Tonight! June Virtual Tasting - A to Z Oregon Chardonnay 2012

The June Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine is the 2012 A to Z Oregon Chardonnay - our first foray into Oregon. This wine retails for $14 and is widely available. The tasting will take place tonight (Monday June 30th) from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from the winery or a local retailer (see below)

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific on the specified date using the hashtag #AtoZwine. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Northwest Wine Roundup June 15th to June 21st 2014

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

From around the country...

Forbes Magazine writes about Maryhill.

The Washington Post writes about Riesling, way beyond sweet.

The Northwest Herald writes that temperature shifts help balance Washington wine.

Wine Spectator writes about A to Z becoming a B Corp. Harvey Steiman writes about Washington’s 2011 reds testing theories of ripeness.

Shanken Daily News interviews Bill Foley of Foley Family Wines.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune writes about Oregon Chardonnay.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes that Mariners, Maryhill Winery team up to produce wine. They also write about Terra Blanca Vintners, Wine Rocks Seattle, and DANCIN Vineyards naming Brian Denner as winemaker.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about the Barnard Griffin 2010 Merlot. William also writes about Kerloo Cellars and the Lauren Ashton Cellars 2013 Rosé.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2007 Force Majeure Collaboration Series III Syrah.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about the Saviah Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lucha Vino compares the 2008 Brian Carter Byzance v. 2011 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champouvins.

WineEyak writes about Snipes Mountain.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Ambassador Wines of Washington: Red Mountain to Woodinville.

Winophilia writes about pink wine from blue states with callouts to Soter and Stoller.


From the locals...

The Oregonian writes that the tragic story of Oregon winemaker Jimi Brooks inspires a new documentary. They also write about Oregon Vineyard Supply limiting the sales of certain herbicides that can cause vineyard damage.

The Seattle Times writes about DeLille Cellars.

Good Fruit Grower writes that a new board member joins the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.

The San Jose Mercury News writes about Oregon's chardonnays.

The Bonney Lake Courier Herald writes about the search for four species of destructive moths in Washington’s wine crop.

The Pacific Northwest Inlander writes that new booze-related laws now in effect in Washington.

The Union Bulletin reports State wary of migrating grape pest.

The Bellingham Herald reports Walla Walla wineries producing 'wow' wines.

Methow Valley News writes that wine growlers are not allowed at winery tasting rooms.

The Tri-City Herald writes about Long Shadows.

The Yakima Herald writes about 2013 rosés.

The Daily Astorian writes that economics is driving wineries to the Pacific Northwest.

The Coeur d’Alene Press writes about a trip to Walla Walla.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about Celebrate Walla Walla.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

The Wine Bar Blog writes an update about the Woodinville Wine Village. Read part two here.


That's all folks!

June 'Pic of the Vine' from the Walla Walla Valley

June's Pic of the Vine is a fresh look at a favorite locale of resident photographer Richard Duval. "Though we often cover the same events, Sean and I seldom find ourselves next to one another," noted Duval. "But this past week, we both participated in the media tour for Celebrate Walla Walla, which included a morning visit to the Upper Mill Creek vineyards of Walla Walla Vintners, FIGGINS, and Yellowbird. One look at this rich view from Yellowbird - surely one of the best views in the Walla Walla Valley - and we quickly agreed that it was custom made for this month's selection."

Click on the picture for a larger image.

June Virtual Tasting - A to Z Oregon Chardonnay 2012

Reminder, last day to vote on the Wine Blog Awards where Washington Wine Report is a finalist for 'Best Single Subject Wine Blog.' Vote here (Hint: click on the big, red 'Vote!' button). 

The June Virtual Tasting wine is the 2012 A to Z Oregon Chardonnay - our first foray into Oregon. This wine retails for $14 and is widely available. The tasting will take place on Monday June 30th from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from the winery or a local retailer (see below)

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific on the specified date using the hashtag #AtoZwine. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

To make it more convenient for people to purchase the wines used in our Virtual Tastings, we are teaming up with a locally run, on-line wine
shop, ImpulseWine.com. Instead of having to search for the wine you can order the wine from Impulse and, if you live in the King County area, have it delivered to you free of charge. Just click the link below and select the "Free Delivery Within King County" option in the shipping portion of the checkout process. Please note that King County residents must place orders by end of day on Tuesday June 24th in order to have the wine delivered in time for the tasting. Note that Impulse wine will be offering this wine for $11.99 for this tasting. 

