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'Anew' look at Riesling from Ste. Michelle

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

In this month's Five Wines Under $15, we start off with a new Riesling offering from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates the umbrella company for Ste. Michelle’s ‘string of pearls' - called, as things would have it, Anew. As those who gathered at the recently completed Riesling Rendezvous will attest, Ste. Michelle is perhaps the world’s foremost champion of the grape as well as the planet’s largest Riesling producer.

The Anew Riesling is an interesting blend of winemaking and wine marketing. Here’s a snippet from the press release:

“Anew Riesling is perfect for the woman who enjoys an active, healthy lifestyle but also seeks time to relax and rejuvenate,” said Rebekah Gunderson, associate marketing manager for Anew. “The slender and elegant Anew bottle and stylized floral label evoke a feminine sensibility and invites a moment of relaxation. This delicately crafted wine offers a small indulgence for those who live a balanced lifestyle.”

One look at the wine makes it clear it’s targeted at Millennial, yoga-loving women with its lotus flower-inspired label and unique bottle design. No matter whom it is intended for, it’s a delicious bottle of wine at a superb price, with the small amounts of Gewürztraminer and Muscat Canelli only adding to its appeal. Ste. Michelle is putting its considerable muscle behind the wine, producing 70,000 cases of the inaugural vintage. Based on the reception so far, it’s easy to see more zeroes being added to the end of that number in the future.

Rainstorm comes from the folks at Vinmotion, the same people who brought you Pacific Rim. Here the focus is on producing Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir at affordable prices. The label’s artistic design pays tribute to the Pacific Northwest with images of mountains, fish, bicycles and the like.

Albariño is on the rise in Washington along with a number of Iberian Peninsula red grapes. This offering from Parejas Cellars displays much of what there is to love about the grape – especially in summertime – with a crisp, clean palate and bright fruit flavors.

Speaking of summer wines, the 2012 Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris more than fits the bill. It drinks dry with a really pleasing sense of lightness paired with cleansing acidity. In contrast to many of the white wines from the vintage that are coming in at over 14% alcohol, this one comes in at a cool 12.8%. Of note, it was a rare unanimous ‘Buy’ selection in this month’s Virtual Tasting, only the sixth wine that all participants have said that they would purchase again in the five-year history of the monthly tastings.

Finally, we have the Hogue Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is Washington's fourth most-produced white grape variety behind Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. The Hogue wine provides a lot of enjoyment and value.

Have a favorite under $15 Washington or Oregon wine? Leave a comment and I'll check it out.

Anew Riesling Columbia Valley 2012 $11
 (Good) An aromatic wine with dried apricot, lime spritz, and canned pears. The palate is off-dry with light, beautifully balanced fruit flavors and a light spritz lifting the finish. 88% Riesling, 10% Gewurztraminer, and 2% Muscat Canelli. 11.5% alcohol. 2.44g/100ml Residual Sugar. 0.73g/100ml TA. 70,000 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Rainstorm Pinot Gris Oregon 2012 $13
(Good) A surprisingly aromatic wine with pear, floral notes, pineapple, grapefruit, and macerated grape skins. The palate is dry and medium bodied in feel but dances lightly and crisply with its fruit flavors. 12.5% alcohol. 0.45 Residual Sugar. Sample provided by winery. Recommended. 

Parejas Cellars Albariño Dutchman Vineyard Yakima Valley 2012 $15
 (Good) A moderately aromatic, intriguing wine with herbs, apple, and melon. The palate is dry with crisp fruit flavors. 100% Albariño. 13% alcohol. 248 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2012 $12
(Good) A lightly aromatic wine with dried tropical fruit (papaya and dried pineapple), apple, and citrus notes. The palate has generous fruit flavors while retaining a very pleasing lightness of expression. Finishes with a cleansing lick of acidity. Caroway Vineyard. 12.8% alcohol. 1,022 cases produced. Recommended

Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2012 $11
 (Good) Light varietal aromas of herbs and white grapefruit rise up from the glass along with tropical notes. The palate is medium bodied, fresh with tart fruit flavors, kiwi notes, and a grapefruit pith finish. A very enjoyable, very varietal and well priced wine. 13.5% alcohol. Recommended

Six Steps for Starting a Wine Tasting Group

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

I am frequently asked , “What’s the best way to learn about wine?” And my answer has always been, “Drink more!” While this is a simple approach, it can be an expensive way to learn more about what you like or don’t like. Instead, my answer today is more nuanced - “Start a wine tasting group”.

