The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance / Alaska Airlines Promotion

 

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance has teamed up with Alaska Airlines for a promotion that wine lovers should take notice of. The promotion includes:

A 20 percent discount on round trip Alaska Air flights to Walla Walla

No baggage handling fees for up to one case of wine checked (must be packed in approved shipping boxes)

Tasting fee waivers at over 75 wineries, plus discounts at restaurants and businesses

For more information, go to: www.wallawallawine.com/flyalaska

 

The Robison Ranch Cellars Winemakers' Dinner at Nell's Restaurant

 

On Sunday, January 15th, Nell's Restaurant on Green Lake in Seattle teamed up with Robison Ranch Cellars in Walla Walla for a winemakers' dinner. The event for 69 people was sold out and was a great success. The dishes, prepared by owner/chef Philip Mihalski were perfectly paired with six Robison Ranch Cellars. Winemaker Brad Riordan gave excellent presentations of his wines. For pictures of this event, go to the Review of Washington Wines Facebook page. The menu:

 

Passed Hors d'Oeurves with 2010 Spofford Station Vineyard Semillon

Cumin Crusted Mahi Mahi with Hearts of Palm, Frisee and Satsuma Orange Vinagrette with 2010 Pinot Gris

Hedgehog Mushroom Risotto with 2009 Blue Mountain Vineyard Combine

Ahi Tuna with Fingerling Potatoes, Savoy Cabbage and Leek with 2009 Blue Mountain Cabernet Franc and 2008 Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Braised Lamb Shoulder with Polenta and Rapini and Rosemary Jus with 2008 Spofford Station Syrah

Chocolate Banana Tart with Lustau East India Solera Sherry

 

The U.C. Davis 20 Point System

 

For the benefit of newer subscribers, I would like to emphasize that the 20 Point System is quite different from others, especially the 100 point systems. Do not multiply scores by five to get equivalent 100 point scores. The 20 Point System valuations do not translate directly to another scale. For an explanation of how the 20 Point System works, go to my September 7, 2010 blog. To find it, go to the bottom of this page, then scroll back to page 14 where you will find that posting.