Five Wines Under $15 - June 2013

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

I have written before – and I will write again now – that Chenin Blanc is a great grape for Washington, where the majority of vines still in the ground are more than thirty years old. Our first wine this month from Kyra Wines is just another example.

The 2010 Kyra Chenin is a single vineyard wine coming from Harold Pleasant Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Whereas many of the white wines from the warmer 2012 vintage are clocking in at over 14% alcohol, this one is listed at a cool 11.5%. Still, there’s a lot of warm weather, ripe fruit flavors here. There’s residual sugar – 1.5% - but it’s more than offset by the grape’s natural acidity. It’s a superb wine, great for the summer or at the dinner table, at a price that seems silly given its quality. But that is the state of Washington Chenin Blanc at present. Consumers have turned their attention elsewhere, so prices remain low despite the level of quality.

Next up are the 2012 Riesling releases from Chateau Ste. Michelle. Ste. Michelle is the world’s largest producer of Riesling and has almost single handedly led to a revival of the grape in America. The Columbia Valley Riesling leads the charge at 800,000 cases annually. Next month’s Riesling Rendezvous – the fourth that the company has held – will bring together producers and devotees from around the world to discuss the grape and taste its spoils (note that there is a Grand Tasting on Sunday July 14^th). The prices for the 2012 wines have gone up a dollar to $10 but this should be no cause for concern. The quality level remains high for the price and the wines can often be found discounted at the supermarket.

Finally we have Ste. Michelle’s 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, a delightful bottle for summertime and also extremely well priced. Did someone say summertime? Time to chill some wines, sit back and enjoy.

Kyra Chenin Blanc Columbia Valley 2012 $13
 (Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with floral notes, kiwi, green apple skin, and honeycomb. The palate is medium bodied, off dry but drinking considerably drier than its residual sugar might indicate, beautifully balanced by tart, citric acidity. An extremely enjoyable, refreshing summer wine and perfect for pairing with spicy fare. 100% Chenin Blanc. Harold Pleasant Vineyard. 11.5% alcohol. 1.5% Residual Sugar. 397 cases produced.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2012 $11
 (Good) An aromatically appealing wine with citrus and light herbs. It’s medium bodied, full of tart fruit flavors that carry through to the middle before moving toward the edges on the second half. 13.0% alcohol. Sample provided by winery. Recommended.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling Columbia Valley 2012 $10
(Good) A moderately aromatic wine with ripe peach, citrus, and jasmine. The palate is just off dry with tart, somewhat sharp edged acids. 13.0% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling Columbia Valley 2012 $10
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with ripe peach and honeysuckle. It’s off-dry, medium bodied with a lick of acid on the finish. 12.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling Columbia Valley 2012 $10
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with peach and apricot. The palate is medium sweet with ripe fruit flavors. 10.5% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Tonight! June Virtual Tasting - Hogue Sauvignon Blanc 2012

The June Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine is the 2012 Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley. This wine retails for $11 and is widely available. The tasting will take place from 7-8pm Pacific Thursday June 27th.

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 #hoguewine. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Washington's 13th AVA Comes on Strong

The following article was written by Ryan Messer. Read other articles from Messer here. 

In October of last year, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) awarded a group of authors approval for the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley appellation. Members of the authoring group, which included Dr. Vince Bryan of Cave B Estate Winery and Cameron Fries of White Heron Cellars, hosted a small group of wine writers and wine commission staff for a more official unveiling in mid-May, which I had the pleasure to attend. Here are my thoughts.

Growing up in the Yakima Valley, and frequenting many of the sub appellations located within the Yakima Valley’s boundaries, I've become fairly well versed in the heat and dryness of our area. While Ancient Lakes shares some of those attributes, as both appellations reside within the Columbia Valley, it is also considerably different.

Ancient Lakes, located near the eastern Washington cities of Quincy and George, is divided into four distinct areas: The Benches, The Foothills, The Coulees and The Ridges.

The Benches are above the cliffs leading to the Columbia River and provide the best opportunity for red varietals, due to its southern face, elevation and proximity to radiant heat rising from the basalt walls. But the AVA (American Viticultural Area) is currently far better known for its cool sites for whites (80% of the area is currently planted to white varieties), with Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc leading the charge. The Ancient Lakes has been a hot bed of planting recently and currently has over 1,300 acres under vine.

