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Pic of the Vine - October 2016

Harvest season: part choreography, part critical response as winemaking teams throughout the state juggle grape delivery with sorting, crushing and storing. Resident photographer Richard Duval spent weeks on the road from Chelan to the Columbia River Gorge, capturing the frenzy and the joy of harvest.

A stop at the Gorge’s Syncline Winery - a working farm and winery - offered Duval the chance to capture winemaker James Mantone and his team crushing Boushey Vineyard Syrah – one of Syncline’s signature wines. “Endless hours on the crush pad underscore the tending of critical details as grapes go to wine,” Duval noted. “As a winemaker, Mantone is both artist and scientist, relentlessly focused on instilling what he calls ‘nerviness’ into his wines. It’s work – physical, mental work – but the results are pure magic.”

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Wines of the Month - October 2016

The following are standout wines from recent tastings.

Aluvé Primo Volo Walla Walla Valley 2012 $48
This is the inaugural release from this winery, and this Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend impresses with aromas and flavors of poblano pepper, spice, vanilla and cherry.

Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Red Wine Horse Heaven Hills 2013 $74
Merlot and Cabernet Franc make up the bulk of this wine, which displays aromas, and flavors of earth, flowers, black plum, and green herb along with a sense of texture that captivates.

Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine Red Mountain 2013 $64
This blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc brings aromas of huckleberry, green herbs and light barrel accents. The flavors are rich and dense with chewy tannins providing support.

Animale Reserve Petite Sirah Yakima Valley 2013 $26
This wine is a brooder, with purple fruit and flower aromas that lead to pure, well-balanced tannins and acid. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best.

Avennia Arnaut Syrah Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2014 $50
High toned aromas of herb, raspberry and iron lead to a fresh, layered palate that brings a sense of vibrancy.

Brian Carter Cellars Le Coursier Red Wine Blend Columbia Valley 2012 $38
Merlot takes the lead on this Bordeaux-style blend, which opens with aromas of cocoa, dark cherry, and savory herbs. The red and black fruit flavors are well balanced with a finish that sails.

Brian Carter Cellars Solesce Red Wine Columbia Valley 2012 $65
Cabernet Sauvignon is out front on this Bordeaux-style blend. It’s tight as a drum at present, with aromas and flavors of spice, dark cherry and coffee. One for the cellar.

EFESTE Final-Final Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Columbia Valley 2013 $30
There’s a whole lot of wine packed into this bottle for this price. Generous aromas of blue and purple fruit intermingle with cherry and herb. It’s full and palate coating in feel.

EFESTE Big Papa Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2013 $60
This wine offers a medley of herb and dark fruit aromas and flavors, with lifted floral accents. One for the cellar.

Force Majeure Estate Grown Syrah Red Mountain 2014 $70
This winery’s estate vineyard is starting to stretch its legs, as shown on this bold, full bodied wine. Aromas of wildflowers and black fruit are followed by a rich, full-bodied palate with concentrated flavors.

Gård Grand Klasse Reserve Syrah Lawrence Vineyards Columbia Valley 2013 $50
The flavors of huckleberry, orange peel and flowers are full bodied and palate coating. It pulls no punches.

Gramercy Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley 2013 $40
Aromatically complex notes of violets, herb, olive, and earth lead to a supremely textured palate that is all about elegance. It lingers on the finish.

Gramercy Cellars Syrah Forgotten Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2013 $60
This wine starts out with restrained flower and raspberry aromas, with herb and smoked meat becoming more prominent over time. The palate is elegant yet layered and intense, brightened by vibrant acidity.

Kerloo Cellars Majestic Columbia Valley 2014 $24
This blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah hails from Upland, Boushey and Blue Mountain vineyards. The pure aromas of violets, raspberry, herb and purple fruit give way to plump, pure fruit flavors. It’s a steal at this price.

Rotie Cellars Northern Blend Washington State 2014 $48
This wine is a big time winner from Rotie. Aromas of green olive, flowers, blue fruit and earth are followed by rich fruit and earth flavors. It’s as much about feel as flavor.

