For Thanksgiving, Serve Washington Wines

 

Last year, I wrote the blog below before Thanksgiving. My recommendations hold true just as much as they did a year ago.

 

"For their Thanksgiving wine recommendations most retailers - wine shops and supermarkets alike - suggest all kinds of wines. French (Beaujolais Nouveau!) Italian, South American or whatever. It seems they are simply pushing what they want to sell.

 

Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday. So why not have American wines for this holiday which gives thanks for our country's bounty and heritage? And in our case, it should be celebrated with Washington wines which are among the finest our country has to offer.

 

I have no specific suggestions. Just about ant fine Washington wine will work: Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, you name it. Most Washington wines are very versatile. If some family members or friends prefer white, make it Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Viognier or even Chardonnay. So for this Thanksgiving, just reach into your cellar or wine rack, or go to your supermarket or wine merchant and pick out your Washington favorites."

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

A Couple of Postscripts to Harvest 2010

 

Here are two winemaker comments I received.

 

Trey Busch (Sleight of Hand): "Added ML to several more lots today. Tasted through pretty much everything to see their progression, and pretty excited about where these wines are headed." (Received Nov. 19 via Facebook.)

 

Erica Blue (Adams Bench): "Enjoyed reading your blog--indeed this was a protracted harvest. We pressed our last Cabernet Sauvignon into barrel today. Time for a toast! We agree that it is a season for careful winemaking, careful harvest decisions, and yet--these young wines have amazing promise." (Received Nov. 17 via email.)

 

Full Pull Washington Wine Price Reductions

 

Since my last blog posting, "Big Price Reductions by Washington Wineries," I received offerings from Paul Zitarelli's Full Pull Wines for the following wines. To see the offerings, go to www.fullpullwines.com.

 

2005 Forgeron Cellars Merlot, Columbia Valley (TPU $17.99 - was $30)

I have not reviewed this wine, but have tasted it a number of times at the winery. It is a fine rendition of multi vineyard Washington Merlot and would merit at least 18/20 points. This is a sure bet, as a mature Merlot for $18 is a steal.

 

2007 Dusted Valley "Stained Tooth" Syrah, Columbia Valley (TPU $17.99 - was $25)

Reviewed in last week's bog - 18+/20 points. (see posting below).

 

2009 Rasa Vineyards "The Composer" Riesling, Columbia Valley (TPU $17.99 - was $30)

Reviewed in the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines - 19/20 points. A first-rate Washington Riesling from the Dionysus and Bacchus vineyards for $18 is another steal.

 

Also take note of the Full Pull offerings of the Renegade Wine Company's (Trey Busch) 2008 Cabernet Franc, Horse Heaven Hills (TPU $13.89) and 2008 Malbec, Yakima Valley (TPU $13.89), both reviewed in the November issue of the Review - both 17.5+/20 points.