The Foothills face south and are at a higher elevation than any other growing area in the AVA with Two Guns Vineyard at over 1,500 feet above sea level. This area is best suited for white grapes such as Riesling and Pinot Gris with no worry for frost.

The Coulees lie along the edges of Potholes and Frenchmen Coulees and generally have thinner soil. According to our hosts, the basalt cliffs on parts of the perimeter absorb heat during the day and release it at night preventing great temperature swings. The area is considered to be best suited for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Finally, The Ridges sit on the west side of the appellation and are over 100 feet above the basin floor. They are rich with basalt and caliche (hardened deposits of calcium carbonate) with the thin soils eroded by millennia of wind. The soil is compact and provides little room for water to reach the roots, causing the vines to work harder to survive and, some say, offering great minerality in the resulting wines. The Ridges are home to some of the best known and widely used fruit in the appellation, with Evergreen Vineyard Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc dominating the area.

Ryan Flanagan, vineyard manager for Milbrandt Vineyards and Ryan Patrick Vineyards, and Freddy Arredondo, winemaker for Cave B, provided the majority of the commentary on our tour. Their topics included the abundance of basalt and caliche, elevation microclimates and the Missoula Floods. It's truly amazing that these floods from approximately 15,000 years ago have such a drastic affect on the soil today.

For another perspective on the fruit from the new appellation, I spoke with Brennon Leighton, winemaker for Charles Smith Wines. Smith's Kung Fu Girl Riesling is sourced from Evergreen Vineyard located in The Ridges. While Leighton has been with Charles Smith Wines for less than a year, he's not new to Ancient Lakes, especially Evergreen Vineyard. When he was assistant winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle, one of the wines he worked on was the Eroica Riesling, sourced in part from Evergreen. At Efeste in Woodinville, he made Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from Evergreen Vineyard.

When asked what draws him to Evergreen, or Ancient Lakes as a whole, Leighton replied, "It's a cool site. There's no other site that's quite as cool, which is important for acidity, and the soil is similar to the soil in Champagne and Chablis. It has tremendous minerality."

Leighton went on to say, "I feel they are world class vineyards. Evergreen and Two Guns are two of the best sites for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the world.” He said of the Ancient Lakes, “It's just an incredibly unique site."

I'm anxious to see Ancient Lakes of the Columbia Valley popping up on bottles across the state (the first AVA designated wines are already hitting the shelves). Once the region gains name recognition with consumers, I believe viticulturists and winemakers alike will explore the full potential of the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley.

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

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

From around the country...

Wines and Vines writes about Celebrate Walla Walla.

The Vancouver Sun writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Indian Wells Red Blend 2010.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about Pinot Gris. They also write about Mike Hogue being inducted into the Washington wine Hall of Fame, Riedel conducting a wineglass seminar in Walla Walla, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s record for Riesling in 2012, and Fume Blanc.

Paul Gregutt writes about wine labels. 

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Kiona Vineyards’ 2010 Estate Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The Washington Vine writes about the Vin du Lac 2010 PinotGris.

The Zinfandel Chronicles shares Zinfandel Chronicles One Year Anniversary and reviews 2011 Efeste Chardonnay Lola Vineyard.

Northwest Wine Anthem shares a Friday Find from Mark Ryan.

WA Wine PR writes about Celebrate Walla Walla.

Wine Peeps writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling.

Lucha Vino compares Washington Syrah v. Northern Rhone and Washington Pinot Noir vs. Burgundy.

From the locals...

Writing for Seattle Magazine, Paul Zitarelli writes about Waitsburg Cellars.

The News Tribune writes about great white wines for summer outdoor entertaining.

The Idaho Statesman writes about affordable red wines for summer enjoyment.

Read my weekly wine pick for Seattle Metropolitan here.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about Paul Gregutt. They also write about Celebrate Walla Walla.

The Bellingham Herald writes about white wine and rose’.

AgInfo.net writes about Legends of Washington Wine.

KNDO writes about the Washington Wine Foundation receiving a grant for worker safety. They also write about Celebrate Walla Walla.


That's all folks!

June Virtual Tasting - Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2012

The June Virtual Tasting wine is the Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2012. This wine retails for $11 and is widely available. The tasting will take place on Thursday June 27th 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 #hoguewine. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

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

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

From around the country...

Wines and Vines writes about topography and temperature in the Columbia Valley.