Over the last decade, I have participated in three separate tasting groups. I learned something from each gathering, as well as from each group. My eyes have been opened to varietals, styles, regions, even friends. And while each group has evolved or led me toward a new direction, every experience was worth the time.
If you have never participated in a wine tasting group, I highly suggest putting one together. There are a lot of potential dos and don’ts, but the great thing is you don’t have to get it perfect the first time.

Here are six questions to answer - the who, what, when, where, why and how - before starting a tasting group:

1. Who – Invite those who might be as passionate about wine, or learning as you. It’s probably not wise to invite both a wine novice and a self-proclaimed expert to the same group, but having a diversity of people with different interests and experiences can broaden the learning experience. For the groups I’ve been in, women have rarely participated but mostly because it’s a group of buddies, and I like to think of my current group as sort of a book club for men.

2. What – Set some ground rules as to what you want to taste. Depending on who is involved, you may consider limits on a minimum or maximum price per bottle, how many bottles, etc. This is entirely up to you and what you want to get out of the group. I participated in one where we each brought a bottle of a particular varietal and had a suggested price limit. My current group is pretty much “go big” as each member is required to host all food and wine on their turn.

3. When – I’m a big fan of once a month and laying out the entire year in advance. When my current group formed in April, 2012, I was able to put in my calendar every event all the way through November of this year so I can plan around those days. I know the date, location, host, etc. And we also built in “off months”. December is too busy and July is vacation time so we scratched both. We also left April open for a group trip and January to include spouses or significant others.

4. Where – As mentioned above, my current set up is to have each member host in their home, or restaurant of their choice. It’s good to move around so no one feels the burden of the entire group on a regular basis.

5. Why – Pretty simple… to learn about and enjoy wine. Over the last year, I’ve tasted the wines of Argentina, sampled Australian Shiraz, discovered the different regions of Spain, sipped over $5,000 worth of dessert wine from three centuries in a night (with a slight headache the next morning), compared Oregon and California Pinot and hosted my own 2007 Washington Cabernet tasting, blind, with surprising results. This would have been virtually impossible to do on my own.

6. How – The beautiful thing about starting your own wine tasting group is you can determine how best to pull it off for youself and the others. There are no global right or wrong ways to set a group up. Some groups can have the same set group each month where others can be more fluid with different people coming in and out depending on availability. Some can pick particular themes to explore where others can leave it wide open. It’s up to you and the group.

Finally, a few additional things that I encourage you to consider:

- Each member hosts everything from food to wine to location (for proper pairing and optimal serving of the wine such as decant time, temperature, etc.). This allows everyone to share in the responsibility equally and at the level they feel most comfortable.

- Host chooses the wine. This is a great opportunity to share what you are most passionate about in wine. And, you have the ability to choose your own price range.

- Provide a list of wine served as well as any available information such as ratings, availability, price, etc. There will definitely be wine you want to purchase more of at one or more of the tastings, or want to know more about the producer, blend, etc. This is a great way to look back at the night without taking all of your own notes.

- Bring your own stemware. This saves the host from providing more stemware than they have, or the concern of breaking their own glasses.

- Plan to spit, or get a driver/cab in advance. With the amount of tasting you can do with a wine group like this, chances are you shouldn’t be behind the wheel.

- Try wine tasting blind. Eliminate any preconceived notions of what will be the best wine of the night and let your nose and palate be the judge.

However you put a group together, just remember to have fun. If you don’t, drink more!

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

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

From around the country…

The Emporia Gazette (Kansas) writes about the Anew Riesling.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about Victor Palencia returning to Walla Walla to launch a wineryThey also write about Wautoma Springs grapes

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about the Savage Grace Chardonnay.

Paul Gregutt writes about aging washington wines and Seven Hills.

Jameson Fink writes about Merlot Optimization.

Write for Wine shares its Washington wine choices in What’s in Our Glass?

Cornichon writes that Washington wine legends take the long view.

Wine Review On-line writes about Buty.

Unwined writes about Walla Walla.

Jeff Bramwell posts some pictures from The Benches.


From the locals...

The News Tribune writes about the Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle.

Read my weekly wine pick for Seattle Metropolitan – the Dowsett Family Gewürztraminer.

The Bellingham Herald writes about the Horse Heaven Hills.

The Yakima Herald writes about returning to Yakima (blog entry).

The Herald Gazette writes about Holmes Harbor.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

Cornichon.org writes about Barnard Griffin. Ron also writes about Red Mountain.


