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

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

From around the country…

The New York Times writes about Oregon Pinot Noir.

At Business Insider, Deb Hatcher of A to Z Wine Works says you’re serving your reds and whites at the wrong temperatures.

D Magazine writes about Riesling.

Shanken News Daily writes about Precept expanding its vineyard holdings.

Pensacola News Journal writes about an out of this world Oregon Pinot Noir.


From the blogosphere…

Washington Wine Blog writes about Leonetti Cellar.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Plaisance Ranch. They also write about Aluvé Winery, SeVein, and the 20^th anniversary of Taste Washington.

Vinography reviews a series of Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir.

Wagon Wine writes about tasting the Bella Vida.

Munchies writes about a Portland urban winery that is breaking every rule in the book.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan gives its Top 100 Washington wines (article by yours truly).

The Seattle Times writes about Chihuly artwork at Long Shadows.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Italian varieties in Washington.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about Kyle Maclachlan.

The Columbian writes about Riesling’s sweet spot. They also write about Seufert Winery.

The Tri-City Herald asks, what is a Bordeaux-style red wine?

The Puget Sound Business Journal writes about Precept expanding its acreage.


That's all folks!

Now on-line - Seattle Metropolitan's Top 100 Washington wines

Seattle Metropolitan's Top 100 Washington wines, authored by yours truly, is now available on-line. You can read the introduction here. The list is broken down into various sub-lists as shown below. Enjoy!

Top 10 Washington Wines of 2016
Top Syrah
Top Bordeaux-style Blends
Top Cabernet Sauvignon
Wines with a Sense of Place
Top Red Blends
Top Merlot
Wines from the Wild West
Washington's Best White Wines
Best Value Wines

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

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

From around the world…

The Drinks Business gives some pictures from harvest in Oregon.


From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about Walla Walla.

The Dekalb Daily Chronicle writes about Charles Smith.

Deb Hatcher of A to Z Wine Works says cheap wines are the most underrated wines on the shelf. 

The Tahoe Weekly writes about a new Oregon trail.

The Chicago Tribune gives a callout to Teutonic Wines.


From the blogosphere…

NW Wine Anthem writes about Walla Walla wineries in SoDo.

Washington Wine Blog interviews Brian Grasso of Structure Cellars. He also interviews Morgan Lee of Two Vintners.

Great Northwest Wine writes about harvest ramping up in Walla Walla.  They also write about Mercer Estates, a Syrah leading the Northwest’s Rhone revolution, and the Oregon wine industry breaking more records.

Lucha Vino writes about a Washington Albarino versus one from Rias Baixas.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan makes Kerloo Cellars its weekly wine pick (article by yours truly).

The Seattle Times writes that the Northwest’s best wineries are investing in the Walla Walla Valley.

Capital Press writes that a vineyard brings a new dimension to Pinot. They also write about Charles Smith and Chateau Ste Michelle nearing the celebration of its 50^th year.

KOBI TV writes that 2015 was a record year in Oregon.

The Yakima Herald writes that restaurant options are growing to serve wine tourists.

Portland Monthly takes a fall wine trip to the Columbia Gorge.

The Tri-City Herald writes about Washington wines made from Italian varieties.


That’s all folks!

On newsstands now - Seattle Metropolitan's Top 100 Washington wines

The October issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine contains this year's Top 100 Washington wines by yours truly. The issue is on newsstands now.

Enjoy!

Wines of the Month - August 2016

The following are some of the standout wines from recent tastings.

Airfield Estates Red Wine Yakima Valley 2014 $18
This month’s wines include some terrific values, including this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominant blend. Oak spice, cherry, and herb aromas lead to bountiful fruit flavors, with the barrel influence at times playing prominently.

L’Ecole No 41 Frenchtown Red Wine Columbia Valley 2014 $23
L’Ecole has been making this wine for some time but this is the first year when it will be available nationally, A blend of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties, it’s downright delicious, with raspberry, plum, and black fruit flavors.

Soos Creek Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills 2013 $35
It’s rare to see Champoux Vineyard wines under $50 but Soos Creek has always made its name by offering both high quality and value. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc offers aromas of cherry and mortared herbs that are followed by layered fruit flavors that need some time to develop fully.

Soos Creek Sundance Red Wine Columbia Valley 2013 $20
Merlot makes up 50% of this wine with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc filling out the rest. Spice, dark chocolate and cherry aromas lead to ripe, utterly appealing red and black fruit flavors.

Soos Creek Artist Series #13 Red Wine Columbia Valley 2013 $30
Half Cabernet Sauvignon and half Cabernet Franc, this wine opens with black cherry and other dark fruit aromas that are followed by well-balanced black fruit flavors.

And finally some value wines.

North by Northwest Red Blend Columbia Valley 2014 $15
A blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers aromas of blueberries, vanilla, and cherry followed by full bodied fruit flavors that hit the mark.

Ross Andrew The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2014 $16
Cabernet’s cherry, herb, and blueberry aromas are on display while the palate brings lush and full fruit flavors backed by nubby tannins.