The San Francisco Business Times writes about the 2013 wine blog award winners.

The Emporia Gazette writes about 14 Hands.

The Washington Post writes about rosé with a shout out to Charles and Charles.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about Ste. Michelle Anew Riesling label for women. They also write about Andrew Will and Washington Pinot Gris.

 Paul Gregutt discusses wine industry salespeople in birth of a salesman and reviews a wine sommelier documentary in somm enchanted evening.

The Zinfandel Chronicles reviews 2008 Grand Rêve Vintners/ Force Majeure Collaboration Series V. Tom also writes about the Avennia Summer 2013 Open House.

Northwest Wine Anthem looks back at the brutish beginnings of the Yakima Valley AVA and Washington wine.

Wine Peeps writes about House Wine.

WineEyak writes about Yakima Valley wines in Wine Spectator.

Write for Wine writes about a Barrister co-owner being named 2013 Legends Winemaker.

The Wine Curmudgeon gives a shout out to yours truly.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about the Iron Vintner challenge. Read about upcoming Woodinville wine events here.


From the locals...

Puget Sound Business Journal writes about Precept Wine purchasing Yakima Valley 'Skyfall' vineyard.

KIMA (Yakima CBS affiliate) covers the 2013 growing season.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Cabernet Sauvignon.

Read my weekly wine pick from Seattle Metropolitan here.

The Columbian writes about liquor privatization.

The Herald writes about BevMo opening a new store in Redmond.


That's all folks!

June Pic of the Vine

This month’s Pic of the Vine was captured by resident photographer Richard Duval in Walla Walla right next door to the Northstar winery.

“One of my favorite wine scenes is the presence of spring wildflowers set amidst a vineyard,” he noted. “It’s a scenario that suggests beauty now with beauty to come. That overhead cloud served as a perfect arrow from flower to vine, and I put a bit of soft-focus vignette effect to it just to underscore the dreamy nature of the scene. Like wineophiles all around Washington, I’m primed for the season!”

Click on the picture for a larger image. See previous Pic of the Vine images here.

Washington Wine Round-Up June 1st to 7th 2013

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

From around the country...

Wines and Vines writes about the Woodinville Wine Village emerging.

The Washington Times writes about Va Piano Vineyards’ One Wine.

Greenville Online writes about Sleight of Hand.

The Georgetown Dish writes about Washington wine.

From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about this summer’s Riesling Rendezvous. They also write about Woodinville wineries creating incentives for local residents and a Wenatchee newspaper helping to promote North Central Washington wines.

Paul Gregutt writes about Brian Carter Cellars. He also writes that summer wine touring is underway.

Wild 4 Washington Wine reviews Pomum’s 2008 Shya Red.

The Zinfandel Chronicles reviews the 2004 Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about the Woodinville Warehouse District’s II Vintners

Wine Peeps writes about Fielding Hills.

Woodinville Wine Update looks at wine discounts based on home location in ZIP Treatment.

Northwest Cork and Fork writes about the Tulpen Cellars Grenache.

Write for Wine writes about the Seattle Wine Awards.

Blue Collar Wine Guy writes about San Juan Vineyards.


From the locals...

Seattle Metropolitan writes about the launching of Impulse Wine. Read my weekly wine pick here.

KNDO/KNDU News writes about the ups and downs of winemaking for Hamilton Cellars.

The Issaquah Press writes about Twin Cedar Winery.

The News Tribune writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle Rieslings.

The Yakima Herald writes about Marcus Notaro of Col Solare heading to California.

Seattle Times publishes an opinion piece that the legislature should reject Costco’s proposed liquor legislation.

The Herald writes that Riesling's revival started at Chateau Ste. Michelle.

The Capital Press writes about Cave B.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about liquor sales and revenue rising in Washington.


That's all folks!

2013 Best Single Subject Wine Blog

I am honored and humbled to announce that Washington Wine Report won the Wine Blog Award for ‘Best Single Subject Wine Blog’ 2013. There was a great group of finalists this year, all of who were deserving and merit your attention. The finalists were: On Reserve: A Wine Law Blog; New York Cork Report; Mad About Madeira; On The Wine Trail in Italy; and Stuart Pigott’s Planet Wine. Please give them a look!

