus. It’s on the lighter side of medium bodied with a textured feel. 100% Chardonnay. Full malolactic fermentation. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak. 199 cases produced.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Spellbinder Red Wine Columbia Valley 2011 $19
 (Good) The first time this wine has been Merlot dominant, it’s aromatic with blue fruit, herbal notes, menthol, and cherry meats. The palate is light in style with fresh fruit flavors. 50% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 9% Syrah, and 2% Sangiovese. Aged 11 months in neutral oak. 13.8% alcohol.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Conjurer Red Wine Columbia Valley 2011 $28
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with pretty aromas of oak spices, cherry, licorice, and blueberries. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied and fresh in feel with grainy tannins. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc. Blue Mountain and Blackrock vineyards. Aged 14 months in French oak (26% new). 470 cases produced.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Archimage Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $52
 (Excellent) An aromatically fascinating wine with oak spices, brooding cherry notes, fresh herbs, chocolate, floral notes, and mineral. It has a beautiful mouthfeel and texture with a mixture of blue and red fruits, supple tannins, and an airy, extended finish. 45% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot. Blue Mountain, Red Mountain, and Va Piano vineyards. Aged 20 months in French oak (50% new). 15.1% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Illusionist Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2010 $52
 (Excellent) Appealing aromas of toasty spices meld with high toned herbal notes and cherry. The palate is light and airy, graceful in style with a compelling mouthfeel and a long, long finish. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Red Mountain, Blue Mountain, Phinny Hill, Bacchus, and Scooteney Flats vineyards. Aged 20 months in French oak (60% new). 14.8% alcohol. 450 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Sleight of Hand Cellars Levitation Syrah Columbia Valley 2010 $42
 (Excellent) A dark, glass staining wine with earthy funk, mineral notes, violets, chocolate, and pure cherry cola notes. It’s light in texture but with good intensity of flavors and complexity. 100% Syrah. Lewis, Les Collines, and Funk Estate vineyards. Aged 13 months in French oak (20% new). 14.8% alcohol.


Convergence Zone Cellars

Woodinville’s Convergence Zone Cellars is quietly making a name for itself with high quality, well priced red blends from Red Mountain. The 2010 wines sampled below only continue that trend. At first blush, indeed even at second blush, both the Storm Front and Squall Line can seem somewhat tart but after a few days, they settle down and positively sing.

Convergence Zone Cellars Dewpoint Riesling Bacchus Vineyard Columbia Valley 2012 $17
 (Decent/Good) A very aromatically unique Riesling with lychee, pink grapefruit, and peach. Tingles the palate with medium bodied fruit flavors with the residual sugar (0.9%) adding a touch of sweetness to the finish. 100% Riesling. 12.3% alcohol. 0.9% Residual Sugar. 183 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Convergence Zone Cellars Drizzle Pinot Gris Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain 2012 $19
 (Good) Moderately aromatic with yellow apple, pear, and mineral notes. The palate is medium sweet with a drawn out finish. 100% Pinot Gris. 10.7% alcohol. 3% Residual Sugar. Sample provided by winery.

Convergence Zone Cellars Storm Front Red Mountain 2010 $28
 (Excellent) Far better on day three than when popped and poured, it’s moderately aromatic with notes of mocha, raspberry, herbs, nuts, and cranberry. The palate has quite tart fruit flavors and firm tannins with cranberry-like acidity and wood flavors on the finish. Needs some additional time in the bottle to show its best but will be worth the wait. Give one to two years or a long decant. 43% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Malbec. E&E Shaw, Bel Villa, and Hedges vineyards. 14.1% alcohol. 120 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Convergence Zone Cellars Squall Line Red Mountain 2010 $28
 (Excellent) Aromatically locked up with dark cherry, cedar, herbs, and wood spice. The palate has tart cherry flavors, a textured mouthfeel, and firm, slightly dry tannins and a wood spice filled finish. Give two years or an extended decant. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Merlot. E&E Shaw and Bel Villa vineyards. Aged in French oak (25% new). 14.4% alcohol. 95 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Kevin White Winery

Watch out wine world. Here comes Kevin White Winery. Winemaker Kevin White made a strong impression with his equal parts promise and delivery inaugural release. His second vintage takes a large leap forward while keeping the wines ridiculously under priced for the quality.

“This is why I keep working at Microsoft,” White says sardonically of his prices. He says of his approach to the winery, “Get good fruit, get good mentors, have a good price point, and get a distributor!” In terms of the latter, White has selected Unique Wines. He says of winemaking, “You learn patience. I just have to apply that to my kids now.”

Read previous posts about Kevin White Winery here.

