The PAWS Grenache Tasting

On Friday, April 25, Lynn and I hosted the monthly PAWS (Perfectly Aged Wine Sippers) tasting. The theme was Grenache. Seven wines were poured blind and ranked in order of preference by each taster. The lowest scoring (the total of each wine's cumulative ranking) wine was the winner, followed by the next lowest Here are the top three wines, with my notes and scores.

No. 1 - (34 points) - 2010 No Girls Grenache, Walla Walla Valley, Palencia Vineyard - This is a Cayuse Vineyards project. It showed a deep garnet color and seductive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, pomegrnate, crushed roses, oriental incense, and rich, complex, dry, slightly nutted flavors and a long finish. My ranking first, score 19.5/20 points.

No. 2 - (41 points) - 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle "Limited Release" Grenache, Columbia Valley - This was a surprise runner-up that shows that Grenache can age well. Not my favorite (my ranking, sixth), but the well developed flavors can explain the overall ranking. It showed a direct varietal character, medium body, and a rich, grainy texture. My score 18.5/20 points.

No. 3 (42 points) - 2010 Rotie Cellars "Little G" Grenache, Columbia Valley - With a total score of just one point more than the above, this came in a near tie. It displayed a deep ruby color and an attractive nose of dark berries, tobacco and violets. To me, it came on as being sort of Syrah-like with ripe dark fruits and notes of blueberries and creme de cassis on the back. My ranking, second, 19/20 points.

 

More New Tasting Rooms in Downtown Walla Walla

In addition to the tasting rooms mentioned in my last blog posting of April 25th (see below), two more are slated to open Friday, May 2nd for Spring Release Weekend:

Result of A Crush, 134 W. Poplar Street - This is a side project of Matt Reynvaan's sisters, Amanda Reynvaan and Angela Reynvaan Garratt, producng attractively priced wines for frequent enjoyment.

Henry Earl Estate and Russell Creek, 25 E. Main Street (next to Otis Kenyon) - Henry Earl is new to the Walla Walla, so it will be interesting to see what the winery has to offer.  The Russell Creek winery is located near the Airport, and is now offering another tasting venue downtown.

Special Events - Other wineries are hosting events over Spring Release Weekend. Balboa, on J.B. George Road is having its Festa de Vino Blanco to showcase its new whites. Tranche Cellars is having a Bonfire at the winery on Berney Drive, Friday evening. Locati Cellars, Don Carlo Vineyard and Tero Estates/Flying Trout will be open at their wineries west of Milton Freewater. Mansion Creek and Castillo de Feliciana are having Paella Parties on Friday evening. Waters and Sleight of Hand will be having winemaker dinners on Saturday.

This year's Walla Walla Valley Spring Release Weekend looks to be bigger and better than ever.