I would like to thank the judges as well as everyone who voted (NB: Paul Gregutt was one of this year’s judges but did not vote in this category). I would also like to thank contributors Richard Duval, Ryan Messer, and Erika Syzmanski as this is truly a team award. We’ll do our best to earn another nomination next year.

See the complete list of this year's winners here.

Old school! Recent print publications

The Summer issue of Washington Tasting Room Magazine contains an article I wrote titled, "Terroir: The Rocks of Walla Walla." Additionally, the May/June issue of Vineyard and Winery Management has an article I wrote titled, "Whither Washington whites?" discussing reasons for the general lack of focus on white wines in the state. Finally, the June issue of Wine Enthusiast contains a series of wine reviews.

Enjoy!

Are Washington wines ageworthy? Let Lawrelin Wine Cellars be your guide

Of the world’s many wine drinkers, few age their wine for any significant period of time. Doing so means you not only need more than one bottle of wine on hand – a rarity for many consumers - it also means you need the patience to squirrel the wine away for an extended period. Here winemaker Kendall Mix of Lawrelin Wine Cellars has taken care of the patience part, holding onto his inaugural releases for – wait for it - more than a decade prior to release.

Mix was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. The son of a pediatric urologist, he felt the full weight of being a doctor’s son. “I grew up under the impression I was supposed to go to medical school,” Mix says. “It was never really talked about by my parents, but all my extended family repeatedly asked me if I was going to be a doctor like my dad.”

Never taking to hospitals and with the full support of his parents, Mix decided to go in another direction, with an elective class in brewing and winemaking providing the inspiration. “This lit a fuse,” he says of his decision to subsequently become a winemaker. Mix talked to his professor about how to pursue winemaking as a career and subsequently enrolled at UC Davis’ Viticulture and Enology program.

At first, while studying at UC Davis, Mix was leaning toward brewing. However, two harvest internships at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1988 and 1990 changed his thinking. “It was during the first internship at Mondavi that the wine industry really came into focus for me,” Mix says. “Since then I have never looked back.”

Mix moved to Washington in 1993 to join Chateau Ste. Michelle’s red winemaking team at their newly built Canoe Ridge Estate facility. He worked there for ten vintages and subsequently made a series of stunning wines for Corliss Estates before recently moving over to Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery.

During this time, Mix worked quietly on his own wine project, starting all the way back in 2000 while he was at Chateau Ste. Michelle. “I felt compelled to do something where I had a little more latitude to pursue my own ideas,” he says.

Mix named his winery Lawrelin (pronounced ‘Lor-relin’), a combination of the names of his parents Lawrence and Elinor. Part of Mix’s goal with the winery is to show that Washington wines are ageworthy.

“Early on during this venture, a common criticism of Washington wines was that they didn't age well,” Mix says. “So part of my vision was to create wines from Washington that were worthy of aging. Thus the idea of holding wines for an extended period before release.”

However, he ended up holding onto the wines for far longer than he intended. “In all honesty, I wasn't anticipating ten years of bottle age prior to release, but there have been a few more hurdles to overcome than anticipated,” Mix says. “So this has been a very long process requiring an exceptional amount of patience.”

Mix’s exceptional patience is your reward. The Lawrelin inaugural releases are glorious wines – among the most exciting wines I’ve sampled this year. They are simultaneously a clarion call to the excellence and ageworthiness of Washington wine and a testament to Mix’ talent as a winemaker. Some might be too timid to release wines nearly a full thirteen years old; not Mix. The results speak for themselves. These wines are in full bloom, mature but far from past their prime. I sampled each of the wines over a series of days and they were just as compelling, if not more so, over time.

Mix intends to release the 2000 through 2002 vintages simultaneously later this year and then release subsequent vintages one at a time. While the final prices haven’t been decided, he anticipates the wines to be in the $35 to $40 range – more than reasonable considering the age of the wines and the quality that is in the bottle.

Intended as a side project, Mix plans to keep production low. “I have never felt compelled to grow this into a big project,” he says. “Keeping it small seemed like the easiest way for me to maintain the freedom to follow my own desires.”

For Mix, who grew up thinking he had to become a doctor but who has instead established himself as a talented winemaker, the path has been indirect. “I really feel like I stumbled into the wine industry,” Mix says. “It is definitely not a well traveled path from Edmonton, Alberta. In fact I think I might be the only one.”

