We're Moving Full Time to Walla Walla
- Details
- Written by Rand Sealey
In my last Blog posting of January 9th, I mentioned that Lynn and I had been in Walla Walla at the end of December and begining of January looking at houses. We ended up making an offer, which was accepted, on a house south of town with a pond and a view of the Blue Mountains, and idyllic setting. We did it for two reasons, to simplify our lives by settling in one home instead of two, between which we have been shuttling back and forth. The other is to take advantage of the less hectic lifestyle of Walla Walla and its cultural and social niceties.
What will this move (to take place by March 1st) mean for the Review of Washington Wines? Does it mean more coverage of eastern Washington wineries and less of western Washington? The answer is yes and no. With Walla Walla as our home base, we will be within two and a half hours of major wine producing areas such as Chelan, the Yakima Valley and the Columbia Gorge. The coverage of western Washington will continue to be extensive. A few weeks ago, I counted up the number of issues in 2012 with special reports on Woodinville and came up with three. We will be making periodic trips to the west side. So there will be no change on that score.
Another thing that will change in the future is more coverage of emerging AVA's and up and coming wineries. With the closer proximity to the Wine Country, I will be able to provide more in-depth reports on wineries and vineyards than before. So, our upcoming move will enable me to offer added value to the Review of Washington Wines. More later!
Winter Tasting in Walla Walla
- Details
- Written by Rand Sealey
On December 28th, Lynn and I flew to Walla Walla and returned on January 6th. Much of our time was taken house hunting which culminated in our making an offer on a nice home south of town with a pond and a sweeping view of the Blue Mountains. We will be living there full time begining in late February. We did, however, find time to do some tasting at a few wineries.
Revelry Vintners - This Airport winery has some outstanding new Limited Edition wines, a 2010 Bordeaux-style Reveler Red and a 2010 Syrah from the Weinbau vineyard. Both and others will be reviewed in the February issue.
Three Rivers Winery - We met with winemaker Holly Turner and tasted some head-turning wines which will be reviewed in a Focus article in February.
Glencorrie - Here, we tasted some newly released 2009's which will be reviewed in February. Also tasted were two Club wines which are impressive enough to warrant joining. Check the website: glencorrie.com.
2009 Glencorrie Malbec, Columbia Valley ($32 - wine club only)
This wine exhibits a deep purplish color and a nose redolent of blackberries, blueberries, black plums, violets and spiced incense. The medium-full bodied flavors are deep and penetrating, with loads of dark fruits that are intermixed with notes of licorice, coffee and earth minerals, and then march on itno a richly fruited back and finish. Delicious! 19/20 points.
2009 Glencorrie Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, Weinbau Vineyard ($38 - wine club only)
Deep ruby colored, this wine offers an enticing nose of raspberry, cherry, plum, sandalwood, dried roses, orange peel and a hint of mint. The dark fruit flavors are thick and chewy, underlain with black licorice, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and alluvial minerals. The saturation continues on the back with macerated fruits, kirsch liqueur and toast, followed by a dusting of spice and pepper on the finish. 19/20 points.
Tero Estates - Doug and Jan Roskelley previewed three 2010's and one 2009 that were about to be bottled. They are exciting wines to look forward to: a 2010 "RBB (Right Bank Blend)," a combination of 2/3 Merlot and 1/3 Cabernet Franc, a chewy, well saturated wine from beginning to end; the 2010 Windrow Vineyard Cabernet Franc, a sultry deep, thick, chewy wine that continues Tero's string of successes with this variety; the 2010 Windrow Field Blend, a thick, full bore wine redolent of oriental perfumes and dark fruits; and the 2009 Windrow Plateau Block Cabernet Sauvignon, a dark purplish wines with seductive perfumes and thick, multilayered flavors. I expect all to score 19 points or more upon release later this year.
Looking Ahead to 2012
- Details
- Written by Rand Sealey
Predictions for 2013
As we go into the fifth year of the Review of Washington Wines, here's what I look ahead to for Washington wines:
More Exceptional Wines - Over the past four years, the number of outstanding Washington wines has increased dramatically. When the Review publication began in December of 2008, the number of reviewed wines per issue was 30 to 36. In 2010, the number rose to about 40, and then in 2011, most issues covered around 45 wines. In 2012, the past few issues have had over fifty wines. This will continue through 2013, adding up to over 600 wines for the year. This amounts to 3 cents per wine review at $20 per year for a Full Subscription, a real bargain, in my honest opinion.
More New Wineries - The year 2012 saw many new wineries come on to the scene (see the November 30th blog for my listing of Exciting New Wineries of 2012). During the coming year, more new players will be turning up, and I'll be reporting on them.