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

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from September 1st to 7th, 2016. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Wine Enthusiast interviews Michael Savage of Savage Grace (interview by yours truly).

Wine Spectator tastes a 12-year vertical of Quilceda Creek.

Wines and Vines writes that cooler weather promises a photo finish in the Pacific Northwest.


From the blogosphere…

Washington Wine Blog writes about Rasa Vineyards.

The Huffington Post writes that David Adelsheim promises the best is yet to come for Oregon.

Great Northwest Wine writes about how an interned American helped Washington’s wine industry. They also write about Powers adding a Marquette, give a guide to Bainbridge Island wineries, the vintage cooling down in the Pacific Northwest, Chardonnay gaining strength in Washington, and Betz Family launching Quinta Essentia.

Wine Searcher writes about the most expensive non-Californian wines in the US.

Wild 4 Washington Wine gives an end of summer update.

Uncorked Adventures writes about Charles Smith.


From the locals…

The Spokesman Review writes that people would vote differently now on privatizing liquor sales.

Oregon Wine Press writes about Bravura Cellars. They also write about KAV Estate, IPNC, Bear Creek Valley, and a cabal of wine.

The Seattle Times writes about winemakers trucking grapes.

Puget Sound Business Journal gives a guide to top Washington wineries.

The Tri-City Herald writes about finding your wine buying threshold.

Vail Daily News writes about Sineann.

Capital Press writes that 2015 was a record year for Oregon grapes.


That’s all folks!

Old School! Recent print publications

The October issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine has an interview I conducted with Michael Savage of Savage Grace Wines titled, "Mindful Winemaking in Washington State." You can read the article on-line here.

Enjoy!

Northwest Wine Round-up August 8th to 31st 2016

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from August 8^th to 31^st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

The Yorkshire Post writes about scaling the Pacific heights for a decent bottle of wine.


From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about the Auction of Washington Wine raising $3M.

The Chicago Tribune gives 12 Oregon Pinots that prove the 50 year experiment paid off.

The Washington Post recommends five wines to beat the heat, with a callout to Barnard Griffin.

Wine Business writes that the Oregon Wine Board launches the “Oregon Wine Resource Studio.”

Allister and Paine writes about favorite places to sleep, eat, and drink in Washington.

Forbes writes that a star Burgundy producer stumbles in Willamette Valley.

The Yakima Herald writes that winemakers want to make Sunnyside a destination.

The Tennessean writes about five Syrahs to try from Washington state.

Kansas City Star writes that Oregon understands the complex language of wine.

Vogue gives an urban winery crawl through Portland.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes about yours truly writing for Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book. They also write about Robin Pollard, Lagana Cellars, Aniche Cellars, Ste Michelle stepping up for the Institute of Masters of Wine, Washington on track for a record grape harvest, Rob Griffin celebrating his 40^th harvest, the Auction of Washington Wine raising $3M, Silvara Vineyards, Canvasback being part of the Duckhorn sale, a second generation leading Elk Cove, Adelsheim refocusing on Chehalem Mountains, the Willamette Valley gearing up for an early harvest, and Walla Walla sparkling wine.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Wit Cellars. Owen also writes about Force Majeure, interviews Juan Muñoz-Oca and Todd Alexander of Force Majeure, writes about Maryhill, Fidelitas, Lauren Ashton Cellars, Maison Bleue, La Rata, and Alexandria Nicole.

VinePair writes about five reasons to visit Oregon wine country.

Wine Searcher writes that Washington harvest gets underway.

My Columbia Basin says Pendelton is ripe for grape growing.

Write for Wine writes about the Bellingham NW Wine Festival. They also write about Matthews Winery.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about Force Majeure. Tom also writes about the 2008 Cayuse God Only Knows and the 2008 Betz La Cote Patriarche.

Table Talk Northwest writes about Washington wine month.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan recommends the Kerloo Majestic Red Wine and the Soos Creek Sundance Red Wine (articles by yours truly).

The Tri-City Herald writes about Smasne Cellars. They also write that wineries show interest in Kennewick’s unbuilt urban wine center and Long Shadows.

Capital Press writes that Oregon crops reach $5.4 billion in value.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about Aluve.

The Seattle Times writes about the special charm of local wines. They also write that advocates remain divided over wine in the Sammamish Valley and ApresVin.

The Mail Tribune writes about Kriselle Cellars. They also write that Harry and David make their wines from Oregon grapes.

WTOP writes about Adelsheim.

The Kitsap Sun gives picks based on the Kitsap Wine Festival.

The Yakima Herald writes about researchers studying the effects of smoke taint. They also write that wines shine in Central Washington.

Woodinville Weekly writes about companies recognized for prevention, with a callout to Chateau Ste Michelle.

Puget Sound Business Journal writes about over $3M being raised at the Auction of Washington Wine.

The Columbian writes about the Walter Clore Center. They also write about White Rose Estate.

WSU News writes that Washington’s cooler nights boost the flavor of wine.


That’s all folks!