* * *

A note about drinking aged wine. As you might expect, these wines drink differently than newly released wines with tertiary aromas and flavors from bottle ageing, such as dried fruit, truffle, and leather. As such, some might find them riveting while others might miss the fresher fruit they are accustomed to.

I have given below estimates on when these wines should be consumed. These are based on when I believe the wines will start to decline. However, they should age gracefully for years beyond what I have indicated below. I should also add that cork taint – often noted by a damp basement aroma – may be present in any wines using a cork closure but is more noticeable on aged wines (you can see this for yourself by taking a corked bottle of wine and letting it sit for several hours or overnight). If you come across one here or elsewhere, you can read about how to return a corked bottle of wine here.

Lawrelin Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2000 $TBD
 (Good) Almost a full thirteen years old, the aromas are all tertiary with mushroom, leather, and steeped black tea. The palate’s cherry flavors are beginning to fade but overall remain remarkably intact and expressive. Throwing some sediment. Pour carefully or decant. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kiona and Sundance Vineyards. Aged in French oak (50% new). 107 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Lawrelin Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2001 $TBD
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Moderately aromatic with coffee, dried cherry, licorice, and leather. The palate is showing beautifully with an exquisite balance of vibrancy, intensity, and maturity. Drinking perfectly now, it should hold for another three to four years before it starts to decline. 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Malbec. Kiona, Sundance and Alder Ridge Vineyards. Aged in French oak (60% new). 176 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Lawrelin Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2002 $TBD
(Excellent) The aromas show their age (as they should) with medicinal notes followed by sweet dried cherries, leather, and a potpourri of spices and dried flowers. The palate is holding up beautifully with focused cherry flavors and puckering acidity and tannins. Drink now or in the next three years to see it at its best. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec. Kiona, Sundance and Alder Ridge Vineyards. Aged in French oak (66% new). 146 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Lawrelin Syrah Columbia Valley 2001 $TBD
(Excellent) Lightly aromatic with coffee bean, vanilla, medicinal notes, mushroom, cherry, and tertiary notes. The palate is succulent and rich with cherry flavors on a long, persistent, detailed finish. Drink now or hold for the next three years. 100% Syrah. Kiona Vineyard. Aged American oak (100% new). 14.3% alcohol. 19 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Lawrelin Syrah Columbia Valley 2002 $TBD
 (Exceptional) A moderately aromatic wine with baking spices, coffee grounds, leather, and dried cherry. The palate is full and rich with cherry and coffee flavors and tannins that are just a bit dried out but overall this wine simply dazzles. Drink now or in the next four years to see it at its best but it has a long life ahead of it still. 100% Syrah. Kiona and Clifton vineyards. Aged in French oak (33% new). 14.3% alcohol. 69 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Lessons Learned from Sampling 600+ Washington Wines

Last month I had the opportunity to taste more than six hundred Washington wines over the course of several weeks, providing an interesting snapshot of the state of the industry. Here are some lessons learned.

Alcohol levels lower in many 2010 reds – As expected, the cool 2010 vintage led to many red wines labeled with lower levels of alcohol compared to recent vintages, with many wines coming in less than 14% (it should be noted that there is also a financial incentive for labeling the wines in this manner and that there is wiggle room in the actual alcohol level of the wine in the bottle). A few red wines even dipped below 13%. However, there were also many wines above 14% with some over 15%. A number of the wines also displayed higher acid levels than recent vintages with some overtly tart.

Alcohol levels higher in many 2012 whites - In contrast, the warmer, dry 2012 vintage produced a large number of white wines – particularly Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Viognier - above 14% alcohol with some reaching toward 15%. Some wines were able to carry the alcohol; others were not. There were, of course, many white wines at less than these alcohol levels as well.

Quality of 2010 reds shows wide variation – In contrast to a number of recent vintages that have been marked by relative uniformity in quality, the quality of the 2010 reds showed wider variation between and even within producers. While many exceptionally high quality wines were produced – in fact some of the best wines I’ve had from the state – the overall variation was notable.

The vintage appears to have not only challenged growers and winemakers. In retasting some wines I’ve had previously, I saw, on occasion, more variation in my scores than I typically see. While some wines went up (not surprising as I have noted previously that a number of the 2010 reds take time to get going), others went down. I don’t know what to attribute this to but it’s not something I usually see.