Click here to order the A to Z Chardonnay from ImpulseWine.com

Note: Washington Wine Report does not have any financial relationship with Impulse Wine and does not receive any profits from sales.

Northwest Wine Roundup June 8th to June 14th 2014

A reminder that voting continues for the Wine Blog Awards where Washington Wine Report is a finalist for 'Best Single Subject Wine Blog.' Please vote! 

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

From around the world...

Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade Review writes that Oregon wineries boost profile through direct sales.


From around the country...

Magazine of the Orange Coast writes about the 2012 Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes about Jackson Family’s Gran Moraine Winery.

The Poughkeepsie Journal says try rosés from Oregon.

The Arizona Daily Sun writes about the Charles & Charles Rosé.

KTTC writes about Four Daughters wine.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes that Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine builds event around Syrah. They also write that Long Shadows’ Gilles Nicault relishes working with greats (with podcast) and Brian Carter Cellars, La Frenz top 19th Northwest Wine Summit.  

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes summer is for Purple Star 2013 Chardonnay and 2011 Syrah. William also writes about AntoLin Cellars 2010 Estate Carménère and Destination Woodinville Sunday Tour - Part Five.  

Winesearcher.com writes about a cult winemaker leaving Napa for Washington.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2008 Antica Terra Pinot Noir. Tom also writes about the 2000 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes selective sites from California to the Willamette Valley: WALT Wines.

The Seattle Times writes about desert island wines.

Write For Wine writes about Angel Vine Wine.

Northwest Trip Finder writes about Walla Walla wine country.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.


From the locals...

Good Fruit Grower writes that the WSDA resumes traps to watch for moths that harm grape fields.

Queen Anne News writes about the rise of rosé.

Seattle Metropolitan writes about Charles & Charles (article by yours truly).

Oregon Wine Press writes a wine lover's guide to the Walla Walla Valley.

The Everett Herald writes that the Wahluke Slope is not much for wine tourism, but great wines start there.

The Bellingham Herald writes that 2013 rosés are perfect for Northwest summers. They also write about Lullaby Winery opening in Port Townsend.

The Oregonian writes that the Oregon Historical Society toasts wine industry with Clink!

The Columbian writes that there will soon be more places to fill wine growlers.

The News Tribune writes about Omero Cellars.

The Statesman Journal writes about summer sippers.


That's all folks!

Old school! Recent print publications

The Summer edition of Washington Tasting Room magazine has an article I wrote on L'Ecole No 41 titled, "New Heights in the Walla Walla Appellation." See a list of newsstand locations here.

See a list of previous publications (most with links/downloads).

Enjoy!

Northwest Wine Round-up June 1st to June 7th 2014

Reminder to vote for Washington Wine Report for 'Best Single Subject Wine Blog' at the Wine Blog Awards. To do so, click on the big red 'Vote' button found here. Voting continues until June 19th. 

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

From around the country...

The Wall Street Journal writes about the best of Washington wines (video). They also take a look inside Washington state's Warehouse Wineries.

The Napa Valley Register writes about Pritchard Hill winemaker Todd Alexander heading north to Force Majeure.

Men's Journal writes about the rise of Oregon's canned wine empire.

Business Week writes about Archery Summit hiring Tim Scott to manage its Oregon vineyards.

Today writes about great American wine buys from coast to coast.

The San Francisco Chronicle writes about Oregon grocers dropping a privatization measure.

Slate writes wine in a can: it exists, and it’s not bad.


From around the blogosphere...

1 Wine Dude writes about Cayuse Vineyards.

Great Northwest Wine writes that Seattle Wine Awards digs for gold. They also write that Eroica Gold is worth double gold in New York, NFL legend Marino, Husky great Huard team up for Passing Time, and the elegance of Oregon Pinot Noir.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Foodportunity: The Fete of the Foodies. Shona also writes about the Iron Vintner Challenge: The Knives Are Coming Out and Force Majeure: A New Winemaker Arrives.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Mourvedre. They also give a Friday find.

WineEyak writes about Cabernet Sauvignon vine in bloom at DuBrul Vineyard.

Wine Searcher.com writes about 10 things every wine lover should know about Domaine Serene.

The Wine Economist writes that the wine world comes to Walla Walla.

Jameson Fink talks wine with Madeline Puckette.

Table Talk writes about the McKinley Springs Bombing Range Red.

