Below are a number of memorable events that we participated in, before and during Fall Release Weekend in Walla Walla November 2nd through 4th.

The Cabernet Franc Tasting

On Tuesday, Otober 30th, the Sons of Bacchus (SOB's for short) assembled at the home of Erik McLaughlin (Seven Hills Winery). My wife, Lynn, attended as a guest. Twenty one Cabernet Francs were tasted in five flights. The opinons and individual rankings were diverse, with the top scorers as follows:

Flight One: 1992 Ridge York Creek, Napa Valley; 2010 Lang & Reed, North Coast, CA

Flight Two: 2007 Tranche Cellars, Walla Walla Valley (Blue Mtn. Vineyard); 2005 Dom. Bernard Baudry Chinon (Loire) "Les Granges"

Flight Three: 2008 Castello Poggiorella "Coloroso," Toscana (ringer - 50% Cab Franc/50% Merlot); 2005 Corliss Estates, WWV

Flight Four: 2002 Vierra, Columbia Valley, Chelle den Millie Vineyard; 2010 Spring Valley "Katherine Corkrum," Walla Walla Valley

Flight Five: 2009 Tero Estates, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyard; 2009 Steele, Lake County, CA

Overall, Washington Cabernet Francs were dominant, with the 2007 Tranche receiving the highest ranking, followed by 2009 Terro a close second, with the 2002 Vierra (made by Trey Busch) third, and showing remarkably well for a ten year old wine. Some tasters favored the Ridge York Creek and Castello Poggiorella. Six Loire Valley Cab Francs were tasted, but did not rank highly except for the 2005 Baudry Chinon, "Les Granges."

My favorites, in order of preference were:

2009 Tero Estates, 2005 Corliss Estates, 2007 Tranche Cellars, 2008 Forgeron Cellars, 2005 Baudry "Les Granges." To me, Washington Cabernet Francs were the clear winners. In concurrence, on their Facebook pages, commented Trey Busch (Sleight of Hand Cellars), "I really liked how WA State showed" and Paul Gregutt, "Washington showed well!"

The Tero Estates / Flying Trout Dinner

On Friday, the 2nd, Doug and Jan Roskelley hosted a nine course dinner for sixteen at their home at the Windrow Vineyard. The food was prepared by Dan Theissen of the Walla Walla Community College Culinary Department and his students. The menu and wine pairings ("Argentina...Walla Walla Style) is as follows:

Locro - 2011 Flying Trout Torrontes (Argentina)

Mushroom Ravioli, Seared "Theissen Ranch" Venison Loin - 2010 Flying Trout Gamache Vineyard Malbec

"Blue Valley" Goat Crepinette, Carmalized Onion - 2009 Tero Estates Merlot, Herb's Block

House Cured Pancetta Tora, Roasred Tomato Coulis - 2010 Flying Trout Cutthroat Red

Spiced "Upper Dry Creek" Lamb Empandas, Tomato Chutney - 2009 Tero Estates Cabernet Franc

Braised "Lostine" Beef Short Ribs, Celery Root Puree - 2009 Tero Estates Windrow Red

Cowboy Style Grilled "Lostine" Beef Striploin, Bacon Brioche Bread Pudding - 2009 Tero Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Block

Alfajores with Dolce Leche Ice Cream - Cellar Mystery Wine (2009 Terro Estates Petit Verdot)

The wine and course matchings were perfect and the dinner was a memorable occasion. Thanks to, Dan Theissen, Jan and Doug Roskelley and Ashley Trout!

The Reynvaan Family Vineyards Retrospective Tasting

The Reynvaans - Mike and Gale, Matt, Angela, and Amanda - celebrated Fall Release with a tasting of all vintages and wines produced by the winery, comprising the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 vintages and barrel samples of the 2011. It was a stunning collection; all the wines were outstanding. Mike said they probably will never do this again. Next week, I will report on the wines tasted.

Other Special Events

On Saturday, the 3rd, several wineries held special events for their mailing list members. Memorable visits were at Doubleback's Main Street tasting room with Drew Bledsoe; Abeja, which served wine and food pairings at its "Autumn Celebration;" Virginie Bourge's Lullaby tasting (wines to be reviewed in December) at the Jimgerman Bar in Waitsburg; the Proper Wines 2010 Syrah (also to be reviewed December) pouring at Olive with David Houle; and the always famous Corliss Estates event with Mike and Lauri Corliss. On Wednesday, the 31st, I had a private tasting of the Seven Hills Winery's 2010 vintage releases with owner-winemaker Casey McCellan and Vice President for Sales & Marketing, Erik McLaughlin. Watch for reviews in the December and January issues.