Off-dry white wines in abundance – Off-dry white wines – particularly Chardonnay, Viognier, Southern Rhone-style blends, and Sauvignon Blancs – seemed to outnumber dry whites. This seems a shame as few of these wines – with the exception of some of the Rieslings and Chenin Blancs – managed to reach the highest levels of quality with most lacking the acid levels to carry the sugar. Most likely the cause here is pure economics, with some winemakers professing the difficulty of selling dry white wines. In terms of Riesling, which Washington continues to make in abundance, very few producers are making it in a dry style.

Viognier a strong category but… – As a group, I found a number of the Viogniers to be quite compelling – more so than the Chardonnays generally. When I first moved to Washington, I believed Viognier could be a strong grape for the state. While I still think this could be the case, and a number of wines supported this, it is difficult to thread the needle in terms of getting the fruit ripe (but not overripe) and keeping the oak usage in check. However, a number of wines accomplished this well. Those that didn’t came off as oily and alcoholic or insufficiently ripe.

Adoption of QR Codes - A surprising number of wineries have begun putting QR codes on their back labels. However, in a (very) informal solicitation on Facebook, few professed to be seeing much of any traction from doing so.

Alternative closures continue to lag – Screwcaps and other alternative closures continue to show minimal penetration in the state. Cork taint was consistent with the 3% level I have reported previously.

Brett bites back – Whether due to vintage conditions or some other factor, there were a larger number of wines that showed Brettanomyces – typically with notes of Band Aid or barnyard – than usual with the 2010 reds. In terms of wineries, it showed up in a number of surprising places. This is concerning as it significantly impacts quality. There was also a large number of wines with high levels of volatile acidity impacting quality. The good news is that both of these are fixable issues. The bad news is that they are getting out into the wild and potentially affecting wine, winery, and potentially even industry perception.

Washington Wine Round-up May 22nd to May 31st 2013

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

From around the country...

Wines and Vines writes about a partnership for the Wine Science Center.

The Star-Telegram writes about the South Korean trade pact kicking in.

The Examiner writes about blind tasting Washington reds.


From around the blogosphere...

The Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman writes A Swan Song (count me among those who hope that the hiatus is just temporary). Catie also writes about a tasting of Waitsburg Cellars.

Write for Wine writes about the passing of Mike Dunham.

Great Northwest Wine writes about a Red Mountain winemaker taking over an iconic Napa Valley winery. They also write about a Yakima winery announcing a new winemaker, Anelare hirings Fidelitas’ Charlie Hoppes to make its wines, Sagemoor Riesling, the Seattle Wine Awards, and Woodward Canyon Winery’s restaurant re-opening for second season.

The Washington Vine writes about Patit Creek.

The Zinfandel Chronicles provides Washington Rosé Recommendations for Memorial Day.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about two Friday finds with a 2011 Viognier from Martinez and Martinez Winery and a 2012 rosé from Gilbert Cellars. Reading, Writing, and Wine writes about Walla Walla Valley Syrah.

Wine Peeps writes about 2009 Washington Syrah.

Lucha Vino compares Washington Pinot Grigio v. Alto Adige.

WineEyak writes that the warm Spring keeps growers busy.

Paul Gregutt writes about àMaurice. He also gives an update on Waitsburg Cellars wines, writes about Betz Family Winery, and L’Ecole No. 41.

WineSpeak USA writes about 2011 Washington Rieslings.


From the locals...

The Seattle Times writes about the passing of Mike Dunham of Dunham Cellars.

The Spokesman-Review writes about Grande Ronde Cellars.

The Bellevue Reporter writes about Issaquah’s Twin Cedars Winery.

The Wenatchee World writes about North Central Washington wines at the Seattle Wine Awards.

The Union Bulletin writes about College Cellars at the Seattle Wine Awards. They also write about Myles Anderson of Walla Walla Vintners leaving his mark on the wine industry.

The Herald finds 10 affordable red wines for summer.

The Yakima Herald writes about Barrister Winery selected to make 2013 Legends blend.

The Tri City Herald writes that Red Mountain's future depends on state action.

The Idaho Statesman writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle Rieslings.

KNDO writes about AAA naming Walla Walla a Memorial Day destination.

The News-Tribune writes about state revenues growing from liquor privatization.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

WineSpeak USA writes about Southard and Rasa.


That's all folks!

Bloom in eastern Washington

Bloom is occurring in eastern Washington. This picture was taken at Nostra Terra Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and is provided courtesy of Dumas Station.