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More New 2022 Rosés

Recently, we have tasted some more 2022 Rosé wines, including the first ones from outside of Washington and Oregon States.

2022 Campuget "Tradition" Rosé, Pays du Gard ($11.99 - Safeway) - From South France, this 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache combination shows a brilliant light pink color and aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, pink grapefruit, pink grapefruit, cherry blossoms, pink lilac and pink incense. The flavors are bright and fresh, with pure pink fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and grapefruit peel, followed by s bright finish. Incredible for the price. Lynn: 2/3 stars. 18/20 points.

2022 Chateau Gassier Ésprit Côtes du Provence Rosé ($23.99 - wine.com) - This offers a brilliant pink-copper color and lovely aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, red currant, Mandarin orange, pink roses, orange blossoms, pink lavender and lightly spiced pink incense. The flavors are fresh and juicy, accented by grape skins and pomegranate seeds and Provençal minerals. The back picks up fraise and Cointreau liqueurs, followed by a lingering, balanced finish. "I love it! It has depth," says Lynn, 3 stars. 18.5+/20 points. 

2022 Mirabeau "Pure" Côtes de Provence Rosé ($26.99 - wine.com) - This sports brilliant copper-tinged pink color and enticing aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, pink grapefruit, pink roses, pink lavender and spiced pink incense. The flavors are delightfully fresh and brisk, with pink fruits that are enlivened by grape skins, pomegranate seeds and Provençal hillside minerals. The appeal continues on the back with fraise liqueur and grapefruit peel, followed by a lingering, lightly spiced balanced finish. Lynn: 3 stars - "delicious!" 19/20 points.

2022 Copain Rosé of Pinot Noir, Mendocino County ($24.99 - wine.com) - This presents a light pink color and enticing aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, pink grapefruit, pink roses, pink lilac and pink incense. The pink theme continues on the palate with pink fruits that are accented by cherry stones and North Coast minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a fresh, finely fruited finish. A charmer. 18.5+/20 points.

The Thief Burgundy Sale 

The Thief wine shop in Walla Walla is having the "First Annual and Most Epic Burgundy Sale," including wines from prestigious Domaines such as Delarche, Bernard Moureau, Arlaud, Faiveley, Pierre Gelin and more. All wines are 10% off and 12 or more bottles are 15% of the regular retail prices. The discounts are off the prices below. Other wines are available besides the ones below.

2020 Xavier Monnot Bourgogne Chardonnay, "Les Grands Coutures" ($34) - This displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of pear-apple, white peach, grapefruit, apple blossoms, acacia flowers and gunflint. The flavors are mouth filling, with yellow fruits that are infused by grape and pear skins, peach stones and granitic minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of nougat and grapefruit peel, followed by a finely fruited finish. The purity gives it a plus. 18.5+/20 points.

2020 Domaine Delarche Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc, "Les Combottes" ($52) - This presents a brilliant gold color and intense aromas of Anjou pear, Elberta peach, grapefruit, pear tree blossoms, acacia flowers and wet stone. The flavors are true to variety, with lavish yet precise white and yellow fruits that are imbued with pear skins, peach stones and high elevation stony minerals. The penetration continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and grapefruit peel and touches of nougat and brioche, followed by s lingering, precise finish. This is amazing and challenges a Premier Cru from the Côte de Beaune. 19.5/20 points.

2020 Domaine Delarche Pernand-Veregelesses Rouge, "Les Boutières" ($42) - This red also overdelivers for the price. It displays a deep ruby-crimson color and perfumed aromas of fraises de bois, cerise, cassis noir, crushed roses, iris, wild violets and sweet incense. The flavors are simultaneously mouth filling and focused, with layers of red fruits that are infused with licorice, cocoa, black tea and high elevation minerals. The saturation continues on the back with macerated fruits, fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs and lanolin ("legs") followed by a lingering, suave ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2020 Domaine Arlaud Bourgogne, "Roncevie" ($50) - From a biodynamically cultivated vineyard near Gerry-Chambertin, this displays a nearly opaque ruby-crimson color and perfumed aromas of black currants, Marionberries, black cherries, black roses, dark tobacco, wild violets and incense. The flavors, as well, are dramatic, with intense yet supple dark fruits that are infused with black licorice, dark chocolate, black tea and limestone minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated fruits, kirsch and creme de cassis, followed by a thick, chewy ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

The following three wines were served at dinner for guests from North Carolina who were visiting Walla Walla for Spring release. They were impressed as well as we.

2020 Bernard Moreau & Fils Chassagne Montrachet Rouge, Vielles Vignes ($89) - Most Chassagne-Montrachet is white, but a small amount is red is made. Brick red colored, this emits seductive aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant. crushed roses, sweet tobacco, violets and incense. The flavors are ripe and velvety yet deep and focused, with red fruits that are imbued by red licorice, cocoa powder and hillside minerals. On the back, the wine intensifies with fraise and creme de cassis liqueurs and pressed fruits, followed by a lingering, suave finish. 19+/20 points.

