Washington Wine Pioneer David Lake Passes Away

 

It was with sadness that I read of the death of David Lake on October 5 in the Seattle Times' obituary of October 11. I had known David since the early 'eighties when he was the winemaker for Columbia Winery. I knew that he had been ill and had retired from winemaking in 2005. But, nevertheless, I sensed that the Washington wine industry had lost a real pioneer and a fine friend.

 

David's pioneering achievements were remarkable. He was the first U.S. winemaker (originally from Canada) to become a Master of Wine, a distinction that can be attained only by rigorous study and tasting, followed by examinations and blind tastings. He, with winegrower Mike Sauer, was instrumental in planting Washington's earliest Syrah vines at the Red Willow vineyard in the Yakima Valley. With his knowledge, he brought a worldwide perspective to winemaking in Washington State.

 

Whenever I met David, at the winery, at lunch or at tastings, he was always kind, generous and thoughtful. I remember special occasions when he took the time to meet with me on a one to one basis. He was a gentleman who commanded great respect. He will be sorely missed.

 

Three Eastern Washington Wineries Open Tasting Rooms in Woodinville

 

Two Walla Walla Valley wineries and one from Prosser have added to the growth of the burgeoning Woodinville wine scene. I believe this is a logical move as it brings these wineries closer to the Puget Sound populace.

 

Back in September, Dusted Valley Vintners in Walla Walla opened a tasting room in the Hollywood Vineyard Plaza. In mid-October, Isenhower Cellars of Walla Walla joined forces with Maison Bleue to open shop at 15007 Woodinville-Redmond Road (between Silver Lake and Januik/Novelty Hill). Brett Isenhower will have to clone himself at two locations, while Jon Martinez has moved his entire Maison Bleue operation from Prosser to Woodinville.

 

These openings are just in time for St. Nicholas Day Open Houses, December 5th and 6th. For more information, visit the Woodinville Wine Country website.

 

For previous reviews, see the September issue of my Review of Washington Wines for Dusted Valley, June for Isenhower, and July for Maison Bleue.