Details

One of the most elusive grape varieties to find good values in wine is Pinot Noir. It is a fickle grape and grows well only in certain areas. The quality can be variable and it is not easy find the best wines for the price. Recently, we tasted through 21 Pinots from around the world. We rejected four of them for this article because they came up short qualitatively for their respective price points. 

Oregon 

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards "Whole Cluster" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($25) - This is a delightful young Pinot Noir. The fermentation of uncrushed fruit results in a brilliant red colored wine with bright aromas and flavors of strawberry, cranberry and currant, along with scents of spring flowers and lavender. The charm continues on the back with raspberry and cassis liqueurs, light tannins and vivid fruit acids on the finish. "Delicious," says Lynn. Purchased for $18.99 at Safeway. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($40) - This displays a deep brick red color and an enticing nose of wild strawberries, cherries, red currants, crushed red roses, mulberry, orange peel, rubbed sage and incense. The flavors, as well, are seductive, with lavish red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa powder, black tea and volcanic minerals. The back reveals pressed fruits, kirsch and cassis liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a smooth tannin and balanced acid finish. Purchased for $28.99 at Safeway. 18.5+/20 points.

2018 Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon ($25) - This is an amiable Pinot Noir. It shows a medium brick red color and attractive aromas of raspberry, cherry, currant, red roses, sweet tobacco, fennel and whiffs of incense. The flavors are medium bodied and approachable, with red licorice, pekoe tea and dusty earth. The accessibility continues on the back with pressed berries, toasted nuts, and framboise and cerise liqueurs, followed by a pleasing soft tannin finish. Purchased at Super 1 for $19.99. 18/20 points.

2018 The Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($30) - This wine possesses a brick red color and attractive aromas of raspberry, cherry, currant, red roses, mulberry, anise and whiffs of sweet incense. The medium bodied flavors are bright and vivid, with red fruits that are imbued with licorice, cola, medium roast coffee and earth. On the back, the wine turns chewy textured yet supple, with pressed berries, toasted nuts, cherry and cassis liqueurs and a bit of orange peel, followed by a juicy moderate tannin finish. Purchased for $22.99 at Safeway. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Argyle Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($30) - Brick red colored, this wine emits rich, slightly smoky aromas of strawberries, red cherries, red currants, red roses, tobacco leaf and stick incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial, with notes of red licorice, cocoa powder, herbal tea and a bit of dusty earth. The smooth textured back picks up pressed berries, roasted nuts and mocha on the way to a slightly grainy yet smooth tannin finish. Purchased for $23.99 at Safeway. 18.5/20 points. 

California 

2018 Meiomi Pinot Noir Monterey-Santa Barbara-Sonoma ($25) - This three county blend shows a deep ruby-crimson color and aromas of black cherries, black currants, black plums, black roses, mulberry, tobacco, lavender and whiffs of incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics withdraw fruits that are ample and forward yet focused, intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, coffee beans and minerals. The saturation continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted nuts, kirsch and creme de cassis liqueurs and pencil shavings, followed by a sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2016 La Crema Pinot Noir, Monterey ($24) - This shows a medium brick red color and aromas of raspberry, currant, plum, rosebuds, tobacco, bay leaf and whiffs of orange incense. The flavors are amiable and medium bodies, with red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cola and dusty earth. The back picks up gently pressed fruits and touches of orange peel and toast on the way to a soft yet fruit acid lifted finish. Not weighty, but as Lynn says, "Very pleasant." A super buy when purchased for $13.99. 18/20 points.

2016 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($25) - This displays medium brick red color and expressive aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, rose petals, mulberry, vanillin, sage and stick incense. The flavors, as well, are amiable, with medium bodied red fruits that are imbued with red licorice, cocoa, black tea and gravelly earth. On the back, the wine turns chewy yet smooth textured, with sensations of pressed berries and toasty oak, followed by a soft moderate tannin finish. Purchased for $16.99 at Safeway. 18+/20 points.

Washington

While Pinot Noir is not a "signature" grape as it is in Oregon, there are some noteworthy Pinots from the Lake Chelan and Columbia Gorge (which straddles Washington and Oregon).

