For those of you who are heading over to Walla Walla for Spring Release this weekend, here are some tips on where to visit. Also, check the April and May issues of the Review of Washington Wines for previews of some of the new releases.

 

Sleight of Hand has a new 2010 "Enchantress" Chardonnay, plus the 2009 Archimage and Illusionist and 2010 Funkadelic Syrah, to be reviewed in June.

Gramercy Cellars has some new 2009's: Tempranillo, Lagniappe Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, all highly impressive.

Tero Estates / Flying Trout have new releases, including a 2009 FLT Mary's Block Malbec and 2008 Tero Estates Single Block Cabernets (see last week's blog below). Also, don't miss the Winemakers' Dinner at the Marcus Whitman on Saturday.

El Corazon just came out with some new 2010's: "First Base" Cabernet Franc, "Pistolero" Bordeaux blend, and Rotie/El Corazon "Swordfight" Rhone-style blend.

Rotie Cellars will also have new 2010's and a 2011 "Southern White." Reviewed in the May issue.

Cadaretta opened a new tasting room on Main Street last fall, where it will be pouring the new 2011 SBS White, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Windthrow Rhone-style blend.

Walla Faces (also on Main Street) will have new vintages of their Walla Faces artist labels.

Rasa Vineyards will be open over the weekend on Powerline Road with its new 2009 "Limelight" Petit Verdot and other releases (see the February issue).

Tranche Cellars will be presenting its new releases (see the April issue) at the winery on Berney Road on Saturday, with a bonfire in the evening.

Trio Vintners - Karen LaBonte will be pouring a new 2009 Barbera and 2009 "Plaisir" Rhone-style red at her newly-redecorated tasting room downtown.

L'Ecole No. 41 and Woodward Canyon - See the May issue for new releases from these two wineries on Highway 12.

Stella Fino will be debuting its new 2010 Pinot Noir at Petit Noirs in Milton-Freewater (see the May issue).

Spring Valley Vineyard is worth the ten mile drive up the Middle Waitsburg Road to meet Dean and Shari Derby on Saturday.

Long Shadows is well worth the $20 tasting fee (refundable with purchase) to sample stellar wines.

Also Reccommended: Robison Ranch Cellars (north of WW); Otis Kenyon, Sinclair Estate Vineyards, Mackey Cellars, Forgeron, Don Carlo, Locati Cellars (Downtown); Buty, Adamant Cellars, SYZYGY Kontos Cellars, CAVU (Airport); Waters, VaPiano, Amavi, Pepper Bridge, Castillo de Feliciana, Balboa, Fjellene, Gifford Hirlinger, Basel Cellars (South Valley); Reininger and Glencorrie (West of WW); Walla Walla Vintners, aMaurice, K Vintners (East of WW); Zerba Cellars, Watermill (Milton-Freewater) also Su Lei on Beet Road just north of Stateline Road.

Kerloo Cellars, an up and coming is sold out and will be reopening the first weekend of June with its 2010's.