Old school! Recent print publications

The June-July issue of Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine has two articles I wrote. The first, linked to yesterday, is on vineyard development in the Walla Walla Valley. The second is on recent innovations in wine closures and capsules.

See a complete list of print articles, most with links, here.

Enjoy!

Walla Walla Valley primed for vineyard development

The following is an excerpt from an article in the June-July issue of Vineyard Winery Management magazine. 

Since Gary Figgins and his family planted the first modern-day grape- vines in the Walla Walla Valley at Leonetti Cellar in 1977, the region has been a crucial part of Washington state’s wine identity. However, the knock on Walla Walla, for many years, was it was home to numerous wineries and tasting rooms (cur- rently more than 120) but few vineyards. Decades later, while many local wineries still source fruit from throughout the larger Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley is flour- ishing as a grapegrowing region, with sev- eral new areas being explored to broaden its offerings and impact.

SeVein Project will double acreage

By far the most significant vineyard proj- ect in Walla Walla Valley is SeVein Vine- yards. Located in the southern section of the valley, above highly regarded Seven Hills Vineyard, the property is a stagger- ing 2,700 acres in size, of which, 1,527 acres have water rights. When all of that land is under vine, SeVein will account for more than half of the planted acreage in the valley, which currently stands at 2,800. A thousand acres of the property have already been sold, and approximately one- third of that is currently under vine.

Read the complete article here.

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

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

From around the country…

Wines and Vines writes that Whitman sells again.

The Cape Gazette (Delware) writes about Oregon.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes about the rise and fall of Lemberger. They also write about the groundbreaking at Pambrun, the Oregon Wine Board’s first touring guide, and Seattle gearing up for Riesling Rendezvous.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Cougar Crest. Owen also writes about a 2012 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir retrospective, and interviews the head winemaker at Big Table Farm.

Best of New Orleans writes about lesser known wine regions, with a callout to the Columbia Valley.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Sean Boyd leaving Woodinville Wine Cellars.

The Daily Meal writes about Cakebread Cellars making a bet on Washington.

Table Talk Northwest writes about Mercer Estates.

Lucha Vino compares a Washington Sangiovese to a Chianti (welcome back).


From the locals…

The Yakima Herald writes about the Horse Heaven Hills.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Dakota Creek Winery closing.

The Statesman Journal writes about six wineries to visit on Memorial Day.

The Union Bulletin writes about the groundbreaking at Pambrun Vineyard.

The Yakima Herald says the valley is more than just wine.


That’s all folks!

Northwest Wine Round-up May 8th to 14 2016

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

From around the country…

The St. Cloud Times writes about the 14 Hands Sauvignon Blanc.

D Magazine writes about the Salud wine auction.


From the blogosphere…

Ship Compliant gives an overview of the Washington wine market.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Erica Orr.

Great Northwest Wine writes that 2016 is off to a record start. They also write that A to Z Wine Works puts Western Juniper to use in vineyards and write about Folin Cellars.

Hospitality Ireland writes about Jadot tapping Oregon to make Pinot Noir outside of France.

Eatglobe writes about research in Oregon proving the significance of terroir.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about straight from the barrel from Lake Chelan.

Travel Pulse writes the insider’s guide to Seattle wine sipping.

Vine Pair writes that Pinot Noir reveals the difference between California and Oregon climates.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2013 EFESTE Lola.


From the locals…

WSU News writes about research comparing wine made from healthy versus diseased vines.

The Seattle Times writes about Ponzi Vineyards.

The Tri-City Herald writes that Kennewick wants to wineries to woo waterfront visitors. They also write that Smasne and Tudor purchased the former Olsen winery.

Seattle Metropolitan makes the Savage Grace Cabernet Franc its weekly wine pick (article by yours truly).

Good Fruit Grower writes that it is time to say goodbye to Mimi Nye. They also write about the cost of vineyard labor.

The Register Guard writes that Southern Oregon is ripe for touring and tasting.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Prosser’s vibrant wine community.

Capital Press writes that diseased wine grapes damage wine.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

Lines on Wines writes about AntoLin Cellars.


That’s all folks!

Pic of the Vine - May 2016

Spring has sprung in Washington wine country, and the onset of the sun is the starting flag for resident photographer Richard Duval. On a recent two-day shoot of the Lake Chelan AVA, he spied serious growth on both sides of the lake. Particularly riveting is Mellisoni Vineyards on the lake’s south side.

“Surely one of the most beautifully daunting vineyards and views in the state, Mellisoni is sculpted like the famed terraced vineyards of Italy’s Cinque Terre, which I photographed a few years ago,” noted Duval. “Thanks to a malfunctioning ATV, I was able to hike down to the winery with owners Rob and Donna Mellisoni. When Rob stopped to attend to some budding vines, I captured vineyard and view. I plan a return trip to capture what must be a challenging harvest.”

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from May 1^st to 7^th. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about Kyle MacLachlan of Pursued by Bear.

D Magazine writes about wines for mom.

St Cloud Times writes about the Milbrandt Malbec.

The Daily Meal writes about La Crema.

The Dallas Morning News writes about Four Graces.

Penn Live talks with Charles Smith.

Forbes writes about a crowd funded Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley Vineyards.

The Tennesean writes about four quality Cabernets you can afford, with a callout to Intrinsic.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes that Washington emerges intact from a mild spring. They also write about Taste Washington, Ste Michelle launching Drumheller, Precept offering wine in a can, and Wine Boss taking over Gordon Estate winemaking.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Amavi Cellars. Owen also interviews Co Dinn.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Taste Washington.

Eater Portland writes about restaurants in the Willamette Valley.

Uncorked Adventures writes about Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling.

The Drinks Business writes about the top ten wines in the US press, with a call out to the Four Graces.

