This year's Fall Release Weekend, November 1-3, was another fun-filled event even even though the weather was not particularly cooperative (inntermittent rains). Here's a rundown of the weekend's happenings.

On Friday, the 1st, we first went to Long Shadows where we tasted the 2009 Chester Kidder Red and the 2009 Sequel Syrah, both to be reviewed in the December issue of the Review of Washington Wines. There, directing winemaker, Gilles Nicault also took us to the back where we tasted the newly fermented 2013's from the tank. They showed marvelous aromas and fruit, showing promise for an outstanding vintage. Then we stopped by Bunchgrass to taste with Tom Olander the new 2012 Whispering Owl White and 2010 Windrow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, to be reviewed in December. That evening, we attended Robsion Ranch Cellars' Club dinner.

On Saturday morning, we went to Tranche Cellars at the Blue Mountain Vineyard to taste with Griffin Frey. Then we drove up to the end of Cottonwood Road to the Reynvaan Family Vineyards winery. All the Reynvaans were there and previewed the 2012's which will be reviewed in January. Then we went on to Isenhower, then Rasa and MacKey on Powerline Road. The wines will be reviewed in the December issue. The premier event of the evening was Corliss' Fall Release party, where a fantastic 2009 Syrah was previewed (to be released in 2014). There, all had a good time with plenty of stimulating conversation.

On Sunday afternoon, we had a great time at Northstar's "Blending Experience." There, Lindsey Dean guided us through a tasting of six 2009's: four Merlots from different AVA's and a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Petit Verdot. Then each participant put together a blend of their favorite wines. Lynn put together a blend of 70% Horse Heaven Hills Merlot and 30% Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. My blend consisted of 70% Walla Walla Valley Merlot, 10% Red Mountain Merlot, 10% Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. I was pleased with my result. Here's my review:

2009 Northstar "Rand's Blend" Merlot, Columbia Valley - Deep purplish ruby colored, this blend offers a perfumed nose of wild blackberry, cherry, cassis, crushed roses, violets and white incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with supple, yet structured, red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast and silt and loam minerals. The back picks up notes of squeezed berries, kirsch liqueur and creme de cassis, followed by supple tannins and light spices on the lingering finish. 19/20 points.

Each of us botted our wine and got to take it home. The Blending Experience is held periodically and reservations are required. The cost is $65 for club members and $85 for non members.

As a fun post Fall Release Weekend event, the Mark Ryan Winery had an Industry Night party on Monday at the downtown Walla Walla tasting room on Main Street. Mark McNeilly grilled beef burger sliders on ciabatta buns to go with the newly released 2012 Viognier and 2011 reds (to be reviewed in the December issue). Again, there was a lot of conversation and a great time.