Increased Recognition of Washington Wines - Washington wines are becoming increasingly trendy, with wider recognition in the print and internet media. A case in point is the "Taste of Walla Walla Wine Country" dinner at the James Beard House in New York, with all 80 places sold out.
Watch for the 2011 Vintage - The long, protracted harvest of 2011 presented a challenge for winemakers, but many are turning out surprisingly fine wines. Stay tuned in 2013 for them.
Wineries to Watch in 2013
AniChe Cellars - This small Columbia Gorge winery (Rachael Horn and daughter Anais Mera) is turning out very nice wines. See the December 2012 issue for a report.
Avennia - Marty Taucher and Chris Peterson will be releasing new 2010 Bordeaux-style wines in Spring.
Clearwater Canyon - Karl and Coco Umiker's Lewiston winery recently released a 2010 Petit Verdot and a 2010 Malbec which will be reviewed in early 2013.
Kevin White Winery - Kevin White will be releasing some new 2011's about which he is excited.
Maison Bleue - Owner-winemaker Jon Meuret will be moving to Walla Walla in spring. Watch for his 2011's.
Watch for these wineries to continue their strong performances:
In Woodinville, Adams Bench (Tim and Erica Blue), Brian Carter Cellars (watch for impressive "One" Series wines), JM Cellars (John Bigelow), DeLille Cellars (Chris Upchurch), Convergence Zone (excellent values from Scott Greenberg), Hestia Cellars (another value winery; Shannon Jones).
In Walla Walla, Rotie Cellars (Sean Boyd), Seven Hills Winery (Casey McClellan), Tero Estates & Flying Trout (Doug Roskelley and Ashley Trout), L'Ecole No. 41 (Marty Clubb), Rasa Vineyards (Pinto and Billo Naravane), Three Rivers (Holly Turner - to be reviewed in February), Basel Cellars (Ned Morris).
Around the State, Barrister Cellars (Greg Lipsker and Michael White, Spokane), Robert Karl Cellars (Joe and Rebecca Gunselman, Spokane), Nefarious Cellars (Dean and Heather Neff, Lake Chelan), Domaine Pouillon (Alexis and Juliet Pouillon, Columbia Gorge), Nota Bene Cellars (Tim Narby and Carol Bryant, South Seattle), Laurelhurst Cellars (Greg Smallwood and Dave Halbgewachs, South Seattle).
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Best Buys of 2012
- Details
- Written by Rand Sealey
Below, we have a listing, in alphabetical order, of wines reviewed in 2012 that give the most "bang for the buck," ones which score 19 points for $40 or less and 18.5 points for $25 or less. Some of these wines may be sold out.
Wines Scoring 19 Points for $40 or Less
2011 Abeja Chardonnay, Washington State ($36) - August
2010 Abeja Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($38) - August
2010 Avennia "Parapine" Syrah, Yakima Valley ($35) - October
2009 Adams Bench "Artz & Shaw" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($39) - August
2010 àMaurice Cellars Viognier, Columbia Valley ($25) - July
2009 àMaurice Cellars Syrah, Columbia Valley ($34) - July
2009 àMaurice Cellars Malbec, Columbia Valley ($35) - July
2009 àMaurice Cellars "The Cummings" Red Blend, Columbia Valley ($35) - July
2009 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($29) February
2010 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($29) - August
N/V Barrister "Barrister's Block" Red Blend, Columbia Valley ($32) - November
2010 Bookwalter "Double Plot" Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Conner Lee Vineyard ($38) - February
2008 Brian Carter Cellars "Trentenaire" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($39) - October
2010 Ch. Ste Michelle-Dr. Loosen "Eroica" Riesling, Columbia Valley ($25) - February
2008 Corvus Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($39) - July
2010 Cote Bonneville Riesling, Yakima Valley, DuBrul Vineyard ($22) - September
2011 Dowsett Family Gewirztraminer, Columbia Gorge, Celilo Vineyard ($22) 19.5 points - August
2010 Dowsett Family "Devotion" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($30) - November
2009 Flying Trout "Cutthroat" Red Blend, Columbia Valley ($35) - January
2010 Flying Trout "Cutthroat" Red Blend, Columbia Valley ($35) - November
2009 Flying Trout "Mary's Block" Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($39) - June
2009 Flying Trout "Mary's Block" Malbec, Walla Walla Valley ($39) - October
2010 Flying Trout Malbec, Columbia Valley, Gamache Vineyard ($37) - November
2009 Gramercey Cellars "Inigo Montoya" Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - June
2011 Helix by Reininger Viognier, Columbia Valley ($30) - November
2010 Isenhower Cellars "Wild Alfalfa" Syrah, Yakima Valley ($30) - December
2009 JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Artz Vineyard ($33) - May
2009 JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, DuBrul Vineyard ($33) - May
2010 Kerloo Cellars Grenache, Horse Heaven Hills, Alder Ridge Vineyard ($40) - August
