As we go into the sixth month of the year, I want to share some observations and thoughts with you.

 

Coming Up: The January-June Compilation of Reviews

I am in the process of compiling a list of the wines reviewed during the first half of 2013. When the Review of Washington Wines was inaugurated in December of 2008, about 30 wines a month were reviewed. Then each issue grew to about 40 a month. Now, each issue has 50 or more. This is testimony to how much Washington wines have advanced in four and a half years. The six month compilation will include twelve wines scoring 19.5 points and two receiving 20/20 points. The compilation will be emailed to subscribers tomorroe, June 1st, and will be posted on your subscription page.

 

Is there a Signature Washington Wine?

In his on line publication, Washington Wine Report (www.wawinereport.com) Sean Sullivan has asked subscribers "What is Washington's Signature wine?" So far, the polling has been 39 out of 83 for Syrah, with blends and "no signature wine" tied at 13 votes each. While, here, Syrah is the clear favorite, there is a myriad of grapes grown in Washington. Forty years ago, Riesling was the "signature" grape, and thirty years ago, Merlot (thanks, largely, to Leonetti). But, today, with so many grape varieties and winemaking styles, there is no clearly definable style of a "signature" wine (for a discussion of this in regard to Syrah, see my blog of October 1). So my conclusion is that Washington has no single "signature" wine. Oregon has its signature wine with Pinot Noir, and California has two, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. But what does Washington have except a wide range of distinctive wines? All this may be confusing to out of state consumers, but why not celebrate diversity and encourage experimentation?

 

Dunham Cellars' Mike Dunham Passes Away

On May 18th, Michael Dunham, founder of Dunham Cellars, died of cancer after a battle lasting over two years. He started his career in the insurance business, and then went into winemaking with the encouragement of Walla Walla friends. He approached the wine business with the same gusto that characterized his lifestyle. Today, his work is carried on by his son, Eric Dunham and winemaker Dan Wampfler. There was a Celebration of Mike's Life at the winery on Friday, May 24th and hundreds of friends, including ourselves, were on hand to remember a fine, generous man. He will be missed.

 

No Blog next Week

On June 4th, we will be flying east to attend a grandhephew's high school graduation in Maryland, and then going to northern Virginia, returning on the 12th. So, the next Review of Washington Wines Blog will be on June 14th. Watch for it!