Write for Wine writes about the Ste Michelle Summer Concert Series. Margot also writes about the winemaker series at Semiahmoo Resort, featuring JM Cellars.

The Examiner writes about Rock Wall Cellars.


From the locals…

The Yakima Herald writes that Syrah still shines.

Eugene Weekly writes about Oregon wine.


That’s all folks!

Wines of the Month - April 2016

This past month I tasted strong sets of new releases from Ardor Cellars, Baer Winery, EFESTE, and Kerloo Cellars to name just a few. Below are some highlights from these wineries and others.

Ardor 2014 Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley $50
Following up on the winery’s impressive 2012 wine (they skipped the 2013 vintage), this wine is unmistakably from The Rocks District, with aromas and flavors of grilled asparagus, black olive flowers and savory notes.

Ardor 2014 Boushey Vineyard Mourvèdre Yakima Valley $40
Boushey is best known for its Syrah but as these next two wines show, it can yield intriguing Mourvedre as well. This wine offers aromas of lemon twist and black pepper along with an elegant, polished mouthfeel.

Baer 2013 Malbec Columbia Valley $25
Baer is best known for its Bordeaux-style blends but this single varietal wine impresses on both quality and price. The dark plum and herb flavors are soft and plush, showing an enchanting sense of purity.

Bunchgrass 2012 Founder's Blend Walla Walla Valley $30
Under the radar Bunchgrass consistently produces standout wines. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and brings silky polished aromas and flavors of milk chocolate, dried herb and cherry. It’s all about elegance.

Efeste 2013 Jolie Bouche Boushey Vineyard Syrah Yakima Valley $44
Continuing with the Boushey theme, this wine shows the vineyard’s hallmark funk along with aromas and flavors of orange peel and herb. It packs a hefty punch. Overall, EFESTE's 2013 Rhone releases are a strong set of wines.

Efeste 2015 Feral Evergreen Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Ancient Lakes $20
This acid driven wine shows both the coolness of this area as well as the warmth of the vintage, with notes of wet stone, herbs and passion fruit that are both generous and sleek.

Intrinsic 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $22
This wine is a new project from Ste Michelle Wine Estates, with the wine made by Juan Munoz-Oca (Columbia Crest). Unusual for Cabernet, it saw no new oak. Rather, a large percentage of the wine was aged for nine months on skins. It’s a winner – and extremely well priced – with brooding herb and cherry notes followed by sweet fruit flavors and firm tannins.

Kerloo 2014 Boushey Vineyard Mourvèdre Yakima Valley $48
This delicious wine saw now new oak and has arrestingly pure aromas and flavors of black pepper, citrus and ground meat. The finish is lengthy but it’s the texture that really grabs the attention.

Kerloo 2015 Rosé Painted Hills Vineyard Grenache Columbia Valley $22
Single vineyard rosés are a rarity and this one delivers the goods. Aromas of strawberry and cherry lead to a dry palate with electric acidity.

Savage Grace 2015 Copeland Vineayard Cabernet Franc Rattlesnake Hills $28
As I recently wrote on the WWR Facebook page, no winery in Washington is making wines quite like Savage Grace. This young wine provides aromas of raspberries and rhubarb that are followed by directly appealing fruit flavors that display purity.

Finally, a look at some value wines.

Milbrandt 2014 Traditions Riesling Columbia Valley $13
This is a terrific example of a value Riesling, with aromas and flavors of peach and lime, drinking off dry.

Wondrous 2012 I.Q. Red Red Wine Columbia Valley $14
This is the first release form this project and it's clear that some quality juice went into making this wine. Principally Cabernet and Merlot, it offers aromas and flavors of herb and black and blue fruit with firm tannins providing support.

Three Rivers 2014 River's Red Wine Red Blend Columbia Valley $14
A blend of five different varieties, this wine shows fruit-forward aromas and flavors of berry, cranberry, currant and herb.

Northwest Wine Round-up April 22nd to 30th 2016

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

From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes that Washington red develop a bite.

The Cape Gazette writes that Oregon wines can suit any palate.

San Diego Reader writes about Buty’s Beast.

Las Vegas Review-Journal writes about Oregon Pinot Noir.

Argus Leader writes about taking a wine tasting trip to Washington.


From the blogosphere…

Washington Wine Blog interviews Andrew Januik. Owen also writes about Novelty Hill and Januik.

Great Northwest Wine writes that Marcus Notaro builds a Red Mountain/Napa Valley connection. They also write about Prosser’s Wit Cellars, Smasne and Tudor purchasing the former Olsen facility, Powers holding a renewable energy farm walk, and King Estate seeking to be the largest biodynamic vineyard in the US.

BK Wine Magazine writes about Oregon Pinot Noir.

Ship Compliant writes that the Oregon wine market is more than Pinot Noir.

AgInfo.net writes about the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA.

Around the O writes that Oregon geologists dish up new dirt on wine.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.


From the locals…

The Seattle Times writes about McCrea and Cuneo Cellars.

Seattle Metropolitan gives a rose roundup (article by yours truly).

The Idaho Statesman writes about the Lewis Clark AVA.

KOIN 6 writes that wineries are losing their local flavor.

The Tri-City Herald writes about Amy Alvarez-Wampfler and Victor Palencia.

KAPP TV writes that thousands are expected for spring release.

Capital Press writes about the Lewis-Clark AVA.

The Mail Tribune writes about happenings in Southern Oregon wine country.

Oregon Live writes that May is Oregon Wine Month.

Oregon Wine Press writes about Hazelfern Cellars.

The Statesman Journal writes about Oregon rose.

Lake Oswego Review writes that Dobbes celebrates a 30-year crush.

The Yakima Herald writes that Syrah still shines.

Good Fruit Grower writes about Cabernet clones.


That’s all folks!