Rotie Cellars Southern Blend Washington State 2014 $48
Grenaches is out front on this GSM blend. It offers aromas of green herbs and raspberries that lead to ripe, dazzlingly pure fruit and herb flavors.

And now for some value wines…

Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling Columbia Valley 2015 $9
This wine is a consistent winner from Ste. Michelle and the 2015 vintage does not disappoint. It offers generous aromas of pear, peach, and honeysuckle followed by a dry, full palate backed by tart acidity.

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Columbia Valley 2015 $9
Perhaps the largest Riesling by production in the world, this wine brings the goods. Aromas of white peach, lime leaf, and flowers lead to an off-dry palate that lingers.

Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2014 $15
Jammy black fruit aromas lead to full, rich dark fruit flavors. It’s a quality-to-price ratio winner.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2014 $12
Milk chocolate, spice and cherry aromas are followed by silky, smooth fruit flavors, mixing fruit and barrel.

Helix Pomatia Columbia Valley 2013 $21
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc brings aromas of raspberries, flowers, and baking spice that lead to generous red and blue fruit flavors.

Northwest Wine Roundup October 15th to 21st 2016

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

From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes that Constellation buys five Charles Smith Wines brands for $120M. They also give a harvest report for Oregon.

Shanken Daily News writes about the Charles Smith sale. Read a follow-up here.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes about the Charles Smith sale.

Wine Enthusiast writes about five Oregon vineyards worth knowing.

Forbes writes about the sale of Charles Smith Wines to Constellation.

Coast News writes about tasting Northwest wines.

Greenville On-line recommends wines for Halloween with a shout out to Sleight of Hand and Charles Smith.

Growing Produce writes that stink bugs are on the rise in Washington.


From the blogosphere…

Washington Wine Blog writes about the latest releases from Washington. Owen also writes about Corliss Estates.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Doubleback. They also write about Charles Smith reshaping Washington’s wine industryclimate changeKing Estate completing its conversion to biodynamic, and why there aren’t more women winemakers 

Yahoo writes about Youngberg Hill.

Uncorked Ventures writes about the 2013 Substance Cabernet. They also write about the Charles Smith sale to Constellation.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan writes about the 2015 Syncline Subduction Red (article by yours truly).

The Seattle Times writes about the sale of Charles Smith Wines to Constellation. They also write about Brad Binko.

The Register-Guard says Southern Oregon winemakers say it’s a great year for grapes.

The Tri-City Herald writes that West Richland’s new plant turns wine waste into water. They also write about the genius behind Ste. Michelle’s Riesling.

The Union Bulletin writes that huge Walla Walla warehouses take shape.

Mercer Island Reporter writes about Seattle’s oldest urban winery.

Capital Press writes about Southern Willamette Valley winemakers.

Washington Times writes that harvest is underway in the Umpqua Valley.


That's all folks!

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

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

From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about a new winery at the starting gate in Oregon.

The New York Times writes about putting together the details of Oregon Pinot Noir.

The Wall Street Journal writes about a home above a winery in Lake Chelan.


From the blogosphere…

Washington Wine Blog writes about Casa Smith. Owen also interviews Josh McDaniels and writes about WT Vintners and Washington reds for fall.

Great Northwest Wine writes about gold medal winning reds at the Great Northwest Invitational. They also write about a Walla Walla Cabernet winning best of show, and L’Ecole topping a Six Nations Wine Challenge with its Ferguson Red Wine.

Write for Wine writes about Tildio Winery.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2004 Leonetti Cabernet.

Uncorked Ventures writes about finding a white wine for Oregon.


From the locals…

The News-Review Today writes that harvest is under way in the Umpqua Valley.

Capital Press asks whether Oregon is reaching a golden age of wine, beer and cider?

The Tri-City Herald writes about top wines from the 2016 invitational.

The Seattle Times writes about doubling down in dining in Walla Walla. They also write about Longship Cellars.

The Mail Tribune writes about exploring the roots of Southern Oregon Tempranillo.

Coast Weekend writes about Puffin Wines.

The Register Guard writes that it’s a great year for grapes.


That’s all folks!

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

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

From around the country…

Wine Enthusiast magazine writes about the changing face of Washington Syrah (article by yours truly).