2018 AGO Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge ($40) - Sourced from the Phelps Creek Vineyard across the River, this displays a brick red color and smoky aromas of fraises de bois, cherries, brambly currants, dried rose petals, tobacco leaf, wildflowers and incense. The flavors are supple yet well delineated, with notes of licorice, Swiss chocolate and mountainside minerals. The back picks up fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs and dried cherries on the soft tannin finish. Reviewed July. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 Hard Row to Hoe Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan ($40) - Whole cluster fermented, this shows a medium brick red color and aromas of fraises de bois, red  currants, pomegranates, dried rose petals, forest carpet and incense. The medium bodied flavors are true to variety, with red fruits that are imbued with licorice, baker's chocolate, black tea and glacial minerals. The back reveals pressed fruits, creme de cassis and light oak followed by a smooth tannin finish. Reviewed August. 18.5+/20 points. 

New Zealand

2017 Duck Hunter Pinot Noir, Marlborough ($30) - I picked this up at Safeway. Ruby-garnet colored, it emits rich, smoky aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, rosebuds, tobacco, orange peel and incense. The medium bodied flavors mirror the aromatics with fleshy red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, Earl Grey tea and gravelly earth. On the back, the wine firms up a bit with pressed fruits, toasted nuts, orange peel and pencil shavings, followed by a moderate tannin finish. Purchased for $19.99. 18/20 points.

Burgundy

Burgundy is the birthplace of Pinot Noir. But it is hard to find outstanding ones for under $40 a bottle. This is due to the limited supply and high demand. But here are five that offer excellent price-quality ratios. 

2018 Domaine du Prieuré Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($21.99 - Esquin) - From a vineyard in Savigny, this wine offers a brick red color and attractive aromas of strawberry, red cherry, red currant, rose petals, spring flowers and whiffs of white incense. The medium bodied flavors are charming yet substantial, with notes of red licorice, baker's chocolate and hillside minerals. The back picks up pressed berries, creme de cassis and toast, followed by a soft tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Domaine du Prieuré Bourgogne Hautes Côte be Beaune ($21.99 - Esquin) - The Hautes Côte de Beaune are the slopes above the Côte Beaune. Brick red colored, it possesses attractive aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, rosebuds, pine needles and wood smoke. The flavors are medium bodied and direct but solid, with notes of red licorice, black tea and high elevation earth and minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and a touch of pencil lead on the way to a nicely juiced soft tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Jean-Marc Pillot Bourgogne Rouge, "Les Grands Terres" ($39 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This comes from 60+ year-old vines in Remilly, 2 km south of Chassage-Montrachet. Deep ruby-crimson colored, it emits enticing aromas of cherry, black currant, plum, black roses, fennel, violets and incense. The flavors are varietally definitive, with notes of licorice, bittersweet chocolate, black tea and earth. The solidity continues on the back with sensations of pressed fruits, roasted nuts, mocha and soft graphite, followed by a moderate tannin finish that is lifted by bright fruit acids. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 Regis Bouvier Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($23.99 - Esquin) - From a grower in Marsannay at the north end of the Côte d'Or, this wine shows a brick red color and a typical varietal nose of wild strawberries, red cherries, red currants, red roses, tobacco leaf, fennel and whiffs of incense. The flavors are engaging as well, with supple red fruits that are imbued with red licorice, milk chocolate, medium roast coffee and earth. The back picks up gently pressed berries, mocha, fraise and cassis liqueurs and toast, followed by a slightly grainy moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2016 Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Villages ($38.99 - Esquin) - From a respected Beaune negotiant, this offers a brick red color and a typical varietal nose of wild strawberries, red cherries, red currants, red roses, tobacco leaf fennel and whiffs of incense. The medium bodied flavors are rich and velvety, yet substantial, with definite Burgundian Pinot Noir character, accompanied by notes of red licorice, coca, medium roast coffee and a touch of dusty earth. On the back, the wine fleshens out with sensations of fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs and toasted nuts, and then drifts into a satiny moderate tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

Finally, here is a more upscale Burgundy, to show what you can get if you reach deeper into your pocket. 

2016 Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru, Les Lavieres ($59.99 - Esquin) - This exhibits a deep brick red color and intoxicating aromas of wild fruits - raspberries, black cherries, black currants - with scents of crushed black roses, pipe tobacco, sandalwood and sultry incense. On the palate, the flavors are thick and generous yet focused, with layers of black and blue fruits that are infused with licorice, cocoa, French roast and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine turns simultaneously chewy and velvety, with sensations of macerated fruits, toasted nuts, framboise, creme de cassis and kirsch liqueurs, followed by a lingering sweet-dry Burgundian finish. 19+/20 points. 

