Wines of the Month – January 2016

A look at some of the top wines from my tastings this month. Formal reviews to be published in Wine Enthusiast.


Starting off an inaugural 'Wines of the Month' column and I can't imagine better wines to do it with. Winemaker Morgan Lee at Two Vintners in Woodinville has always impressed with wines that display a combination of quality and value. However, Lee’s 2013 releases take things to a new level. The four wines below are all (very) highly recommended. They are easily some of the most exciting wines I've come across in the past few months and only pick up steam on the second and third day.

Two Vintners Make Haste Red Wine Yakima Valley 2013 $20
Though not labeled as such, this is all Olsen Vineyard Cinsault aged in neutral French oak. It’s strikingly pure with flowers, tart red fruit, and savory aromas and flavors. It displays a sense of elegance and balance that is downright dazzling. I can't say enough good things about this wine. $20? Yes please. 14.4% alcohol. 90 cases produced

Two Vintners Grenache Boushey Vineyards Yakima Valley 2013 $30
For fans of this vineyard and variety, this is a wine to seek out. Expressive, complex aromas that include flowers, mineral, raspberries and smoke are followed by an exquisitely balanced palate that displays great delicacy. It’s a complete steal at this price. 14.9% alcohol. 70 cases produced.

Two Vintners Some Days Are Stones Stoney Vine Vineyards Walla Walla Valley 2013 $45
For a Rocks District wine, this bottle is extremely well priced, especially considering the quality. It displays all the hallmarks of the area, with aromas and flavors of mineral, olive, flowers and savory notes with a broad feel and an extended finish. A glorious wine. 14.7% alcohol. 150 cases produced.

Two Vintners Zinfandel Stonetree Vineyard Wahluke Slope 2013 $30
This winery does Zinfandel in Washington as well as anyone, and the latest release is yet another example. It displays the generous red fruit and spice aromas and flavors that this variety is known for with a finish that won’t quit. The listed alcohol level is high but you’d never know it from drinking it. 16.5% alcohol. 230 cases produced.

Pic of the Vine - January 2016

At the height of the season, Washington vineyards burst with color and sheer beauty. Winter? That’s a different story. Vines shut down for a long sleep and color is fleeting and muted. But there is beauty to be found. Resident photographer Richard Duval captured this winterscape of Riesling at rest from Pepper Bridge Vineyard in Walla Walla.

“Winter is crucial to healthy vines and great grapes,” he noted. “Relying on energy stored through the growing season, vines can weather the cold, which, in fact, helps produce higher quality grapes come the new season.”

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

Northwest Wine Round-up January 15th to 21st 2016

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from January 15^th to 21^st 2016. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

Decanter writes about Jackson Family purchase Oregon property.


From around the country…

Wine Enthusiast writes about Oregon’s golden era.

The Statesman (Austin) writes about a Texan turning into a Willamette Valley winemaker.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune writes about the Lone Birch Pinot Gris.

The Colorado Springs Gazette gives a callout to the Buty Rediviva of the Stones.

The Augusta Chronicle writes about the Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes about Woodward Canyon’s Old Vines Cabernet. They also write about Va Piano’s new tasting room and Sauvignon Blanc.

Washington Wine Blog talks with Nina Buty. They also write about Buty.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Grochau Cellars.

Nation’s Restaurant News talks with David Flaherty of the Washington Wine Commission.

Washington Beer Blog writes about Washington’s first winery and brewery under one roof.

Examiner.com writes about the William Grassie Merlot.

Table Talk writes about King Estate. They also write about Le Cadeau.


From the locals…

The Seattle Times writes about Naches Heights.

Seattle Met writes about the Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot.

The Columbian writes about Maryhill. They also write about Willamette Valley Pinot Noir supporting African farmers.

The Spokesman Review writes about Va Piano’s new tasting rooms.

The Yakima Herald writes about Northwest Syrah.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes about Jackson Family purchasing Oregon property.

KPIC talks with Tesoaria Winery.  

The Mail Tribune writes about Naumes Crush winemaker living the good life.

KATU writes about an Oregon wine bar closing.

Ashland Tidings says in Oregon vino veritas.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about a new signage project.


That’s all folks!

Northwest Wine Round-up January 8th to 14th 2016

A round-up of recent articles on Northwest wine from January 8th to 14th. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Los Angeles Magazine writes about Charles Smith.

The Marco Island Times (Florida) writes about Milbrandt.

