Spring Release Weekend in Walla Walla, May 4 - 6, was one of the busiest in recent years. The tasting rooms everywhere were busy and sales were brisk. Here are some highlights.

 

On Friday morning, Lynn and I first stopped at Bunchgrass, where we tasted the new 2009 Founder's Blend and 2009 Malbec, to be reviewed in July. In the afternoon, we went to Long Shadows where we met up with Bob Kaplan, a Lakeside School classmate (our class will be getting together for our 50th Reunion in June). There, we tasted a fine 2011 Poet's Leap Riesling and 2008 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon (July issue). After that, we went to Abeja where we sampled the new releases: 2011 Chardonnay, 2010 Merlot and 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (July). Then we drove out to the end of Cottonwood Road to Reynvaan where we revisited the 2010 Syrahs, along with the newly previewed Foothills in the Sun Estate Reserve (to be reviewed in June). Later in the afternoon, we attended the Corliss Winery Event. In the evening, we attended the Robison Ranch Cellars Club Party where a good time was had by all.

 

The next morning, Bob and I went to Leonetti where we tasted the 2010 Merlot and 2009 Cabernet, and Bob picked up his allocation. Then we drove out on Mill Creek Road to Walla Walla Vintners (new 2010 Sangiovese and Cab Franc) and aMaurice (2010 Viognier, 2009 Syrah, Malbec and "Cummings" Red), all to be reviewed in July. After that, we went to Figgins (a new Figgins family project - see the May issue for the 2008 Red, July for the 2009 vintage). We had learned that Canoe Ridge had reopened in the old Railroad Freight Station on West Cherry Street, so we checked that out. In the evening, we went to the Tero Estates / Flying Trout Winemakers' Dinner at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. The five course dinner, created by Master Chef Antonio Campolio, was sumptuous, paired with both wineries' new releases (watch for the June issue). After dinner, we walked back under the fullest new moon of the year.

 

Watch for the June and July issues of the Review of Washington Wines for reviews of the above wines.