That's all folks!

Pictures from the Horse Heaven Hills

Today, a few pictures from a trip last week to the Horse Heaven Hills. Click on the pictures for larger images. Enjoy!

































Picture 1 - Spice Cabinet Vineyard
Picture 2 - 1981 Cabernet Sauvignon vines at Champoux Vineyard
Picture 3 - Alder Ridge Vineyard
Picture 4 - Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Pictures 5 & 6 - 1980 Cabernet vines at Martinez Vineyard
Picture 7 - WWII bullet casings from McKinley Springs Vineyard

Tonight! July Virtual Tasting - Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris 2012

The July Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine is the Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2012. This wine retails for $13 and is fairly widely available. The tasting will take place from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from a local retailer or from the winery.

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific tonight (Wednesday July 24th) using the hashtag #barnardgriffin. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Veraison in eastern Washington

In the past week, numerous vineyards have reported seeing veraison - the changing of color of the grapes - in eastern Washington. Reports include Sagemoor Chardonnay (7/16, approximately ten days ahead of last year) in the Columbia Valley, Ferguson Merlot (7/22) in the Walla Walla Valley, and Seven Hills Sangiovese (7/22) in the Walla Walla Valley, which is pictured here (photo courtesy of Sadie Drury).

It can only mean one thing - harvest is right around the corner!

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

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

From around the country...

Wines and Vines writes that Washington wine builds on diverse climates.

Harvey Steiman at Wine Spectator writes about Paul Gregutt’s Waitsburg Cellars (Note: Requires subscription).

The Detroit News writes that Buty puts on a show in Washington's Columbia Valley.

Scoop San Diego reviews L'Ecole 41 2001 Semillon in White or Red.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about Washington wine leaders participating in ZINO Society forum, Woodward Canyon skipping its 2010 Dedication Series Cab, a tour of Yakima Valley vineyardsand Washington winemakers, growers riding again for Walter Clore Center.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about the Horse Heaven Hills.

Lucha Vino presents two title fights in Washington Rose v. Provence and Washington Syrah v. Cotes du Rhone.

Paul Gregutt writes about Yakima Valley AVA turning thirty. He also writes about the

Auction of Washington Wines, Force majeure and asks whether Washington merlots improve with age.

The Washington Vine writes about Precept’s Radius and PendulumReds,

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about the Matthews 2012 Blackboard Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine Peeps writes about Buty Winery.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.

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

WineryLawNorthwest writes about summer in the city.

Examiner.com writes about Walla Walla.

My Northwest.com writes about how a wine club can help you wade through the Pacific Northwest’s 1,100 wineries.


From the locals...

The North Kitsap Herald writes about Riesling.

Seattle Magazine writes about its eighth annual Washington wine awards.

Writing for the Seattle Times, Andy Perdue writes about Riesling Rendezvous.

The News Tribune writes about Maryhill.

Read my weekly wine pick for Seattle Metropolitan here.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes that the dry, warm weather bodes well for 2013 wine vintage.

KVEW TV writes about Walla Walla.

The Wenatchee World asks where’s Washington?

The Olympian writes that Total Wine is set to open at the Capital Mall.

The Herald.net writes about five Rieslings worth a rendezvous.


That's all folks!

Fresh Sheet July 17th 2013





Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent releases – includes wines from Maison BleueOwen RoeàMaurice CellarsBaer WineryDumas StationDiStefano WinerySalida, and Chinook Wines.

Maison Bleue

As with previous releases, Maison Bleue continues to produce some of the state’s finest and most compelling red and white wines (what other winery can you say that about?) with its latest offerings. The new wines include the return of the Jaja White, the first produced since the 2009 vintage. The lion’s share of the blend – mostly Marsanne, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc – comes from Boushey Vineyard, and it’s a winner – an absolutely perfect summer wine. Read more about the wine in a recent Seattle Metropolitan weekly wine pick.

Meanwhile its Jaja Red Wine counterpart from the 2011 vintage continues to raise the bar. Of note, all of the juice for what would have been the 2011 Gravière Red Wine was declassified into this wine, significantly elevating the quality from the (extremely impressive) previous vintage. The price has gone up to reflect the increased quality but this wine is still a superb value at this price.

