Super Buys for August at Esquin

 

August is Washington Wine Month at Esquin Wine Merchants in Seattle, and they have some great buys there. Here are some that have been reviewed in the Review of Washington Wines.

2010 Alexandria Nicole “Shepherd’s Mark” White, Horse Heaven Hills, Destiny Ridge Vineyard ($16.99 - Regular: $20) - To be in the September 2011 issue

Composed of 62% Roussanne, 22% Viognier and 16% Marsanne, fermented and aged in stainless steel, this is a vibrant “Rhone style” white. Pale gold colored, it imparts aromas of pear, peach, pineapple and lemon peel with scents of lilac and lemongrass. The fruit compote flavors are ripe and lively, with a hint of creaminess on the back, followed by a nice, juicy citrus-tinged finish. 18/20 points

2007 Dunham Cellars Syrah, Columbia Valley ($19.99 - Regular: $28) - September 2011

This is a well put-together Syrah 100% Syrah. Composed of Lewis, Frenchtown, Double River and Phinny Hill vineyards, it exhibits a deep ruby color and rich aromas of blackberry, cherry, huckleberry, lavender, and rubbed sage. The flavors are juicy and well saturated, mixed with notes of licorice, bittersweet chocolate and variegated earth minerals. The back shows sensations of cherry liqueur, squeezed cranberry juice and orange peel, followed by cinnamon bark, roasted nuts and pain grillé upon a sweetish tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2008 Revelry “The Reveler” Red, Columbia Valley ($12.99 - Regular: $20) - March 2011

This Walla Walla winery calls this a “Reverse Bordeaux Style Wine.” Composed of 52% Petit Verdot, 38% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows a purplish color and an attractive nose of raspberry, currant, plum, lavender and rose petals. The dark fruit flavors are bright and expressive, interwoven with notes of licorice, cocoa powder and French roast. On the back, there is a squeeze of berry and currant juices on a svelte sweetish tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2007 L’Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($29.99 - Regular: $40) - August 2010

This 100% varietal wine is made in a deliciously rich, supple style. Ripe aromas of wild blackberries, black currants and black cherries, with scents of rubbed sage, cigar box and crushed roses. The savory character continues on the palate with deep, supple flavors that are underlain with notes of milk chocolate, licorice, toffee, graphite and a definite sense of terroir (silt, loess, basalt). The back palate is thick and velvety, with tones of vanilla custard, roast coffee and nutmeg upon a finish that shows admirable fruit acid balance and chewy tannins. 18.5/20 points.

2006 Col Solare Red, Columbia Valley ($49.99 - Regular: $75) - January 2010

On a visit to this winery, a Ch. Ste. Michelle-Marchesi Antinori collaboration, I tasted this superb blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The aromas of wild berries, currants cherries, lavender, rose petals and violets exude elegance. The flavors are exquisitely interwoven with a palette of red and dark fruits fanning out with tones of licorice, vanilla bean, bittersweet chocolate, coffee beans, pencil lead and subtle earth. The flavorings are well balanced, never obvious, finely interspersed with warm spices and melded with Red Mountain (27% of the blend) character. 19/20 points.

An Excellent Rosé from Locati Cellars

Michael Locati has turned out a very nice 2010 Sangiovese Rosé from the winery's estate vineyard south of the border, west of Milton Freewater. It packs a lot of flavor for the price.

2010 Locati Cellars Estate Rosé, Walla Walla Valley, Mission Hills Vineyard ($16)

Deep rose colored, this 100% Sangiovese offers an attractive raspberry, cherry, rhubarb nose, with scents of cherry blossoms. The flavors are fresh and lively, redolent of squeezed berry and cherry juices, with touches of orange peel and dried cherry on a crisp, dry, well fruited finish. 18/20 points.

Barbecue Wine Specials

Below are some wines that are especially suitable for summer entertaining. They can frequently be found at supermarkets for substantially less than their regular prices.

2010 Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($12)

Pale gold colored, this white offers a fresh citrus, melon and lemongrass nose, with lively grapefruit and pear flavors that are followed by touches of stone fruit and lemon custard on a zingy finish. 17.5/20 points.

2008 Waterbrook Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley ($22)

Brilliant garnet colored, this Merlot emits typical aromas of raspberry, mulberry, dried roses and incense. The chewy flavors comprise an intermixture of roasted berries, licorice, Swiss chocolate, minerals, earth and graphite. On the back, there are sensations of toasted nuts, glycerin (“legs”) and squeezed juices, accented by cinnamon bark, nutmeg and cardamom on a lingering sweet-dry finish. Almost an 18.5 points wine, this packs a lot for the price. 18+/20 points.

2008 Dunham Cellars “Three Legged” Red, Columbia Valley ($18)

Named for an injured dog, this blend offers ripe, spicy blackberry, cherry, tobacco and sage aromas, with ripe, generous, yet focused, berry fruit flavors that are mixed with notes of licorice, cocoa and mocha on a chewy texture. Moderate alcohol (13.8%), bright fruit acids and ripe tannins keep this wine balanced and approachable. 17.5/20 points.

2009 Tamarack Cellars "Firehouse" Red, Columbia Valley ($19)

This is a tasty blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 11% Cab Franc, with dashes of Malbec, Sangio, Zin, Petit Verdot and Carmenere. It shows a deep ruby color and pronounced aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, lavender and sage. The youthful flavors are ripe and juicy, abounding in red and blue fruits that show tones of licorice, cola and spices along with a chewy texture. 17.5/20 points.