Spring Release Weekend, May 6-8, was a busy one in the Walla Walla Valley. There was a lot of activity, which was confirmed by a number of people in the industry. Here are some of my highlights.

On Friday morning, I drove to Rasa Vineyards on Powerline Road, south of Walla Walla. There, I tasted some fine new '08's and '09's which will be in the July issue of the Review of Washington Wines. MacKey Vineyards' wines are also made there and will be reviewed. In the early afternoon, I went to Long Shadows where I tasted new vintages of Poet's Leap Riesling, Pedestal and Chester-Kidder. Later in the afternoon, I stopped by Seven Hills where Casey McClellan poured some library wines from the late '90's and early '80's which showed remarkably well. Then there was the Corliss Estates' release party where I tasted the impressive '05 Malbec, '05 Cabernet Franc, and a preview of the '06 Red Blend. All were superb, nearly seamless wines. That evening was the Robison Ranch Cellars club party with tasty pork spareribs. Later, I stopped by the Sinclair Estate tasting room to hear music played by Paul Gregutt, Peter and winery owner Tim Sinclair.

Saturday morning, I visited aMaurice where Anna Schafer poured here new '09 Viognier and '08 Syrah and "Tobey" Blend. Then, I went to Artifex to taste new releases from Cadaretta, and a newcomer to Walla Walla, Gino Cuneo's Tre Nova. After that, I stopped at Gramercy Cellars' new tasting room on South 9th, where Amavi used to be. The setting was rustic comfy, with leather sofas and a big screen HD T.V. At the airport, I visited Steve Brooks' new Trust Cellars digs. In the evening, Tranche Cellars (part of Corliss Estates) had it's party with live music.

Early Sunday afternoon, I drove south to see Fjellene Cellars (see the March 2011 issue for its earlier releases), Tertulia Cellars and Dusted Valley (a Focus report will be in the June issue). That wrapped up a busy weekend.

Watch for full reports in the June and July issues of the Review of Washington Wines.

An Auspicious Debut for Vinyl Wines

Today (Wednesday May 11) I met with Chip McLaughlin, younger brother of Erik McLaughlin of Corliss Estates, for lunch. At it, he brought his two new wines, his first. They were fine first efforts. For ordering and more information go to www.vinylwines.com. Here are my reviews.

2010 "R3" Rose, Columbia Valley ($15)

Predominately Cabernet Franc, this shows a brilliant pink color and a fragrant, attractive strawberry and cherry nose with a hint of spice. The flavors are fresh and sprightly, just as a rose should be. The finish is lively, off-dry and lightly spiced. 17.5+/20 points.

2009 Grenache, Walla Walla Valley ($25)

This exhibits a deep garnet color and a rich, sultry nose of wild raspberries and cherries, with scents of mulberry, rosebud and incense. The medium-bodied flavors are Pinot Noir-like, but with more of a roasted berry character. On the back, tones of licorice, cola, mocha and graphite emerge, followed by a squeezing of macerated cranberry juice and a twist of orange peel on a moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.