Upcoming New Releases from the Walla Walla Valley

 

A few days ago, I met with Madeleine Shero at Tranche Cellars and tasted some fine new vintages which will be released April 1: a tasty new 2009 Slice of Pape Blanc, and three new reds, 2008 Syrah, 2008 Cabernet Franc and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, all from the Blue Mountain Estate vineyard. These will be reviewed in the April issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

 

Last night, March 14, I attended a tasting of Stella Fino wines at Catie McIntyre Walker's Wild Wala Walla Wine Woman (W5). There were some impressive Italiain style wines - a 2008 Barbera, a 2009 Pinot Grigio and a 2008 Sangiovese. Watch for reviews in April and May.

 

A Great Rhone Wine Tasting

 

Later last night, I joined the tasting group for a tasing of Rhone wines. They were grouped into North Valley and South Valley flights. There were several exceptional wines and two outstanding ones.

 

From the North Rhone, the standout was the 2006 Guigal Cote Rotie, La Mouline, which offered a seductive nose of wild berries, sandalwood and dried roses. The deep, complex flavors were begining to mature, but still had a ways to go. The purity of Syah, accented by a bit of Vioginer was impressive. It carries a hefty price tag, though, over $300. 19.5/20 points. The 2009 Domaine des Hauts Chassis "Esquisse" Crozes-Hermitage, F. Faugier was the bargain of the night. It showed a deep purple color and an intense Syrah nose of blackberry, cassis and wild roses, with massive flavors inside and out. At $25 a bottle it is a steal. 19/20 points.

 

The top wine from the South Rhone was the 2009 Domaine Tour St. Michel "Feminessance" Chateauneuf du Pape, Vignobles Fabre. Deep purplish colored, it exhibited lovely aromas of wild berries, roses and violets, with delicious penetrating fruit (75% Grenache) that showed the minerally "mas" of the South Rhone. Dense, it needs more time. 19+/20 points. For me, the runner-up was the 2008 Vieux Telegraphe "La Crau" Chateauneuf du Pape from Brunel. It showed a deep garnet color and a rich nose of roasted berries, crushed roses and incense, with supple expansive flavors. 19/20 points.