Trefis writes that Altria’s wine segment is a top performer.

The SC Times writes about the 2011 Desert Wind Ruah.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes that Fidelitas’ first wine holds a secret. They also write about Walla Walla winemakers heading to Seattle and Portland, interest in Northwest Viognier growing, Washington wines at the San Francisco Wine Competition, and Brandborg keeping its cool.

Write for Wine gives its best wines of 2015.

AgInfo.net says wine remains strong.

Planetizen writes about Kennewick looking to attract visitors with a wine village.

Wine Searcher.com writes that rain gives wineries hope.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2000 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.

Wild 4 Washington Wine reflects on a year of wine.

Write for Wine lists its top 60 Washington wineries.


From the locals…

The Seattle Times writes about Precept re-imagining Associated Vintners (good read). They also write about Naches Heights.

The Mail Tribune writes about Southern Oregon wineries taking top honors at the San Francisco Wine Competition.

NR Today writes about the Umpqua Valley as a top wine destination.

King 5 does a video post on the Northwest Wine Academy. They also write about Seattle’s growth in urban wineries.


That’s all folks!

Old school! Recent print publications

The January/February issue of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine has three articles I wrote. The first two, as noted earlier in the week, are harvest reports for Washington and Oregon. The third is an article looking at how the Willamette Valley is adjusting to a changing climate.

See other recent publications, most with web or downloadable links, here.

Enjoy!

Washington and Oregon 2015 Harvest Reports

The following is excerpted from the January/February issue of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine.
Washington

“The overwhelming factor in 2015 in Washington was heat,” said winemaker Mike Macmorran of Mark Ryan Winery in Woodinville. “It was relentless.”

Indeed, many viticulture regions saw record heat, with Red Mountain accumulating more than 3,900 growing degree-days, and even cooler regions such as the Yakima Valley getting more than 3,150. Starting in February, temperatures were considerably above average, leading to an advancement of all markers of the growing season.

“We saw some bud break at the end of March, which is very unusual,” said Marty Clubb, managing winemaker and co-owner of L’Ecole No. 41 in Lowden. The warm temperatures continued throughout the growing season, with most markers at least two to three weeks ahead of historical averages.

Click here to read the rest of the Washington and Oregon 2015 harvest reports.

Oregon

The 2015 growing season in Oregon was marked by warm conditions, a large set, and exceptional quality fruit.

Growing degree-days started accumulating early in the state. “We just didn’t really have a winter,” said Alex Sokol Blosser, winegrower and winemaker at Sokol Blosser in the Dundee Hills. “We had the warmest March and June on record. March really got things going, and after June, the train never slowed down. It just sped up.”

Bud break and bloom were advanced as much as three to four weeks ahead of historical averages. In the Willamette Valley, the weather was unusually settled during bloom. “It was the most perfect bloom conditions I have ever experienced,” said winemaker Gary Horner of Erath in the Dundee Hills. “It never fails that we get showers that kind of knock back set. This year, we didn’t get any.”

Click here to read the rest of the Washington and Oregon 2015 harvest reports.

Picture by Richard Duval. 

Northwest Wine Round-up January 1st to 7th 2016

Back to the business of blogging. A round-up of articles on Northwest wine from January 1^st to 7^th 2016. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

The New York Times says Oregon Pinot Noir delivers an element of surprise.

Wine Spectator says the excitement right now is in Oregon.

The Minneapolis Star recommends the Underwood Pinot Gris.

The Lowell Sun writes about Doubleback.

Forbes writes about cool wines to try in 2016.

Wine Spectator writes about minerality (not Northwest specific but a good read).


From the blogosphere…

Uncorked Monthly writes about Charles Smith.

Great Northwest Wine writes about the annual grape growers convention. They also name the Passing Time Cabernet Sauvignon their wine of the year and Oregon wine spotlighting supportive restaurants.

Blue Collar Wine Guy gives a weekly wine pick.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2008 Cayuse Armada Syrah.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.


From the locals…

Oregon Wine Press remembers Cole Danehower.

Seattle Metrpolitan writes about the SoDo Cellars Wingman Red Wine (article by yours truly).

The Herald gives its top wine stories of 2015.

The Yakima Herald gives favorite wines from 2015.

KTVL writes about Southern Oregon being named a top wine destination.

Good Fruit Grower says wine growth stays strong.

The Statesman Journal writes about tasting the effect of different winemaker’s styles.


That’s all folks!