Looking Ahead to May

With the April issue of the Review of Washington Wines now on line, we are working on the May issue which goes on line April 25. In it will be Walla Walla Valley Spring Releases from Rotie Cellars, Valdemar Estates, Kinhaven, Gramercy Cellars, Vital and Brook & Bull. On April 9, we will drive to Red Mountain to taste the highly acclaimed wines of Liminal with winemaker Chris Peterson. There will be more 2022 Rosés plus new Best Buys.

Coming Up in November: The First Annual Grenache Festival

Put Friday, November 23rd on your calendars. That will be the First Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla at the Corliss Motor Company, starting at 5 pm with a seated comparative seminar, followed at 7 pm by live music, food, plenty of open Grenache wines and tons of fun. 

For the seminar, "Black Wine Guy," MJ Towler will host a 12-wine, seated, comparative Grenache seminar and tasting, with introduction by Rand Sealey - to include 75%+ Grenache wines. After the seminar, food will be provided by AK Mercado and Fromageries WW and music from Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement) and another guest. For the party portion, Grenache, Grenache Rosé and Grenache Blanc wines will be poured.

For more information, go to www.grenachefest.com. Tickets are now available for purchase.

Two Superb Spanish Wines from Bodegas Valdemar

When we were at Valdemar Estates to taste the Spring Releases, we were also presented three Spanish wines from the Walla Walla winery's parent company in the Rioja region of Spain. They are phenomenal. They will be released to club members in April and to the public at a later date.

2021 Bodegas Valdemar Alto Cantabria Vinedo Singular - Produced from the Viura grape, this presents a brilliant gold color and striking aromas of pear, peach, Casaba melon, lime, pear tree blossoms, lemongrass, sweet pea flowers, and green incense. On the palate, the flavors are crisp yet viscous, with notes of pear skins, melon rind and Sierra Cantabria minerals. The resonance and complexity continues on the back with pear and peach liqueurs, nougat, Marcona almonds, creme fraiche and toasty oak, followed by a seemingly endless rich, yet structured finish. The best Spanish white I've ever tasted. 20/20 points.

2018 Bodegas Valdemar Gargantilla Garnacha - This is world class Grenache from the Valdemar Estate Vineyard. It exhibits a deep ruby color and sultry aromas of raspberry, blueberry, black currant, orange peel, crushed black roses, pipe tobacco, Spanish lavender, wild violets and stick incense. The flavors are simultaneously opulent and deeply structured, with layers of black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, 80% cacao, chicory coffee and earth. The penetration continues on the back with roasted berries, toffee, recurring orange peel and Marcona almonds, followed by a lingering, hedonistic sweet-dry tannin finish. Even more compelling than the super 2017 reviewed in the 02/17 posting below. 20/20 points.

Also see the 02/17 posting for the 2019 Balcon de Pilots Maturana which was also poured on our latest visit.