Wine Spectator writes about Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes about Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

North Bay Business Journal writes about Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

Tahoe Weekly writes about fabulous wines from former football stars.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes about L’Ecole No. 41 topping a six nations judging. They also write about a Walla Walla winemaking class creating a pied du cuve for Carmenere and Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Market Vineyards.

The Drum writes about Columbia Crest’s two Juans.

Wine Searcher.com writes about Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

Imbibe writes about Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

Write for Wine writes about Fielding Hills.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about the DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Blanc.

Uncorked Ventures writes about Jackson Family purchasing Willakenzie Vineyard.

Line on Wines talks with Tom Waliser of Beresan Winery.


From the locals…

The Seattle Times writes about Kari Smasne. They also write about Will Camarda.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about L’Ecole gaining more acclaim.

The Tri-City Herald writes that the big Wallula wine warehouse is about to get even bigger.

Oregon Wine Press writes about Mark Ryan. They also look at Oregon by the numbers and write about vineyard workers.

The Columbian writes that Clarke County’s crush is in full swing.

Oregon Live writes about Willakenzie Vineyard being sold to Jackson Family.

Capital Press writes about another boutique winery selling.


That's all folks!

Northwest Wine Round-up September 22nd 30th 2016

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

From around the world…

Torontoist writes about what Ontario wineries can learn from Oregon.

The Yorkshire Post writes about how a winery on a Seattle industrial estate is making a name for itself.

Cayman Compass writes that Oregon wines offer character and distinction.

From around the country…

Wine Enthusiast writes about white Pinot Noir.

Cleveland Jewish News writes that Willamette Valley offers world class wine.

Wines and Vines writes about harvest in Southern Oregon.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes about SuLei Cellars. They also write about Leonetti paying tribute it its Italian rootsKyle MacLachlan’s Pursued by BearSnoqualmie getting greener with new eco-capsules, and Prosser mourning two winery owners.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Archery Summit. Owen also write about Wit Cellars.

Eater writes about Seattle wine bars.

The Daily Meal writes about Oregon’s best urban wineries.

Write for Wine writes about Boudeaux Cellars. Read Part Two here.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2010 Force Majeure Collaboration Series VI.

Lucha Vino compares a Washington Tempranillo to  Rioja.

Uncorked Ventures writes about the Owen Roe Sharecropper and Washington Cabernet.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan makes the Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling its wine pick (article by yours truly).

The Seattle Times writes about Washington’s second generation winemakers. They also write about Kari Smasne’s career shift to Canoe Ridge.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about a new eatery opening at the former Pastime.

Capital Press writes that the first phase of a large winery nears completion.

The Bend Bulletin writes that Washington’s glacial hill produces outstanding Cabernet and Syrah.

KOBI writes that wine harvest is underway in Southern Oregon.

KEPRTV writes that Benton City is expected to be a major contributor to a record harvest.

The Columbian writes about Jacquot Farm and Vineyard.

The Tri-City Herald writes about Prosser reeling from two winemaker deaths. They also write about finding affordable Pinot Noir and the Port of Kennewick staying local to build a wine village.

Seattle Weekly writes about the long and wining road.

The Yakima Herald writes about two industry leaders passing away.


That’s all folks!

A look at the first six weeks of Washington's harvest

We've passed the six week mark on harvest, which began on August 13th with a pick of Sauvignon Blanc at Artz Vineyard in Red Mountain by Woodinville's Auclair Winery. Below is a look at harvest based on what has been picked when and where. Many expect harvest to wrap up around the middle of the month, though for some it will surely stretch out until the end of October, weather permitting. Enjoy!

Picture courtesy of Walla Walla Vintners

***

See information on the Washington State Growing Degree Days here.

See monthly forecast for Yakima Valley (Sunnyside), Red Mountain (Benton City), Walla WallaPaterson, and Mattawa.

***

The information in the table below is aggregated from personal correspondence with growers and winemakers, as well as information posted on Twitter and Facebook. It is not intended to be comprehensive but rather is intended as a snapshot of what is going on around the state. If you wish to send data for your grapes or vineyards (or correct any of the information below), please email me at wawinereport@gmail.com, leave a comment here, or leave a comment on the WWR Facebook page.