Kevin White Winery La Fraternité Red Wine Yakima Valley 2011 $20
 (Excellent) An aromatic wine with bright, fresh boysenberry, white pepper, red fruit, and moist earth. The palate is fresh, pure and sensuous with a layered, textured feel. An absolutely outstanding wine with great purity and a complete steal at this price. 42% Grenache (Upland), 42% Mourvedre (Olsen) and 16% Syrah (Olsen). Upland and Olsen vineyards. Aged 12 months in neutral French oak. 14.2% alcohol. 172 cases produced.

Kevin White Winery En Hommage Red Wine Yakima Valley 2011 $25
 (Excellent/Exceptional) An aromatic wine with a medley of red and blue fruit, a touch of orange peel, light meaty notes, and coffee tones. The palate is medium bodied, dense and pure with sinewy fruit flavors and an extended finish. A level of quality rarely seen at this price. 50% Syrah (Olsen), 50% Grenache (Upland). Olsen and Upland vineyards. 14.4% alcohol. 118 cases produced.


Mosquito Fleet Winery

Named after the original steamboat ferries that buzzed around the Puget Sound, Mosquito Fleet Winery was founded by Dr. Brian and Jacquie Petersen and Scott and Jacy Griffin. With its latest releases, the winery has navigated the cool 2010 vintage well, producing another set of impressive wines. This will be a winery to watch.

Read previous posts about Mosquito Fleet Winery here.

Mosquito Fleet Winery SS Crest Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2010 $29
 (Good/Excellent) Locked but aromatically but opens to reveal black cherry, mocha, light herbs, and freshly hewn wood. It has concentrated cherry flavors, tart acids, and firm, chalky tannins with a cranberry like finish. Needs more time to fully come into its own. 100% Cabernet Franc. Hattrup Farms. Aged in American (83) and French oak (17% new). 13.8% alcohol. 76 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mosquito Fleet Winery SS Dauntless Meritage Columbia Valley 2010 $34
 (Good/Excellent) Locked up aromatically with notes of toast, mocha, cherry, cranberry, and cedar. The palate has tightly wound, somewhat dry tannins and plump cherry flavors. Not showing its best right now but should blossom with some additional time in the bottle. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Double Canyon, Marcoux, and Elephant Mountain vineyards. Aged 22 months in French and American (17%) oak. 13.7% alcohol. 89 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mosquito Fleet Winery SS Dix Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2010 $39
 (Good) The aromas are faint with coffee bean, cedar, herbs, mocha, and oak spices. The palate is medium bodied with firm, dry tannins and tart acid. An understated wine that you shouldn’t even really think about opening for a few years. 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. Pepper Bridge, Double Canyon, and Hattrup Farms vineyards. 13.7% alcohol. 90 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mosquito Fleet Winery SS Sophia Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $29
(Good/Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with roasted coffee bean, cedar, mocha, citrus, and cherry. The palate is full bodied with tart cherry flavors and chalky, dry tannins. Make sure to give it some time to open up. 73% Syrah, 19% Mourvedre, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hattrup Farms and Double Canyon vineyards. Aged 22 months in French (73%) and American oak (51% new). 15% alcohol. 250 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Mosquito Fleet Winery SS Fortuna Petit Verdot Columbia Valley 2010 $32
 (Excellent) Lightly aromatic with garden soil, cherry, oak spices, light green notes, lemon peel, and violets. The palate packs a wallop with cherry flavors and brawny, slightly dry tannins and bright acid. 88% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Mourvedre, and 3% Merlot. Double Canyon and Hattrup Farms vineyards. Aged in American (64%) and French oak (36% new). 13.9% alcohol. 68 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Wind Rose Cellars

Unlike most Washington wineries that focus on grape varieties made famous in France, Sequim-based Wind Rose Cellars chooses instead to look toward the Italian varieties. Read previous posts about the winery here.

Wind Rose Cellars Pinot Grigio Dry White Table Wine Yakima Valley 2012 $15
(Decent) Moderately aromatic with ripe red apple, citrus, and mineral notes. The palate is dry with a broad feel. 100% Pinot Gris. Aged in stainless steel (66%) and oak with one third malolactic fermentation. 13% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Wind Rose Cellars Rosato Dry Rose Wine Washington State 2012 $15
(Decent) Medium salmon in color with rose petal, watermelon, bubblegum, and some reductive notes. The palate is medium-plus bodied with plump fruit flavors. 51% Nebbiolo, 18% Dolcetto, 17% Primitivo, and 14% Barbera. 13.2% alcohol. 120 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Wind Rose Cellars Dolcetto Red Table Wine Columbia Valley 2011 $19
 (Decent/Good) Moderately aromatic with bright cherry and herbs. It’s medium bodied with tart flavors, dry tannins, and no apparent oak influence. 80% Dolcetto and 20% Barbera. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 13.9% alcohol. 75 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Wind Rose Cellars Bravo Rosso Red Table Wine Washington State 2010 $20
(Decent/Good) Lightly aromatic with herbs and dark cherry and volatile notes that are just in check. The palate is medium-plus bodied with tart plum flavors. 61% Barbera, 23% Dolcetto, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Nebbiolo. 13.5% alcohol. 120 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Onesies

