A few days ago, a new subscriber emailed me asking, "Have you ever thought about developing a searchable database of reviews?" I replied that "I would love to have a database of reviews, but I did determine it would be too costly." I did, however, add that there are listings that subscribers can access that would be helpful in locating wines from specific wineries and highly rated ones. Here's how.

There is an alphabetical listing of wines reviewed from January to June 2013 and July through December 2013, with the months in which they were reviewed. These listings can be found on the Subscription Page (after login) under "Email Messages." Click on the links (in blue) and the listings will come up. These listings show the scores as well as the months in which the wines were reviewed.

Also, in the Review of Washington Wines blog (on the upper right corner of each issue) there is a listing of "Top Wines of 2013," wines scoring 20/20 and 19.5/20 points, posted on 11 December, 2013 (to find it, scroll down to the bottom, and then back to that posting). In the posting of 26 December, there is a listing of "Best Buys of 2012," with wines scoring 19 or more points for $40 or less and ones with 18.5 points for $25 or less.

While these may not the most ideal databases, these listings should help.

 

The Walla Walla Valley AVA Celebrates its 30th Anniversary

In February, the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultrural Area, approved in 1984, reached its 30th Anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is hosting a 30th Anniversary Celebration to be held at the Gesa Power House Theater. The program from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. will feature a video presentation and a roundtable discussion by Walla Walla Valley wine pioneers, Gary Figgins (Leonetti), Rick Small (Woodward Canyon), Marty Clubb (L'Ecole No. 41), Casey McClellan (Seven Hills Winery) and Norm McKibben (Pepper Bridge), followed by Wine & hors d'ouevres with special pours from twelve wineries. Tickets are $50. Go to www.wallawallawine.com.

 

Taste Washington! Seattle is on March 29th and 30th

This is the biggest wine event of the year, featuring over 230 Washington Wineries to be held at the Century Link Field Event Center. It is a must attend event for anyone serious about Washington wines. For information and tickets, go to www.tastewashington.org.

 

March is Washington Wine Month

During March, many wineries and retailers are featuring Washington Wines at special pricing. So this is a good time to stock up on favorites. For suggestions for top values, check out the "Best Buys" sections of recent issues of the Review of Washington Wines.