Winery

Grape
Vineyard
Date
Notes
Columbia Valley
--
Syrah
Wooded Island
8/17
Block 4. For Rose.
Buty
Chardonnay
Conner Lee
8/23

Bartholomew
Malbec
--
8/24

Buty
Chardonnay
Conner Lee
8/29
1989 Block
Sparkman
Riesling
Bacchus & Dionysus
8/30

WW Vintners
Merlot
Bacchus
9/2

Northstar
Merlot
Cold Creek
9/14

Gordon
Merlot
Estate
9/14

Buty
Merlot
Conner Lee
9/15

Guardian
Chardonnay
Conner Lee
9/15

--
Merlot
Conner Lee
9/23

Pearl & Stone
Cab Sauv
Dionysus
9/23
Block 11
--
Syrah
Lawrence
9/26

Kerloo
Cab Sauv
Dionysus
9/28
Block 14
Sonoris
Petit Verdot
Dionysus
9/28

--
Semillon
Sagemoor
9/30

Yakima Valley
Treveri
Chardonnay
Hilltop
8/17
For sparkling wine
--
Syrah
N. Sunnyside Ranch
8/23

--
Malbec
Painted Hills
8/24

Kerloo
Grenache
Painted Hills
8/24
For rose
Va Piano
Chardonnay
French Creek
8/24

Bonobo
Semillon
Noel
8/30

Bonobo
Sauv Blanc
Noel
8/30

Bonobo
Chardonnay
Noel
8/30

Seven Hills
Sauv Blanc
Sunnyside North Ranch
8/31

Cavu
Sauv Blanc
Lonesome Spr
8/31
First fruit
Sparkman
Sauv Blanc
Oasis
8/31

Sparkman
Chardonnay
Olsen
9/1

Co Dinn
Malbec
Painted Hill
9/2

Wind Rose
Sauv Blanc
Boushey
9/2

Buty
Muscadelle
Lonesome Spr
9/2
First wave of muscadelle
Kevin Wine
Syrah
Olsen
9/3

College Cellars
Riesling
Sagemoor
9/9

Adams Bench
Merlot
Red Willow
9/12

SuLei
Pinot Gris
Crawford
9/12
For rosé
Wind Rose
Pinot Grigio
Pontin del Roza
9/14

Wind Rose
Dolcetto
Lonesome Spr
9/15

Wind Rose
Sangiovese
Lonesome Spr
9/15

Soos Creek
Merlot
Slide Mt
9/16

Maryhill
Merlot
Tudor Hills
9/16

Soos Creek
Cab Franc
Slide Mt
9/20

College Cellars
Roussanne
Dutchman
9/20

--
Viognier
Sunnyside Ranch
9/23

--
Grenache
Sunnyside Ranch
9/23

--
Grenache
Sunnyside N Ranch
9/25

Rattlesnake Hills
Owen Roe
Chardonnay
DuBrul
8/22
First day picking
--
Chardonnay
DuBrul
8/30

Cote Bonneville
Merlot
DuBrul
8/31

Pearl and Stone
Syrah
Elephant Mt
9/2

Kevin White
Syrah
Elephant Mt
9/3

--
Merlot
Pollard
9/12

Co Dinn
Syrah
Elephant Mt
9/13

Pearl and Stone
Grenache
Sugarloaf
9/16

Cote Bonneville
Cab Sauv
DuBrul
9/19

Cote Bonneville
Cab Sauv
DuBrul
9/20

Cote Bonneville
Cab Franc
DuBrul
9/21
For rosé
Pearl & Stone
Cab Franc
Two Blondes
9/23
For rosé
Co Dinn
Cab Sauv
Elephant Mt
9/23