Kerloo Cellars Majestic Columbia Valley 2011 $26
 (Excellent) Draws you into the glass with plum, white pepper, smoke, and orange peel on an aromatically complex wine. The palate is soft, delicate, textured and lightly structured. The concentration isn’t as much as some might want but those who enjoy a more elegant style will swoon. Make sure to give it some time to open up. 46% Grenache (Upland), 27% Syrah (18% Blue Mountain Block 8, 9% Boushey Vineyard), 27% Mourvedre (18% Alder Ridge, 9% Upland). 13.8% alcohol. 253 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon Yakima Valley 2010 $34
(Good/Excellent) For the cool 2010 vintage, winemaker Justin Neufeld has combined his two single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons into one, using DuBrul Vineyard’s elegance to off-set Artz’ power. It’s aromatically locked up at present with mineral, earth, toast, dried herbs, and cherry. The palate is medium bodied with cherry flavors, firm, dry tannins, and tart acids. Give one to two years or a long decant. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Artz and DuBrul vineyards. Aged in French oak (71% new). 420 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Tranche Cellars Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2011 $18
 (Excellent) Sourced from the Royal Slope, this is a moderately aromatic Pinot Gris with melon, red apple slices, straw, oak spices, and pear. The palate is rich, textured, and drawn out with the alcohol providing just a bit of distraction from what is otherwise a magnificent wine. 100% Pinot Gris. Aged 8 months in neutral French oak. 14.3% alcohol. 236 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Pic of the Vine - May 2013

Pic of the Vine is a monthly image from photographer Richard Duval. See previous images here

While there's not an official start to Washington's wine touring season, we do know how to recognize the signs. Spring release celebrations are in full swing, barrel tastings are coming and for resident photographer Richard Duval, there's nothing quite like bud break to signal wine fun has begun.

"Prowling around Chelan during Spring Release took me to the vineyards of Nefarious where this burst of growth caught my eye," he said. "Like groundhogs, when we see bud break, we know it's time to come out of our winter burrows and start planning wine country adventures."

Click on the picture for a larger image. Enjoy!

Old school! Recent print publications

The May/June issue of Edible Seattle has an article I wrote on Cadence titled, "Time in the cellar - The patient rhythms of Cadence Winery." See a list of locations to purchase a copy here. Also, the May issue of Wine Enthusiast has my first reviews for the magazine as well as a short article on Erik Chapman of Seattle's Sun Liquor complete with cocktail recipe. Read the latter here.

Enjoy!

Washington Wine Round-up April 22nd to April 30th 2013

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from April 22nd to April 30th.  Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country...

At the New York Times, Eric Asimov writes about terroirist Kevin Pogue and Walla Walla wine.

Cleveland Plain Dealer writes about the Renegade Wine Co. 2012 Columbia Valley Rose

The La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, WI) writes about the Hogue Genesis Meritage 2007.

From around the blogosphere...

Paul Gregutt on why making wine is making him a better critic. He also reviews new releases from William Church

Great Northwest Wines writes about growers dodging frost. They also write about Ste. Michelle’s summer concert lineup, give a guide to Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting weekend and write about its evolution. Read their latest wine reviews here.

Wild 4 Washington Wine reviews the McKinley Springs 2010 Viognier.

The Washington Vine writes about the Thorny Rose Pinot Grigio.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2006 Grand Rêve Vintners/Force Majeure Collaboration Series II and tastes 2003 Leonetti Merlot.

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman writes about the L'Ecole Nº 41 2012 Grenache Rosé and the Renegade Wine Co. Rosé.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about the Ste. Michelle summer concert series. Shona also writes about upcoming events.

The Grower.com writes that wine grape bi-products yield healthful cooking ingredients.

Seattle Eater writes about Walla Walla's 11 Most Entertaining Tasting Rooms.

Write for Wine writes about the Chateau Ste. Michelle summer concert series.

Wine for Normal People writes about Washington wine.


From the locals...

Seattle Metropolitan magazine gives a weekly wine pick from yours truly.

Seattle Weekly covers Washington wines among Pacific Coast "Oyster Award" winners.

The Yakima Herald writes about the opening of the $20 million wine distribution center in Wallula.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin also reports that Railex rolls out new wine warehouse.

The News Tribune writes about Reininger.

KNDU writes that agritourism is growing in the Columbia Valley.

Seattle Magazine writes about tasting Notes on the 2013 Oyster Wine ContestThey also write about the best new Washington wines of 2013.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Dakota Creek Winery's new releases. They also write that the outdoor grilling season is a good time for Malbec and about Avennia. Finally, they write about a furor over statements by state senator Mike Hewitt and potential negative impacts on Walla Walla.