Details

California Petite Sirahs

Petite Sirah is a crossing of Syrah and Peluorsin, discovered by a French botanist, François Durif and named Durif after him. Cuttings were sent to California where it was called Petite Sirah because the berries were smaller than those of Syrah. There, it produces better wines than in France and is grown throughout the North Coast from Napa to Mendocino. The wines are typically robust and spicy. Here are some examples tasted recently. 

2017 Bogle Petite Sirah, California ($18) - This Clarksburg winery turns out a good value Petite Sirah. This vintage show a deep ruby color and smoky aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, black roses, tobacco and spiced incense. The flavors re robust and direct, with black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, chocolate, roasted coffee beans and earth. On the back, the wine intensifies with macerated berries and roasted nuts, burnt charcoal and a dash of pepper on the finish. Purchased for $13.99 at Super 1. 18/20 points.

2017 Parducci "True Grit" Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocino ($30) - I remember that back in the 1980's John Parducci was a strong proponent of Petite Sirah. This version presents a semi opaque ruby-crimson color and intense, smoky aromas of blackberry, black currant, Damson plum, black roses, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with loads of up front black and blue fruits that are intermixed with black licorice, cacao, espresso and black earth. The saturation continues on the back with macerated fruits, grilled nuts and burnt charcoal, followed by a firm yet smooth tannin finish. Purchased at wine.com for $19.99. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Stag's Leap Petite Sirah, Napa Valley ($47) - This iconic winery is a top Napa Valley producer of Petite Sirah. This vintage shows an inky purplish color and intense, smoky aromas of blackberry, black currant, black plum, black roses, pipe tobacco, cracked pepper and spiced incense. The flavors are well packed, with black fruits that are infused with licorice, 85% cacao, expresso and black earth. The saturation continues on the back with macerated fruits, grilled nuts and brunt charcoal, followed by a lingering, peppery sweet-dry tannin finish. Purchased from the winery for $32.90 (30% off). Also available at Safeway for $37.99. 19/20 points.

2016 Foppiano Estate Petite Sirah, Russian River Valley ($28) - Foppiano is another old line North Coast producer of this variety. This shows a deep ruby color and rich aromas of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, rosebuds, pipe tobacco, rubbed sage, peppercorns and incense. The flavors are thick and generous, marked by licorice, dark chocolate, espresso and Russian River minerals. The saturation continues on the back with pressed berries, framboise liqueur,  mocha and toasty oak, followed by a spiced (nutmeg, cinnamon) ripe tannin finish. Purchased from wine.com for $26.99. 18.5/20 points.

For Washington State Petite Sirahs, the 2017 Dusted Valley will be in the October issue of the Review of Washington Wines, and see the September issue for the 2017 Va Piano, the August issue for the 2016 Hard Row to Hoe, and the April issue for the bargain priced 2018 Thurston Wolfe. 

Italian Wines Tasted Recently

2019 Kris Pinot Grigio delle Venezia ($13.99 - Safeway) - When I owned Esquin, we sold a lot of this in the 1990's. This vintage shows a light grayish gold color and attractive aromas of pear, melon, lime, pear blossoms, acacia flowers and green incense. The flavors are bright and crisp with notes of grape and pear skins and sub Alpine minerals. The back picks up melon rind, toasted almonds and lime zest on the way to a refreshing finish. 18/20 points.

2015 Buglioni Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore ($28 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - Ripasso is made by a process that undergoes a second fermentation after the addition of macerated Amazon grapes. This version presents a deep ruby color and an intoxicating nose of wild raspberry, cherry, plum, fig, black roses, mulberry, tobacco and spiced incense. The flavors are intense, comprised of ripe and dried fruits that are accompanied by licorice root, espresso and minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies further with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, and cherry liqueur followed by a warm, spicy ripe dryish tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. 