Maison Bleue Jaja White Wine Columbia Valley 2012 $25
 (Excellent) An aromatic tour de force with complex aromas of grapefruit peel, tangerine, pear, star fruit, cantaloupe, mineral, and citrus. The palate is medium bodied, dry, textured, and fresh with abundant mineral flavors and a grapefruit pith finish. A thoroughly delicious wine – truly the perfect summer wine - that screams out for food but also stands up on its own. 50% Marsanne, 23% Roussanne, 18% Grenache Blanc, 9% Picpoul Blanc. Boushey and Dutchman (Roussanne) vineyards. Co-fermented in three year old French barrels (50%) and stainless steel. 13.4% alcohol. 311 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue Petite Joie Marsanne Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011 $35
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Leaps up from the glass with marzipan, spice, pear, white peach, and sweet spices with a lot of aromatic complexity – truly you can just sit and smell this wine and be satisfied. The palate is textured and airy while retaining a sense of viscosity and depth. Hangs around for a lingering finish. 100% Marsanne. Aged 11 months in French oak (30% new). 13.3% alcohol. 140 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue La Famille Rosé of Mourvèdre Columbia Valley 2012 $20
(Excellent) A moderately aromatic, captivating wine with strawberries and cream, peppery spice, and abundant mineral notes. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, dry with crisp, etched acidity that draws out on the finish. 100% Mourvèdre. Olsen Vineyard. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. 365 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue Jaja Red Wine Yakima Valley 2011 $30
 (Exceptional) The price has gone up again but so too has the quality. It’s a vibrant, complex wine with an endless list of aromatic notes including dark plums, peppery spice, herbs de Provence, citrus twist, freshly picked blackberries, and orange peel. The palate is textured and gravelly, rich but subdued with tart acidity. Just a baby now, it needs some time to mature but is worthy of a spot in your cellar and a place at your dinner table. 43% Syrah, 35% Mourvèdre, and 22% Grenache. 1,200 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Owen Roe

The latest releases from Owen Roe are three impressive vineyard-designated wines. Each comes from a different site in the Yakima Valley – Union Gap, where the winery is currently constructing a new facility, Red Willow, and DuBrul. Of particular note on each of these wines – beyond their high quality – is the minimal use of new French oak during aging.

Owen Roe Union Gap Vineyard Yakima Valley 2010 $85
 (Exceptional) An aromatically brooding but complex wine with dark coffee, earth, floral notes, cherry, and mint. The palate is beautifully constructed, understated with smooth fruit flavors, firm but exceptionally well integrated tannins, and an extended finish. It’s all about balance. Give two plus years. 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. Aged 19 months in French oak (15% new). 14.3% alcohol. 491 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Yakima Valley 2010 $85
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Closed up at present with oak spices, dark cherries, bittersweet chocolate, pink peppercorn, and earth. The palate is rich and full with concentrated chocolate and cherry flavors and well integrated tannins that still need some time to stretch their legs. Give one year. 60% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 19 months in French oak (0% new). 14.7% alcohol. 394 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Owen Roe DuBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley 2010 $85
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Aromatically closed up at present but detailed with cherry, mocha, earth, citrus, spicy peppers, floral notes, and light spices. The palate is concentrated and focused with cherry flavors while still retaining DuBrul’s unique sense of understated elegance and structure. Hangs on the finish. Give one to two years. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 23% Cabernet Franc. Aged 19 months in French oak (15% new). 14.9% alcohol. 318 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


àMaurice Cellars

While àMaurice Cellars has made its name in the past in part with Viognier and Malbec, it is two Rhone-style wines from the new releases that most captured my attention. The first is a stunning Grenache from Boushey Vineyard. Coming from the cool 2010 vintage, it’s all about elegance and detail. The second also comes from Boushey Vineyard, this time a blend of Syrah and Grenache. Both of these wines saw no new French oak putting an emphasis on purity.

àMaurice Cellars Viognier Columbia Valley 2011 $25
 (Good/Excellent) Opens up with spicy barrel notes followed by nectarine and white peach. The palate is medium-plus bodied with stone fruit flavors, losing a bit of rhythm toward the finish. 100% Viognier. Gamache and Elephant Mountain vineyards. Aged in French oak (0% new). 14.4% alcohol. 250 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

àMaurice Cellars Chardonnay Conner Lee Vineyard Columbia Valley 2010 $28
 (Good/Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with toasty spice, pear, stone fruit, and candy corn. The palate is medium bodied with tart, lemony acidity and a spice filled finish. 100% Chardonnay. Aged in French oak (30% new). 14.5% alcohol. 138 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