My Northwest.com asks whether liquor privatization has brought negative consequences.


From the locals...

The Seattle Times writes that 2012 reds are off to a stellar start.

The North Kitsap Herald writes that the Wahluke Slope is the backbone of the state’s wine industry.

The News Tribune says get to know your local Pinot Gris.

The Capital Press writes that new Clore center touts Washington wines.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about a new production and storage facility for Waters Winery.


That's all folks!

Finalist for 2014 'Best Single Subject Wine Blog'

I am humbled to announce that Washington Wine Report is again among the finalists for ‘Best Single Subject Wine Blog’ at the Wine Blog Awards. This is the fourth year in the last five that the site has been a finalist in this category, winning the honor for the first time last year.

There is an excellent group of finalists in this category this year that includes Señorita Vino, The Wine Bar, New York Cork Report, On the wine trail in Italy, and this site. The finalists are selected by a group of judges, the winner by a combination of public vote (50%) and judges’ votes. While personally, I feel that some of my fellow finalists have outshined this space in the last year, I encourage you to vote for whomever you wish. You can do so at wineblogawards.org by clicking on the large red ‘Vote!’ button. Voting continues until June 19^th at 11:59pm…somewhere.

I would also like to note that fellow Washingtonian Jameson Fink of Wine Without Worry is a finalist for ‘Best Writing on a Wine Blog.’ He is more than deserving of your vote, and if you are not already following his writing, you should be! My congratulations to him and to the other finalists this year.

Northwest Wine Round-up May 22nd to May 31st 2014

Catching up, a round-up of stories on Northwest wine from May 22^nd to May 31^st.  Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country...

San Luis Obispo Tribune writes that Syrah puts down roots in Washington state.

Stark Insider writes that one in ten west coast wineries are likely to sell in the next ten years.

Wine Spectator writes about Archery Summit bringing in a new team.

Parade names the Waters Winery 2012 Forgotten Hills Syrah as its wine of the week.

Growing Produce writes that the path to a viticulture degree is paved in Washington.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about aromatic whites and the beauty of the Puget Sound AVA. They also write about the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center opening in Prosser.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Destination Woodinville Saturday Wine Tour.

The Zinfandel Chronicles gives Washington rosé recommendations.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Barrel 42.

Lucha Vino compares 2011 Kaella Sangiovese v. 1995 Fattoria de Falsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva.

My Northwest writes about Passing Time.

Wine Searcher writes about Dan Marino and Damon Huard’s Passing Time Winery.

Write For Wine writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer Concert Series.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Tate’s List: Food and Beverage Vendor Site. Shona also writes about upcoming events and the Iron Vintner Challenge.

Wineeyak writes that Yakima Valley brings the heat for photosynthesis.

Table Talk Northwest writes about Swiftwater Cellars.

AgInfo.net writes about the Clore Center’s grand opening. They also write about Cuneo Cellars.

I’ll Drink to That talks with terroirist Kevin Pogue.


From the locals...

The Seattle Times writes weird year, good wine. They also write about Dan Marino and Damon Huard teaming up to produce fine Washington wine.

The Bellingham Herald writes about the Wine education Center’s grand opening. They also write about Thurston Wolfe.

The Yakima Herald writes about value reds for summer enjoyment. They also write about the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center’s grand opening.

The Spokesman Review writes that the Northwest excels at crisp Pinot Gris.

The Oregonian writes that the sale of Oregon wineries is hitting record numbers. They also write about Jackson Family naming a new management team for Gran Moraine Winery.

The Herald writes about picnic wines.

The Statesman Journal writes about wine tours in the Willamette Valley. They also write about rosé.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about luxury camping at the Walla Walla airport.

KPLU talks about what Northwest wine experts are drinking at their holiday BBQs.

WSU News writes about wine science and ag students completing their studies.


That's all folks!

Bloom in eastern Washington

Bloom is occurring in eastern Washington as evidenced by this picture of Cabernet Sauvignon from Double Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, courtesy of vineyard manager William Beightol. Beightol said that the bloom date was tracking ahead of historical averages.

"It seems to be a very rapid entry into bloom and some great weather this week," he said. "Hopefully, we will see little or no wind or rain." Some vineyard managers in other areas of the Columbia Valley have noted that their sites are approximately seven to ten days ahead of historical averages at present.

Click on the picture to see a larger image. See a chart of Washington's 2014 Growing Degree Days.