2016 Tenuta di Festina "Erse" Etna Bianco ($27 - The Thief) - Produced from Carricante grapes grown below Mount Etna, this is a striking white. It shows a deep lemon-gold color and a highly aromatic nose of pear, semi dried apricot, Sicilian lemon mountainside flowers and wood smoke. The flavors, as well, are intriguing, with semi dried yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and volcanic minerals. On the back, lively fruits emerge along with touches of hazelnut, lemon zest and toast  on the maturing finish. 18.5/20 points. 

2016 Setteporte Etna Rosso ($26 - The Thief) - Produced from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucio grapes, this wine displays a ruby-garnet color and intriguing aromas of semi dried fruits - cherries, plums, oranges - with scents of crushed dried roses, mulberry, tobacco and wood smoke. The flavors mirror the aromatics with, again, semi dried fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and volcanic minerals. The mid palate character continues on the back with macerated fruits, roasted nuts, dried orange peel and a bit of leather, followed by a sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Pecchenino "San Luigi" Dogliani ($17.99 - wine.com) - Dogliani is one of the best sites for Dolcetto in the Piedmont. This one shows a ruby color and attractive aromas of raspberries, currants, plums, red roses, tobacco, cedar and wood smoke. The flavors are ripe and fruit forward, with notes of licorice, cola, medium roast coffee beans and Langhe earth. The chewy textured sweetish ("dolce") back picks up pressed berries, cherry and currant liqueurs and roasted nuts, followed by a satisfying dry finish. 18/20 points.

2017 Pecchenino "Sirī d'Jermu" Dogliani Superiore ($21.99 - wine.com) - This is Pecchenino's single vineyard Dolcetto. It shows a deep purplish crimson color and a perfumed nose of black cherries, black currants, black plums, black roses, sweet tobacco, lavender, violets and incense. On the palate, the flavors are rich and mouth filling, with dark fruits that are endowed with licorice, dark cocoa, Italian roast and Dogliani hillside minerals. The back reveals pressed fruits, cherry and currant liqueurs and roasted nuts followed by a sweetish ("dolce") yet dry ripe tannin finish that is lifted by fruit acids. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo ($30 - The Thief) - Produttori del Barbaresco is a well run cooperative. From the communes of Barbaresco, Nieve and Treiso, this 100% Nebbiolo shows a ruby-garnet color and classic aromas of cherry, currant, orange peel, crushed roses, tar and incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial, with red fruits that are imbued with licorice, black tea and Langhe hills minerals. The back reveals semi dried fruits (a trait of Nebbiolo), roasted nuts and mocha, followed by a fruit acid lifted dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

 

 

 

Details

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been trying some new French wines, red and rosé. Most are from Provence and Southwest France. Here are my notes and scores.

2019 Château Thivin Beaujolais-Villages Rosé ($21 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This presents a brilliant peach-pink color and enticing aromas of strawberry, red currant, orange, pink peach, pink roses and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and lively, wit6h pink fruits dancing on the palate, intermixed with stony minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise and cassis liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a nicely juiced finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Domaine de Fontsainte Corbières Rose, "Gris de Gris" ($19 - The Thief) - Light copper-grey colored, this possesses an intriguing nose of wild strawberries, pink cherries, currants, tangerine, orange blossoms, pink roses and orange incense. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, with notes of grape skins, orange peel and Languedoc-Roussillon minerals. The back picks up touches of kirsch and cerise liqueurs on the way ro a nicely juiced dry finish. Excellent value. 18.5/20 points. See below for the 2018 Corbières Rouge.

2019 Château Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé ($18.99 - wine.com) - This displays a brilliant copper color and intriguing aromas of fraise de bois, pomegranate, red currants, blood orange, crushed roses, orange blossoms, lavender and orange incense. The flavors are more extracted than usual for a rosé, yet stay restrained, with notes of grape skins and stony minerals. The back reveals fraise and cassis, pomegranate seeds and orange peel, followed by a generous, pleasing finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Domaine de la Blaque Pierrevert Alpes de Haute Provence Rosé ($20 - The Thief) - Produced from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes grown in the hills above Provence, this shows a light copper-pink color and lovely aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, peach, tangerine, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and lively, deftly extracted, with notes of peach stone and granitic minerals. The back picks up fraise and kirsch liqueurs and tangerine peel, followed by a refreshing finish. A real "gem." Lynn: 3 stars (highest rating). 18.5+/20 points.