2019 Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin 1er Cru, Les Hervelets ($90) - This is a muscular Pinot Noir. It displays a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of blackberries, black cherries, black currants, olive, wild violets and incense. The flavors are thick and mouth filling, with black and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice root, bittersweet chocolate, French roast and minerals. On the back, the wine tales a lavish turn with pressed berries, roasted nuts, creme de cassis and lanolin, followed by a lingering chewy ripe tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

2019 Domaine Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin, Vieilles Vignes ($92) - Semi opaque ruby colored, this emits enticing aromas of raspberry, cherry, black currant, crushed roses, sweet tobacco, sweet pea flowers, violets and incense. The flavors are simultaneously bold and refined, with layers of red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa powder, French roast and limestone minerals. The wine deepens on the back with framboise and cassis liqueurs and roasted nuts, followed by a lingering ripe tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

 

 

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Next weekend, May 5-7 will be Spring Release Weekend in the Walla Walla Valley. A lot of new wines will be poured. As a guide to wineries to visit, here are previews of new releases from wineries we've already visited. Full reviews will be in the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

College Cellars

The Walla Walla Community College's Institute for Enology and Viticulture has three new whites and three reds. If you are looking for value, this is a place to go to.

2022 Riesling, Columbia Valley, Bacchus Vineyard ($20) - This offers floral aromas of pear, peach, apricot lime, honeysuckle and white incense with bright white fruits and a medium dry finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2021 Roussanne, Walla Walla Valley, Anderson Vineyard ($20) - With aromas of pear-apple, peach and lime and scents of honeysuckle and jasmine, along with deliciously ripe and juicy flavors, this delivers a lot for the modest price. 19/20 points.

2021 Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, Anderson Vineyard  ($20) - This possesses considerable varietal character, with pleasingly juicy yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and saline minerals and touches of pecan and creme fraiche. 18.5+/20 points.

2019 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, Clarke Vineyard ($30) - This has the Merlot earmarks of raspberry, cherry and plum, red roses, tobacco, black tea and roasted nuts, followed by a chewy tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2019 "Laurelia" Sangiovese, Walla Walla Valley, Seven Hills Vineyard ($30) - This is a standout. It offers rich aromas of raspberry, cherry and red currant with generous yet focused red fruit flavors that lead seamlessly into a long, satiny sweet-dry tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Summit View Vineyard ($30) - Classically-styled with rich aromas and authoritative flavors and a long, firm yet ripe tannin finish, this tastes like a $50 Cabernet. 19/20 points.

Reininger / Helix

Here, I tasted three delicious 2022 whites, one Rosé and an impressive 2020 "BDX" Red Blend. 

2022 Helix Sangiovese Rosé, Royal Slope, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($25) - Fermented and aged in stainless steel, this is a charming Rosé. It shows a pink-copper color and aromas of strawberry, pink cherry and pink grapefruit and brisk and fresh fruit flavors, and a mouthwatering finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2022 Helix Chardonnay, Royal Slope, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($26) - Fermented and aged in stainless steel, this is attractively styled with floral aromas and yellow fruits that are enriched by sur lie stirring and poire and pêche liqueurs. 19/20 points.

2022 Helix Viognier, Royal Slope, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($32) - This is an outstanding Viognier that steers a mid course between the crisp and tropical styles. It shows remarkable precision and well delineated flavors. 19+/20 points.

2022 Reininger Semillon, Walla Walla Valley ($30) - This shows what can be done with Semillon. It possesses intriguing aromas with whiffs of wintergreen and lemongrass and brisk yet viscous flavors with touches of beeswax and grapefruit peel. 19+/20 points.

2020 Reininger "BDX" Red Blend, Walla Walla Valley ($32) - Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec, this offers rich aromas of Marionberry, cherry and plum with ample yet focused flavors. The back picks up mocha and plum preserves, followed by a ripe moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

Itä Winery

For spring, Kelsey Albro Itamera has turned out three interesting wines.

2022 Itä Rosé of Primitivo, Les Collines Vineyard ($28) - This clonal Zinfandel presents a pink-tinged light copper color and intriguing aromas of raspberry, pink cherry, orange and whiffs of garrigue. The flavors are lightly extracted yet mouth filling, with notes of cherry stones, framboise and light spices. 18.5/20 points.

2022 Itä Semillon, "1 of 2" Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($28) - Fermented and aged in stainless steel, this offers aromas of white fruits, meadow flowers and wet stone, with viscous and brisk flavors and touches of beeswax and lime zest on a moderate alcohol (13.6%) finish 19/20 points.