àMaurice Cellars Grenache Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2010 $38
 (Exceptional) An aromatically dazzling wine with red raspberries, herbs, ash, pepper, and floral notes. The palate dances lightly, textured and soft but still rich with a velvety feel and an endless finish. A shockingly good, flat out gorgeous wine that’s among the finest Grenache I’ve had from the state. 100% Grenache. Aged 24 months in French oak (0% new). 14.5% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

àMaurice Cellars Syrah/Grenache Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2010 $34
(Excellent) An aromatically compelling wine with blueberries, bacon fat, herbs, mineral, and red fruit. The palate is soft and pure with elegant fruit flavors. Takes some time to get going but once it does it soars. 72% Syrah, 28% Grenache. Aged 24 months in French oak (0% new). 14.1% alcohol. 170 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

àMaurice Cellars Malbec Gamache Vineyard Columbia Valley 2010 $35
(Good/Excellent) Aromatically locked up with purple fruit, espresso, and oak spices. The palate is medium bodied with soft tannins, concentrated, plush plum flavors and a chalky feel to the finish. The oak gets a little heavy at times here but, overall, it works. 100% Malbec. Gamache Vineyard. Aged 23 months in French oak (40% new). 14.4% alcohol. 286 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

àMaurice Cellars Artist Series ‘Graves’ Red Wine Blend Columbia Valley 2010 $35
 (Excellent/Exceptional) Locked up aromatically with barrel spices, red fruit, licorice, floral notes, and cherry. The palate is concentrated with cherry flavors that ramp up in intensity, building to a crescendo and then persisting effortlessly on a long finish. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot. Bacchus, Dionysus, Gamache, and Weinbau vineyards. Aged 24 months in French oak (40% new). 14.5% alcohol. 578 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Baer Winery

The latest releases from Baer Winery include a new wine – the Callisto Red Wine. This wine, which could be varietally labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon, is in some respects a complement to the Star Red Wine, which is Merlot dominant. The three 2010 red releases reviewed below each show the somewhat lighter style of the vintage with a lot of elegance and subtlety to be found.

Baer Ursa Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $39
 (Excellent) Aromatically appealing with fresh brewed coffee, cherry, oak spices, and dark chocolate with an underlayer of fresh herbs. It’s has a satiny mouthfeel, coating the palate from end to end while still staying quite light on its feet. Sticks around for a long finish. A beautiful wine that should age well in the cellar. 42% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol. 939 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Baer Arctos Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $43
 (Good/Excellent) Aromatic and appealing with dark roasted coffee beans, dark cherries, and prominent herbal notes. It’s light on its feet with plush fruit flavors and fine grained tannins with good depth of flavors. 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Merlot. 14.5% alcohol. 434 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Baer Star Red Wine Columbia Valley 2010 $29
 (Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with oak spices, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, dark raspberries, and a light herbal note. The palate has delicate cherry and cranberry flavors and smooth, soft tannins with a lingering finish. A thoroughly delicious wine. 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol. 381 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Baer Callisto Red Wine Columbia Valley 2009 $46
 (Excellent) A brooding wine with stewed raspberries, fresh herbs, oak spices, and earth. The palate is medium bodied with rich cherry flavors and firm, slightly dry tannins. Give one year. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 3% Malbec. 14.5% alcohol. 179 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Dumas Station

The latest releases from Dumas Station include the winery’s first Bordeaux-style blend, labeled “Cuvee No 439.” The wine is named after engine number 439 that powered the first passenger train from Dayton to Walla Walla in 1881. The winery not only has a new tasting space at its Dayton facility, it also has a new website that is well worth a look with detailed information about the winery, its people, and its vineyards.

Dumas Station Cow Catcher Red Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2010 $24
 (Good) Moderately aromatic with mocha, vanilla, coffee bean, thyme, dried cherry, and a citrus twist. The palate is medium bodied with chocolate and cherry flavors, tart acids, and chalky tannins. Needs some time still to come into its own. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Merlot. Minnick Hills, Birch Creek, and Seven Hills vineyards. Aged 22 months in American and French oak (33% new). 14.1% alcohol. 350 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Dumas Station Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2010 $28
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with dried cherries, cranberries, and sweet spices. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied with tart, luscious fruit flavors backed by soft, chalky tannins leading to a warm finish. 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Minnick Hills and Birch Creek vineyards. Aged 22 months in American and French oak (50% new). 14.9% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Dumas Station Cuvee No 439 Walla Walla Valley 2010 $32
 (Excellent) Named after Engine No. 439 that pulled the first passenger train from Dayton to Walla Walla in 1881, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot is moderately aromatic with carob, dried cherries, herbs, and fresh cranberries. The palate has a silky, soft but still rich feel with tart fruit flavors and a lingering finish. Quite tart when first opened, it softens after a few hours. Give one to two years or a long decant. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. 14.4% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Dumas Station Estate Bottled Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2010 $34
 (Good/Excellent) Moderately aromatic with vanilla, green olive, pepper, cranberry, graphite, and savory spices. The palate has soft, plush, textured fruit cherry flavors with a smooth feel. 100% Syrah. Minnick Hills, Breezy Slope vineyards. Aged 18 months in neutral French and American oak. 15.5% alcohol. 100 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


