So far this year, it's been a topsy-turvy Winter in Walla Walla. January was milder than normal with only one short snowfall and precipitation mostly rain. But February was colder than normal with most days below freezing and 10" of snow. So far in March, lows have been under 30 degrees. This morning, the thermometer registers 11 degrees outside. A warming trend is forecast by the end of the week. But it looks like Winter will not be over until the official beginning of Spring. The good news is that there will be plenty of snowpack to feed the springs and creeks for agricultural irrigation. 

While many Walla Wallans fled South for January and returned to freezing weather, we stuck it out until February 27 for a trip to the post "Snowmageddon" Westside - two days in Seattle and two in LaConner in the Skagit Valley. Weather was cold there, too, mostly in the 30s and 40s. We had some interesting wines on our trip: a nice robust Malbec from Dussek (will have to check out this Woodinville winery), a lovely Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Bethel Heights, an elegant Pouilly Fuisse with oysters and Ling cod. A pleasant discovery was a crisp and nicely fruited 2017 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc. I generally haven't been impressed with Napa Valley Sauvignon, but this was an exception. I also ran across a Sauvignon Gris, a variety I will investigate. 

This week, I will be in the processor tasting wines for the April issue of the Review of Washington Wines. This morning, I will be going to Rotie Cellars for the 2018 Rosé and whites. Later this week, a drive out to Dumas Station between Waitsburg and Dayton. Samples will be coming from Array Cellars (2014 Chardonnays), Brian Carter Cellars, Clearwater Canyon Cellars in the Lewis-Clark Valley, and more.

More later!