2022 Itä Semillon, " 2of 2" Walla Walla Valley, Les Coillines Vineyard ($28) - This version was fermented and aged in neutral oak. It shows intriguing aromas of white and green fruits and wet stone. The flavors are fresh and round, with a sur lie textured back and nicely juiced low alcohol (11.4%) finish. 19/20 points.

Prospice Wine 

Here, Jay Krutilis and Matt Reilly have turned out nice new wines, a 2022 Rosé and two whites.

2022 Prospice Rosé, Yakima Valley ($22) - Composed of 49% Grenache, 27% Cinauult and 24% Counoise, this is a charming Rosé. It shows a true pink color and aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and currant, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins and minerals, followed by a brisk finish. 18.5/20 points.

2022 Prospice Viognier, White Bluffs, Gamache Vineyard ($30) - This steers a mid course between the crisp and tropical styles with floral aromas and vivid yellow and white fruits and calcareous minerals. The back picks up touches of cashew nuts, creme fraiche and lime zest. 18.5+/20 points.

2022 Prospice Grenache Blanc, Walla Walla Valley, Les Coillines Vineyard ($30) - This offers intriguing aromas of apple, peach, Key lime and vivid yellow and green fruit flavors that are imbued with saline minerals. lime zest and a hint of nougat. 18.5+/20 points. 

 

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Coming Up: Spring Release Weekend in Walla Walla

Next weekend, May 5-7, will be Spring Release Weekend in the Walla Walla Valley. There will be a lot of new wines being poured. In the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines, there will be new releases from Prospice, Reininger, Helix, Woodward Canyon, Ita and Smoky Rose. Foundry Vineyards will have new wines and pet-nats. And we will introduce Ducleaux Cellars, an up and coming winery in Milton Freewater.

Upcoming in June

Next week's Review Blog will report on the first imported 2022 Rosés, including ones from Provence and other wines from Burgundy. Another blog will take a look at Grüner Veltliner, an intriguing Austrian white variety. 

The June issue of the Review of Washington Wines will also include new releases from the Amos Rome Vineyards in Lake Chelan, including distinctive Grüner Veltliners. More new Rosés will be in that issue.

More later!

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What's in the May issue

The May issue of the Review of Washington Wines goes on line Tuesday, April 25. In it, there will be a lot of exciting new releases. Here's what's included.

Valdemar Estates - There will be three knock-out wines, all scoring 19.5/20 points: the 2021 Dubrul Chardonnay, the 2020 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2020 Klipsun Red Mountain Syrah.

LIMINAL - On April 9, we visited Avennia's Red Mountain tasting room where we tasted the new LIMINAL wines from a collaboration of Avennia and the WeatherEye Vineyard. All the wines were 19.5 or 20/20 points across the board. Also outstanding was the new Avennia 2020 Estate Red Mountain Cabernet, 19.5/20 points.

Rosés - There will be eight new 2022 Rosés. Three standouts are the Aluvé Sangiovese, Kinhaven Cabernet Sauvignon and Gramercy Cellars, all 19/20 points.

New International Wines

2020 Argyle Vintage Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine, Willamette Valley ($36) - Composed of 54% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier, this displays a brilliant copper-pink color, streaming bubbles, and lovely, perfumed aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, red currant, pink roses, pink lilac, orange blossoms and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are gorgeous, with precisely delineated pink fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise and kirsch liqueurs, orange peel and bottle-fermented CO2 and touches of yeast and brioche, followed by a lingering Brut finish. Purchased for $26.99. 19/20 points.

N.V. Domaine Tissot Crémant du Jura ($32.90 - Foodscape, Walla Walla) - Brilliant pink-tinged bronze, this sparking wine brings forth frothy bubbles and seductive aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, Mandarin orange, cherry blossoms and orange incense. The flavors are well textured, with pink and orange fruits that are accented by cherry stones and Jurassic minerals. The back picks up fraise and kirsch liqueurs on the CO2 enlivened bone dry (zero dosage) finish. From 60% Pinot Noir, and 20% each of Poulsard and Trousseau (indigenous grapes). 19/20 points.

2020 Louis & Claude Desvignes Morgon, Côte du Py, "Javennèiers" ($31.99 - wine.com) - This Cru Beaujolais offers a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of fraises de bois, cerise and cassis, with scents of crushed roses, purple lilac, blood orange and wild violets. The flavors are deliciously supple, with mouth filling red fruits that are infused with licorice, cocoa, black tea and limestone. The back reveals pressed fruits, roasted nuts, crème de cassis and orange peel, followed by a ripe moderate tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2021 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Rhône ($17.99 - Safeway) - Purplish ruby colored, this offers rich aromas of raspberry, currant, plum, red roses, pipe tobacco, garrigue, olive and spiced incense. The flavors are ample yet focused, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, black tea and earth. The back picks up macerated fruits, roasted nuts and soft charcoal, followed by a savory moderate tannin and acid finish. 18/20 points.