DiStefano Winery

DiStefano Winery celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The winery started out in 1983 making sparkling wine from Oregon grapes in a basement in Ballard. Sauvignon Blanc was added to the lineup in 1990 and Cabernet Sauvignon a year later. Decades later, the winery is still going strong.

DiStefano Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2012 $19
 (Good/Excellent) A ripe, aromatic wine with pear, tropical fruit, and light spices. The palate is creamy and textured with tart fruit flavors. A little heat on the finish holds it back. 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Semillon. 14.0% alcohol. 825 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

DiStefano Domenica Red Wine Columbia Valley 2009 $32
 (Good) Moderately aromatic with herbs, cherries, vanilla, and sweet oak spices. It’s full bodied with abundant oak accents and dry tannins. 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 14.8% alcohol. 150 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

DiStefano Sogno Cab Franc Columbia Valley 2009 $36
 (Good) Moderately aromatic with sweet herbs, coffee, vanilla, and cherry. The palate is full bodied and rich with grainy tannins and a warm finish. 83% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. 15% alcohol. 140 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.


Salida

Many years ago, winemaker Doug McCrea helped lead the charge for Rhone varieties in Washington at McCrea Cellars. With Salida, McCrea is once again on the leading edge, this time focusing on the grapes of the Iberian Peninsula. Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), and Monastrell (Mourvèdre) are on the rise in Washington. These are still early days but their future here looks bright.

Salida Wine Bar is located in Yelm, Washington. Read a previous post about the winery here.

Salida Albariño Yakima Valley 2011 $20
 (Decent) The focus here is part on lees and the rest on citrus and apple. The acidity is bright and tart but the fruit concentration can’t quite keep up with it. 13.8% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Salida Tres Vinos Yakima Valley 2009 $23
 (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with mocha, sweet spices, toast, and cherry. The palate is rich and sweet with the oak flavors showing prominently toward the finish. 50% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, and 25% Monastrell. 14.6% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Salida Tres Vinos Yakima Valley 2010 $23
 (Good) Lightly aromatic with pepper, cherry, light green notes, licorice, and spice. The palate has sweet fruit flavors and chalky tannins. 50% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 25% Monastrell. 14.6% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Salida Vino Rojo Red Wine Yakima Valley 2009 $NA
 (Decent) Moderately aromatic with toast, mocha, pepper, and cherry. The palate is medium-plus bodied with cherry flavors and soft tannins. 14.8% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Salida Tempranillo Yakima Valley 2009 $25
(Decent/Good) Moderately aromatic with tire rubber, herbs, spice, and cherry. The palate is full bodied with sweet fruit flavors and soft, grainy tannins. 14.2% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Salida Tempranillo Yakima Valley 2010 $25
 (Good) Lightly aromatic with pepper, herbs, red fruit, and mocha. The palate has sweet fruit flavors and dry, chalky tannins. 14.2% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Salida Fuegro Sagrado Yakima Valley 2010 $21
 (Good) Dark in color with smoke, toast, sweet spices, pepper, and cherry. The palate has sweet fruit flavors and dry, chalky tannins. 60% Malbec, 40% Tempranillo. 14.8% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.


Onesies

Chinook Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley 2009 $23
 (Excellent) Consistently one of the state’s most unique bottles of Cabernet Franc – no one truly makes one like it - the 2009 vintage lives up to this history. It’s moderately aromatic with floral notes, herbs, and dry chocolate. The palate is soft, sumptuous, and velvety with the oak and alcohol dialed way back, restrained fruit flavors and a finish that glides into the distance. 100% Cabernet Franc. Chinook Estate, Boushey, Carter Farm, and Desert Hills vineyards. Aged in neutral French oak. 13% alcohol.