In my posting of 8 July, I reported on a number of Walla Walla Valley wine news items. Here are a few more.

 

The Heat Wave Abates, but Weather Stays Tinder Dry

Last week and this week has seen more normal temperatures, with highs in the eighties and nineties. But the tinder dry conditions remain a concern. On Monday, a wildfire in the Blue Creek area consumed 3,000 acres, and forced the evacuation of residents on Biscuit Ridge and in Scott Canyon. Rainfall this month has been negligible. This means wine growers still have to constantly monitor the watering of the vines. The vines survived last month's heat wave, but will still need irrigation to keep them going.

Another indication of the impact of this summer's drought is the report that the quality of this year's winter wheat crop is below average. The grains have developed more protein to carbohydrate than normal, making them less suitable for milling into flour for baking.

 

Lagana Cellars Opens New Tasting Room

In my post of 8 July, I reported that Jason Fox's Lagana Cellars would be opening a new tasting room on East Rose Street, in the location formerly occupied by Glencorrie. The tasting room opened two weeks ago. I stopped by a few days ago and tried the 2013 Breezy Slope Pinot Noir, which was a pleasurable wine, with ripe aromas and supple, yet well defined medium bodied flavors. 18.5/20 points. A full review to be in the September issue of the Review of Washington Wines. See the June issue for reviews of previous releases.

 

The Woodward Canyon Reserve House now Open for Summer

Last Saturday, we had lunch at the Woodward Canyon Reserve House restaurant. It features local, natural ingredients, prepared flavorfully. Sager Small, Rick and Darcey's son is the chef. At out table, two of us had the Ditalini e Ceci, tube pasta with chickpeas, pomodoro, pimenti and rosemary, the other two, Torchiette with Local Peas, ribbon pasta in a sauce of mint, geeen onion and grana padano. I had my ditalini with a glass of 2013 Estate Dolcetto (to be reviewed in the September issue). This restaurant is highly recommended.

 

Walla Walla Gears Up for Gentlemen of the Road

The biggest event this summer in Walla Walla will be the two days of rock concerts produced by Gentlemen of the Road, featuring Mumford & Sons, Foo Fighters, and other ensembles. To be held Friday and Saturday, August 14 and 15, this even will being thousands into Walla Walla. Downtown businesses, restaurants and wine tasting rooms have Gentlemen of the Road posters on their windows. Tasting room staffs will be beefed up in expectaction of the crowds.