2010 Kerloo Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($38) - August
2010 Kerloo Cellars Tempranillo, Columbia Valley ($34) - September
2008 Kontos Cellars "Caimbry" Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Pepper Bridge Vineyard ($40) - March
2009 Kontos Cellars "LeeVeLooLee" Malbec, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard ($40) - April
2010 K Vintners Syrah, Wahluke Slope, Pheasant Vineyard ($35) - August
2009 Lauren Ashton Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain ($35) - October
2009 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($36) - March
2011 Long Shadows "Poet's Leap" Riesling, Columbia Valley ($20)
2009 Mackey Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley ($36) - July
2011 Maison Bleue "La Famille" Rose of Mourvedre, Yakima Valley ($20) - July
2011 Maison Bleue "Au Contraire" Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, French Creek Vineyard ($25) - July
2011 Maison Bleue "Notre Vie" Viognier, Yakima Valley, Arthur's Vineyard ($25) - September
2007 McCrea Cellars Syrah, Yakima Valey, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($36) - September
2009 Matthews Syrah, Columbia Valley ($39) - February
2010 Nefarious Cellars Malbec, Lake Chelan, Defiance Vineyard ($30) - October
2009 Nota Bene Cellars Conner Lee Vineyard Red, Columbia Valley ($35) - August
2009 Nota Bene Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($35) - August
2009 Nota Bene Cellars Ciel du Cheval Red, Red Mountain ($35) - August
2009 Obelisco Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($40) - December
2009 Otis Kenyon Carmenere, Horse Heaven Hilla ($40) - April
2008 Page Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($37) - January
2010 Proper Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($36) - December
2010 Rotie Cellars Southern Red, Columbia Valley ($40) - May
2010 Rotie Cellars Northern Red, Columbia Valley ($40) - May
2011 Rotie Cellars "Northern White" Marsanne, Columbia Valley ($25) - August
2008 Seven Hills Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard ($35) - March
2010 Seven Hills Winery Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Seven Hills Vineyard ($30) - September
2010 Seven Hills Winery Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley ($32) - September
2010 Sleight of Hand Cellars "The Enchantress" Chardonnay, Yakima Valley ($28) - June
2009 Stella Fino Sangiovese, Yakima Valley, Les Vignes de Marcoux ($29) - April
2009 Tapteil Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($40) - June
2008 Tero Estates Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($37) - March
2009 Tero Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain ($37) - June
2009 Tero Estates Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Windrow Vineyard, Herb's Block ($39) - October
2008 Tranche Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge ($30) - March
2007 Tranche Cellars Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($40) - April
2009 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Sagemoor Vineyard ($40) - July
2011 Waters "Prelude" White, Columbia Valley ($30) - July
Wines Scoring 18.5 Points for $25 or Less
2010 Airfield Estates Tempranillo, Yakima Valley ($25) - May
2009 Angel Vine Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, Stone Tree Vineyard ($20) - May
2011 Avennia "Oilaine" Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley ($25) - October
2009 Balboa Estate Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - March
2010 Bunnell Family Cellar Viognier, Wahluke Slope, Clifton Vineyard ($22) - June
2008 Buried Cane "Heartwood" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($25) - February
2011 Buty Semillon-Sauvignon-Muscadelle, Columbia Valley ($25) - November
2011 Cadaretta "SBS" White, Columbia Valley ($23) - June
2010 Cave B Gewurztraminer, Columbia Valley ($22) - November
2011 Convergence Zone "Drizzle" Pinot Gris, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($17) - January
2011 Darby "Le Deuce" White, Columbia Valley ($25) - October
2009 Dunham Cellars Riesling, Columbia Valley, Lewis Vineyard ($19.50) - January
2010 El Corazon "With Love" Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills ($23) - March
2011 Forgeron "Ambiance" White, Columbia Valley ($25) - September
2011 Guardian Cellars "Angel" Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($20) - September
2011 Hollywood Hill Vineyards Roussanne, Yakima Valley ($22) - September
2010 Maison Bleue "Jaja" Red Wine, Yakima Valley ($25) - May
2010 McCrea Cellars Viognier, Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($25) - August
2008 McKinley Springs Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills ($24) - May
2011 Nefarious Cellars Riesling, Columbia Valley, Stone's Throw Vineyard ($18) - October
