The Heat Wave

This has been one of the hottest summers on record, with many days with highs above 100 degrees. This has followed a cold, wet spring which put the maturation of the grape vines two to three weeks behind normal. Despite the hot July and August month, the vines are still behind in maturation. Temperatures in the nineties and hundreds actually slow down the grapes' development and the vines grow thick leaf canopies to protect the bunches from the scorching heat. Forecasts predict temperatures in the eighties and low nineties through after Labor Day, with a midweek spike next week. This should ease the vines into a steady development. Some vineyards are already seeing the beginning of veraison, the stage where grapes begin to turn color. It's still time to keep our fingers crossed.

Sparkling Wine Deals of the Week

With the hot weather, we, especially Lynn, enjoy having refreshing sparkling wines, especially at lunchtime. With increased production costs, prices for sparking wines have been rising. But here are two that offer exceptional value.

N.V. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rose ($18.99 - Esquin, Regular $27.99) - Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, this displays a copper-pink color, streaming bubbles and enticing aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, tangerine, and cherry and orange blossoms. The flavors are simultaneously brisk and well rounded, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins and, cherry stones and Vosges minerals. On the back, the wine enlivens further with fraise and kirsch liqueurs and CO2 on the true Brut finish. "Delicious," says Lynn. 18.5/20 points.

N.V. Mumm Napa Brut Sparkling Wine, California ($19.99 - Safeway, Regular $27.99) - Brilliant lemon-gold colored, this possesses streaming bubbles and floral aromas od Asian pear-apple, white peach, citrus, apple blossoms and lemon verbena. The flavors are brisk and lively, yet viscous, with yellow fruits that are accented by notes of grape and pear skins and minerals. On the back, the wine picks up a leesy texture, counterpointed by pear and peach liqueurs, lemon zest and CO2, followed by a true Brut finish. "I just love this," says Lynn. 18.5+/20 points.

Looking Ahead to October

Now that the September issue is on line, we have started work on October. Because of the hot weather, we are not receiving wine shipments or traveling. So most of the wines in the October issue will be from the Walla Walla Valley. But there will be plenty to report on. There will be new or recent releases from Canvasback (a gorgeous 2021 "Rhone White" and knockout 2019 Funk Vineyard Syrah, both 19.5/20 points), L'Ecole No 41, Saviah, Cellars, Walla Walla Vintners, Ashley Trout's Vital and Brook & Bull, and much more, including an introduction of the Neher Family wines.