2019 Fleurs de Prairie Côtes de Provence Rosé ($19.99 - Safeway) - Brilliant pink-peach colored, this possesses intriguing aromas of strawberry, currant, orange peel, lavender and Provençal herbs. The flavors are softly extracted yet well delineated, with red and orange fruits that are accented by Mistral-blown earth and minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs, orange peel and a bit of spritz, followed by a pleasing, juicy finish. 18.5/20 points. 

2019 Fleur de Mer Côtes de Provence Rosé ($18.99 - Safeway) - From near St. Tropez, this Rosé presents a brilliant copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, watermelon, tangerine, pink roses, lavender, Provencçal herbs and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with bright pink fruits that ate accented by grape skins and Côte d'Azur minerals. The vivacity continues on the back with fraise liqueur, tangerine peel and pomegranate seeds, followed by a nicely fruited dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé, "Cuvée d'Esclans" ($24.99 - Safeway) - This version shows a light pink color and enticing aromas of strawberry, currant, tangerine, pink flowers, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are light and fresh, yet deftly extracted, with notes of pink fruits and stony minerals. The back reveals fraise and cassis liqueurs and tangerine peel, followed by a finely fruited finish. Comes on as being in the lighter but elegant style. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Peyrasol Côtes de Provence Rosé, "Cuvée de la Coimmanderie" ($29 - The Thief) - Composed of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, this offers a brilliant, light copper-pink color and lovely aromas of strawberries, red currants, tangerine, pink roses, lavender and pink incense. The flavors are beautifully fresh and well delineated, with notes of grape skins and hillside minerals. The allure continues on the back with sensations of fraise and cassis liqueurs, tangerine peel and a bit of spritz, followed by a lightly spiced finish. 18.5+/20 points.

N.V. Je T'aime Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé ($20 - The Thief) - This is a delightful methode traditionelle sparkling wine from Southwest France. It displays a brilliant light copper-pink color, streaming bubbles and lovely aromas of strawberries, pink cherries, orange, pink roses, lavender and whiffs of pink incense. The flavors are fresh, enlivened by the CO2, and accented by grape skins and Limoux minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel on the way to a crisp true Brut finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny ($30 - The Thief) - Deep ruby colored, this Cabernet Franc emits smoky aromas of black cherries, black currants, black plums, black roses, tobacco, a hint of mint and whiffs of incense. The flavors are bold and forward, with dark fruits that are infused with black licorice, cocoa, French roast, and Saumur alluvial minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated berries, kirsch and creme de cassis liqueurs, followed by a rich, chewy finish. Packs a lot of flavor for the price. 18.5+/20 points.

2018 Domaine de Fontsainte Corbières Rouge ($14.99 - wine.com) - Composed of 60% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 10% Syrah, this shows a ruby-crimson color and rich aromas of raspberry, black currant, plum, crushed roses, tobacco, lavender and incense. The flavors are generous and full, yet focused, with red and black fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and Languedoc-Roussillon earth. On the back, the wine turns chewy textured with macerated berries, roasted nuts, framboise and cassis liqueurs and graphite, followed by a ripe moderate tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Maxime Magnon Corbières "La Démarrute" ($39 - The Thief) - This is an upscale Corbières, produced from 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah from 50-60 year-old vines. It features a deep ruby color and a rich, smoky nose of raspberries, black currants, plums, crushed roses, tobacco, lavender, pepper and spiced incense. The flavors are thick and chewy, with loads of up front fleshy, yet substantial red and black fruits that are infused with licorice, black tea and schist and limestone minerals. The back picks up macerated fruits, smoked meats and creme de cassis, followed by a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2017 Château Oilleux-Romanis Corbières, "Le Petit Fanet d'Hippolyte" ($20.99 - wine.com) - Deep ruby colored, this wine emits intense aromas of blackberry, black currant, black plum, black roses, pipe tobacco, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with supple yet thick and focused dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, black tea and minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted nuts, mocha and charcoal, followed by a spiced sweet-dry moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

2016 Château Peyros Madiran ($15.99 - wine.com) - Madiran is an appellation situated in Southwest France. This version is composed of 60% Tannat (an indigenous grape) and 40% Cabernet Franc. It shows a deep ruby color and an engaging nose of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco and stick incense. The flavors are direct and muscular, yet accessible, with up front dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark chocolate, roasted coffee bans and earth. The penetration continues on the back with roasted berries and nuts, mocha, toffee and charcoal, followed by a tannic (tannin) yet smoothed out by lanolin, ripe finish. 18+/20 points.