2020 Domaine Le Clos des Lumnières Côtes du Rhône ($17.90 - Foodscape) - This 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah combination shows a deep ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, cherry and currant with scents of black roses, lilac, tobacco, thyme, white pepper and spiced incense. The flavors are ample yet focused, with red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa and earth. The back picks up kirsch and cassis liqueurs and mocha, followed by a savory, chewy tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

2019 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas, "Aux Lieu Dits" ($50.99 - Esquin) - Deep purplish-ruby colored, this wine emits intoxicating aromas of blackberries, mountain blueberries, black currants, black roses, dark tobacco, garrigue (a trait of Gigondas), sandalwood, wild violets and spiced incense. The flavors are bold and mouth filling, with black and blue fruits that are infused with licorice, dark cocoa, black tea and Montmirial minerals. The back reveals macerated fruits, creme de cassis and blueberry preserves, followed by a lengthy ripe tannin finish. "That Gigondas style is right there," says Lynn. 19+/20 points. 

2019 Caves de Tain Hermitage Blanc, "Nobles Rives" ($45 - Last Bottle) - I picked this up on a one shot deal off the $75 regular price. Produced from 100% Marsanne, it exhibits a brilliant lemon-gold color and striking aromas of Asian pear-apple, white peach, pink grapefruit, Kaffir lime, pear blossoms, honeysuckle, white lavender and yellow incense. The flavors are simultaneously viscous and laser-like, with vivid white and yellow fruits that are interwoven with pear skins, peach stones and riverside minerals. On the back, the wine gains intensity, with poire and pêche liqueurs, roasted hazelnuts, toffee and lime peel, all followed by an ultra-long semi dried fruit finish. 19.5/20 points. 

2018 Allegrini "Palazzo della Torre" Rosso Veronese ($30) - This north Italian red presents a deep ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, blood orange, crushed rose petals, tobacco, leaf, oregano and stick incense. The flavors, as well, are attention-getting, with warm, supple (double fermented) red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, Italian roast and Veronese hillside earth and minerals. The back picks up macerated fruits, roasted hazelnuts, raspberry and cherry liqueurs and orange peel, followed by a smooth tannin finish. Safeway: $26.99. 18.5/20 points.

Lynn loves California Chardonnay. Here are a couple she really likes.

2021 Simi Chardonnay, California ($25) - From a historic winery (established 1876) this shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and attractive aromas of pear-apple, white peach, pineapple, grapefruit, apple blossoms, acacia flowers and white incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with yellow fruits that are accented by apple skins, peach stones and minerals. The back picks up pear and peach liqueurs and touches of hazelnut and vanilla, followed by a juicy finish. Safeway: $20.99. 18.5+/20 points. 

2021 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($35) - From a respected winery, this offers a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of Asian pear-apple, Elberta peach, Key lime, apple blossoms, acacia flowers, wisteria, vanilla bean and green incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with yellow fruits that are imbued with grape and pear skins, peach stones and coastal minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of nougat and lime zest, followed a lengthy finely juiced finish. Super 1: $29.99. 19/20 points.

 

 

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Walla Walla Spring Kick-Off Weekend

Last weekend, April 7-9, was Walla Walla Spring Kick-Off. Until last last year, the second weekend in April was known as Cayuse Weekend because that was when Christophe Baron held his winery opening and pick-up. Then other wineries opened up for spring releases and called it Spring Kick-Off. Why two spring release weekends, the other being the first weekend in May? Wineries now want to take advantage of opportunities to get visitors, especially after the COVID epidemics of the 2020-2021. An informal winery survey on Facebook by Sean Sullivan (Northwest Wine Report) indicated that the turnout for Spring Kick-Off was normal, about the same as last year, which is not surprising

Casey McClellan Named Interim Director at WWCC's Institute for Enology and Viticulture

Recently, it was announced that Casey McClellan has agreed to take on the job of interim director of the Community Colleges winemaking program. He replaces Stylianos Logothetis who resigned as director to return to Greece. Casey brings to the Institute decades of experience as an industry leader and owner-winemaker at the Seven Hills Winery. In the meantime, a search is under way for a new director.

Kate Derby Named Head of Winemaking Operations at Spring Valley Vineyards

It has been announced that Kate Derby Raymond has been named head winemaker at Spring Valley Vineyards. As granddaughter of Shari and Dean Derby and niece of Devin Derby, she has years of experience in the family-run winery north of Walla Walla. The former head winemaker, Serge Laville has departed after 20 years at Spring Valley.

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