Walla Walla Lifestlyles writes about the importance of location.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)...

WineSpeak USA writes about the 2009 Bunchgrass Triolet.


That's all folks!

The Rise of Washington Riesling

What follows is a guest post by Andy Perdue of GreatNorthwestWine.com

While Riesling is not Washington's No. 1 grape - barely - it is the white wine that most defines the state.

This is driven by Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington's oldest winery and the world's single largest producer of Riesling at more than 1 million cases.

But Chateau Ste. Michelle is not the only Riesling player in Washington. Hogue Cellars, Pacific Rim Winemakers, Charles Smith, and even Ste. Michelle siblings Columbia Crest and Snoqualmie make significant amounts of Washington Riesling.

Based on tasting more than 130 Northwest Rieslings last year, here are 10 of the highest-production wines I saw:

1. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2011 Riesling: 900,000 cases
2. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2011 Harvest Select Riesling: 160,000 cases
3. Hogue Cellars 2011 Late Harvest Riesling: 115,000 cases
4. Pacific Rim Winemakers 2010 Sweet Riesling: 80,000 cases
5. Chateau Ste. Michelle 2011 Dry Riesling: 75,000 cases
6. Columbia Crest 2011 Two Vines Riesling: 75,000 cases
7. Charles Smith Wines 2011 Kung Fu Girl Riesling: 65,000 cases
8. Snoqualmie Vineyards 2010 Winemaker's Select Riesling: 43,500 cases
9. Pacific Rim Winemakers 2011 Riesling: 34,000 cases
10. Hogue Cellars 2011 Riesling: 27,000 cases

It should be noted that many of these were from the 2011 vintage, which was down significantly because of a vine-damaging freeze in November 2010. Thus, we can expect 2012 numbers - during which Washington harvested a record 36,700 tons of Riesling - to be significantly higher.

In fact, Washington could top 2 million cases of Riesling from the 2012 vintage.

Nicolas Quillé, general manager and head winemaker for Pacific Rim Winemakers near Red Mountain, said he believes that while Riesling growth in Washington has undoubtedly slowed, there still are a number of vineyards that were recovering from the 2011 freeze and were not yet at full capacity last fall. Along with a small number of new plants, he said Washington has a decent chance of reaching 40,000 tons of Riesling within the next one to three years.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates CEO Ted Baseler, when asked if he thought such unprecedented levels could be reached in 2013, replied, "I would say that is ambitious."

He should have a pretty good handle on it, since his company has been the driver in growth of Washington Riesling in the past dozen years - and viewed as the leader in America's Riesling renaissance.

When Ste. Michelle joined up with Ernest Loosen, one of Germany's top Riesling winemakers, to produce a joint project, many thought $20 for an off-dry American Riesling was a bit crazy. But Eroica caught on with consumers across the nation and helped spur Ste. Michelle to take a deep dive into the global Riesling pool.

And, frankly, it caught everyone - including Baseler - by surprise.

"Bob Betz had lunch with Ernie Loosen," Baseler recalled. "Ernie talked with such enthusiasm about the vineyards of Washington. We thought it would be a nice project. We didn't envision it as some kind of massive turnaround in the Riesling category."
But it did. In 2001, Washington crushed 10,600 tons of Riesling. It was minuscule compared with Chardonnay, which had blown up to nearly three times that. But from that point forward, Riesling production increased precipitously - to the point where it actually surpassed Chardonnay in production in 2009 and 2010.

It also led Ste. Michelle to go out and find another Riesling expert in addition to Loosen. So in 2007, it hired Wendy Stuckey, known as one of Australia's finest white winemakers who specializes in Riesling. Suddenly, head winemaker Bob Bertheau was surrounded by talent from the Old World - Loosen - and the New World - Stuckey. Somewhere in between, the three are able to use Washington grapes to produce some of the finest Riesling in the world.

This showed at the 2010 Riesling Rendezvous, when a prestigious panel of international Riesling makers and an audience of 300 chose the Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling - which sells for under $10 - as a favorite against stiff and expensive competition from Germany, Alsace, the Finger Lakes and Australia.
Even though Washington is producing world-class Rieslings, the state's growers and winemakers still are dialing in their sources. The current favorites for Ste. Michelle are the Yakima Valley and the Ancient Lakes area near George. But we are also seeing great promise in Lake Chelan, Naches Heights and the Columbia Gorge - though none of these areas can currently grow Riesling in great quantities.

Andy Perdue, is a wine journalist and author. He launched Wine Press Northwest magazine in 1998 and was its editor through 2012. The Washington native is the editor and publisher of Great Northwest Wine, a news and information company. He is an author and frequently judges in regional, national and international wine competitions. Learn more at GreatNorthwestWine.com