2011 Otis Kenyon Riesling, Columbia Valley ($16) - August
2011 Otis Kenyon Roussanne, Columbia Valley ($20) - August
2008 Patit Creek "Trinité" Red, Columbia Valley ($25) - November
2011 Revelry Vintners Riesling, Columbia Valley ($16) - September
2010 Sheridan Vineyard "Mystique" Red, Yakima Valley ($25) - December
2011 Sparkman Cellars "Pearl" Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($22) - September
2009 Stella Fino Sangiovese, Columbia Valley ($20) - April
2009 Steppe Cellars Malbec, Wahluke Slope, Stone Tree Vineyard
2009 Thurston Wolfe Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills ($25) - June
2008 Thurston Wolfe Cabernet Sauvignon, Snipes Mountain, Upland Vineyard ($25) - June
2009 Thurston Wolfe Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills ($25) - September
2008 Tranche Cellars Estate Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - April
2011 Two Vintners Grenache Blanc, Boushey Vineyard ($25) - October
2010 Walla Walla Vintners Sangiovese, Columbia Valley ($24) - July
2011 William Church Viognier, Columbia Valley ($23) - October
2009 Wind Rose Cellars Nebbiolo, Wahluke Slope, 24K Vineyard ($25) - May
Walla Walla at the James Beard House
- Details
- Written by Rand Sealey
The W2 12-12-12 Dinner at the James Beard House
Last Wednesday, on the twelfth day of the twelfth month of 2012, Lynn and I attended a dinner - "Taste of Walla Walla Wine Country" - at the James Beard Foundation in New York City, which featured a memu prepared by Chef Antionio Campolio of The Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, accompanied by wines from five Walla Walla Valley wineries. Also present were Chef Dan Theissen of the Walla Walla Community College Culinary Department. The wineries were represented by Marty Clubb (L'Ecole No. 41), Gary Figgins (Leonetti), Holly Turner (Three Rivers), Rick Small (Woodward Canyon) and Doug Roskelley (Tero Estates). The event was sold out, with all 80 available seats taken. It was held at the James Beard House at 167 West 12th Street in lower Manhattan Island. The house is owned by the James Beard Foundation which was established to continue the culinary legacy of James Beard. Here is the menu and wine accompaniments:
For the Reception
With various appetizers prepared by Dan Theissen:
2010 L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Luminescence
2010 Woodward Canyon Estate Sauvignon Blanc
2007 Three Rivers "Svelte" Red
2007 Tero Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
For Dinner
Cape Cod Diver Scallop with butternut squash puree:
2011 Three Rivers Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
Pleasant View Foie Gras with pumpkin scone:
2011 Three Rivers Riesling, Columbia Valley
W2 Roastery Espresso Crusted Saint Ignatius Buffalo Carpaccio:
2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley
Upper Dry Creek Ranch Lamb with sweet potato gnocchi:
2009 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve Red, Walla Walla Valley
Dry Aged Double R Ranch New York Strip with Meyer lemon spatzel:
2009 Leonetti Cellar Reserve Red, Walla Walla Valley
Valrhona Dark Chocolate French Silk:
2009 Tero Estates Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley
The event was a tremendous success, and Antonio Campolio, Dan Theissen, the culinary staff, the winemakers and Marcus Whitman owners Kyle and Brenda Mussman all were given a big hand of applause after the dinner. The Walla Walla Valley came to New York City and made a big hit.
For pictures of the event, I have posted a few on the Review of Washington Wines Facebook Page, but more pictures can be found on the Facebook Pages of Tero Estates (taken by Jan Roskelley) and the Marcus Whitman Hotel (courtesy of Kyle and Brenda Mussman).
See the January 2012 issue for the 2007 Tero Estates Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (20/20 points) and the October issue for the 2009 Tero Estates Cabernet Franc (19/20 points). The 2009 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve Red and 2009 Leonetti Reserve Red will be reviewed in the January 2013 issue. There will be a Focus article on Three Rivers and winemaker Holly Turner in the February 2013 issue of the Review of Washington Wines.
Coming up on the Review of Washington Wines:
The listing of the Top Wines of 2012 (those receiving 20/20 and 19.5/20 points) has already been posted on the December 7 Blog (scroll down to see it) along with Top New Wineries of 2012. So the upcoming postings have been revamped as follows:
December 24 - Best Buys: Wines Scoring 19/20 Points Wines for $40 or Less and Wines Scoring 18.5/20 Points for $25 or Less.
December 31 - The January 2013 Issue of the Review of Washington Wines, along with Looking Ahead to 2013 and Wineries to Watch on the Blog.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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