Details

On Thursday, August 13, a Celebration of Doug Roskelley, co-owner and winemaker of Tero Estates, was held via Zoom. The event was organized by Jodi Rozonowski, general manager of TR Wines. At 3:00 p.m., the virtual event went live on the internet. Lynn and I saw 5 frames off 25 participants on our computer screen. Jodi started off the celebration with Jan Roskelley, Doug's wife. Tributes were made, including Barb Nordin, neighbor of the Roskelley's in Woodinville 30 years ago.

In recognition of Doug's love for chamber music, especially that of the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, a Mahler composition was played by 18 musicians. Then more tributes were made, including that of Mike Tembruell, partner in Tero Estates who described Doug as a visionary of many talents, as a builder, architect, winemaker and more. Then there was a slide show of many pictures of Doug - in the winery and vineyard, at Chamber Music events, with Jan and with their son, Kyle, and more, including one of Doug holding our Bengal cat, Harlow, and one of Doug and me with cigars. Doug was so beloved by so many friends.

Another chamber music composition, by Tchaikovsky, was played and then the Walla Walla Chamber Festival director, Timothy Christie praised Doug for his and Jan's support since the founding in 2007, including hosting recitals at Tero Estates, dinners and more. More tributes followed, and then Jan and Jodi wrapped up the celebration with a heartfelt thanks to all. 

Lynn sent the following email to Jodi, Jan and Tim:

"Dear Jodi,

What a perfectly orchestrated virtual Celebration of Life it was for Doug. The program was perfect and those who spoke including you and Jan provided insights into Doug's remarkable personality. He, as many voiced, was a bigger-than-life individual - brilliant, highly capable in so many endeavors through his life, and beloved by anyone who ever met him.

Tim: You and your musicians were astounding. How you brought 16-18 for your finest playing together in sync from their living rooms was quite miraculous. The selections were lovely.

We will never forget the many wonderful TERO Estates gatherings over the past 12 years."

For more about Doug, see the blog posting of 25 July, 2020 below.

 

Details

The COVID-19 Pandemic has certainly changed the way things are being done, especially in wine tasting rooms. The days of Spring and Fall Release Weekends with packed tasting rooms are gone. With the restrictions of what is being called Phase 1.5, here's what we've been encountering.

On July 22 and 23, we visited several wineries in Woodinville. We had appointments lined up beforehand. Our first visit was at Brian Carter Cellars. We tasted out on the patio. At Avennia, we were the only visitors, so Andrew Bradshaw took us through the lineup inside the spacious tasting room. 

The next day, we tasted at Efeste with Principal Winemaker Mark Fioré, then Guardian Cellars. In the afternoon, we joined Noah Fox Reed for a tasting of the lineup of the Tinte Cellars, William Church and Cuillin Hills collective. After Tinte, we made a quick stop at WIT to try the new Sparkling Rosé.

On Friday, July 24, on our way back to Walla Walla, we stopped in Prosser to visit the new Wautoma Springs Winery at the end of Port Avenue in the Winemakers Village. We sat out on the patio under an umbrella, and owner-winemaker Jessica Munnell poured us their current releases. 

After we returned to Walla Walla, I set up appointments at local wineries, including some new ones: Kinhaven on Merlot Drive, off Braden Road in the Southside; Alton on Peppers Bridge Road, across from Amavi; and Hoquetus, north of Highway 12. Other wineries visited were Seven Hills, Grosgrain, Va Piano, Forgeron and others. 

Watch for the September issue, on line, August 25 for reviews of the wines from the above wineries. 

In Downtown Walla Walla, there have been major changes. For a couple of weeks Main Street was blocked off to enable restaurants and tasting rooms open up out to the street. But the lack of street parking was hurting other businesses, so Main Street was reopened to traffic and "parakeets" constructed out from the curbs to create more outdoor restaurant and wine tasting space. I drove down Main Street yesterday and saw pavers being put down. It's all looking good. 

  1. New Washington Rosés and New Wineries
  2. More Best Buys from Esquin
  3. In Memoriam: Doug Roskelley
  4. More French Wines: Rosé and Beaujolais