Red Mountain
Auclair
Sauv Blanc
Artz
8/13

L’Ecole
Semillon
Klipsun
8/26
14 tons
Betz
Syrah
Ranch at End of the Road
8/30

Betz
Merlot
Ciel du Cheval
8/30

Sparkman
Syrah
Ciel du Cheval
9/1

Fidelitas
Merlot
Kiona
9/2

Auclair
Merlot
Kiona
9/3

Purple Star
Syrah
Kiona
9/3
First load
CZ Cellars
Merlot
E&E Shaw
9/10

Auclair
Merlot
Artz
9/11

Hightower
Merlot
Hightower
9/11

--
Merlot
Ciel du Cheval
9/11

--
Syrah
Taptiel
9/14

Hedges
Syrah
Hedges
9/14

Frichette
Malbec
Scooteney Flats
9/15

Fidelitas
Cab Sauv
Quintessence
9/16

--
Syrah
Klipsun
9/23

--
Cab Sauv
Ciel du Cheval
9/24

--
Cab Sauv
Quintessence
9/24

--
Cab Franc
Artz
9/24

Fidelitas
Cab Sauv
Estate
10/4

Walla Walla Valley
Woodward Canyon
Sauv Blanc
Estate
8/30

Sleight of Hand
Syrah
Elevation
8/31

Sleight of Hand
Marsanne
Elevation
8/31

--
Merlot
Seven Hills
8/31

College Cellars
Chardonnay
Cockburn Ranch
9/1

Va Piano
Syrah
Les Collines
9/2
Block 30
Tertulia
Merlot
Elevation
9/5

College Cellars
Sauv Blanc
Clarke
9/8

College Cellars
Syrah
Cockburn Ranch
9/12

--
Syrah
Les Collines
9/13

College Cellars
Muscat
Red Boar
9/13

College Cellars
Chardonnay
Nosa Terra
9/13

aMaurice
Syrah
Estate
9/13

--
Syrah
Old Stones
9/14

Va Piano
Syrah
Stoney Vine
9/14
Early pick
College Cellars
Malbec
Seven Hills
9/14

Woodward Canyon
Cab Sauv
Estate
9/14

Sleight of Hand
Syrah
Les Collines
9/15

Balboa
Roussanne
--
9/15

Sleight of Hand
Syrah
Stoney Vine
9/16

Wind Rose
Malbec
J&S
9/16

College Cellars
Semillon
Clarke
9/20

College Cellars
Riesling
Loess
9/21

Va Piano
Syrah
Va Piano
9/22

College Cellars
Merlot
Golden Ridge
9/22

--
Syrah
Eritage
9/22

Ardor
Syrah
Stoney Vine
9/23

Don Carlo
Merlot
Don Carlo
9/24

Kerloo
Syrah
Les Collines
9/25

College Cellars
Carmenere
Clarke
9/27

College Cellars
Cab Sauv
Loess
9/28

Sleight of Hand
Grenache
Elevation
9/29

Dunham
Chardonnay
Kenny Hill
9/29
Clone 76
College Cellars
Cab Sauv
Golden Ridge
9/30

Tertulia
Cab Franc
Elevation
10/3

Wahluke Slope
--
Syrah
Stone Tree
8/30

Kerloo
Tempranillo
Stone Tree
8/30
1st reds for 2016
Kerloo
Malbec
Stone Tree
8/30
1st reds for 2016
Purple Star
Chardonnay
Weinbau
8/31
First fruit
Cadaretta
Syrah
Stone Tree
9/1

Angel Vine
Petite Sirah
StoneTree
9/10

Waters
Cab Sauv
StoneTree
9/13

Waters
Cab Franc
StoneTree
9/13

Kerloo
Cab Sauv
StoneTree
9/16

Purple Star
Syrah
Weinbau
10/1

Horse Heaven Hills
Syncline
Syrah
McKinley Springs
9/2

Adams Bench
Merlot
Mays Discovery
9/12

Bunnell
Syrah
Discovery
9/15

Buty
Malbec
Phinney
9/22

Snipes Mountain
Co Dinn
Chardonnay
Roskamp
8/22
Dijon Clones 76 & 96
DavenLore
Syrah
Upland
9/13

Rolling Bay
Merlot
Upland
9/24
Old vine
Lake Chelan
Hard Row
Pinot Gris
Estate
8/30

Columbia Gorge
Syncline
Gruner
Underwood
8/31

Viento
Chardonnay
Pine Grove
9/2