Washington Wine Country Weekend

Red Mountain Vineyards

This past weekend we spent a few days in the Washington Wine Country. Over the past 20 years we have visited many wineries from Yakima to Walla Walla. This time we visited Hogue and Airfield Cellars in Prosser, Fidelitas and Col Solare on Red Mountain and Wilridge and Harlequin in Yakima. The highlight of the weekend was the visit to Col Solare. Col Solare is a collaboration between Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle and Italy’s famed winemaker, Marchese Antinori. Their wines are Cabernet Sauvignon based with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah blended for depth and complexity. We did a vertical tasting of their 2004, 2005 and 2006 Red Wines. All of these wines were fantastic and worth the $80 price point if your budget allows the expenditure.

Crave Arizona, Scottsdale 2009

Crave Arizona, 2009

Thousands of food-loving people gathered together as Crave Arizona pulled off three days of food and wine events. Celebrity and local chefs, hundreds of wines, trendy cocktails and delicious food made for an unforgettable event. We had a great time and really enjoyed the Arizona Grand Tasting this past Saturday.




We attended cooking demonstrations by Top Chef Favorites Sam Talbot (Bravo’s season 2) and Stephanie Izard (Bravo’s season 4).

The Grand Tasting was laid out on the Scottsdale Southbridge and showcased small bites from over 40 local restaurants and hundreds of wines from around the world. This year there was and entire section devoted to Washington State wines from over 30 wineries.

We tasted some great wines form Owen Roe, Novelty Hill, Amavi, Reininger Winery, Tamarack Cellars, Nicholas Cole Cellars and Northstar. The food bites were equally impressive as we noshed on delicacies like seared sea scallops, braised pork belly, veal ravioli and chocolate/caramel tarts.

Later in the day we attended a wine seminar entitled: Which One's Washington? With seminar moderator: Shayn Bjornholm, Education Director for the Washington Wine Commission and Master Sommelier. This was a high energy, interactive and educational game show format wine tasting that mimicked the TV show “Family Feud”. Shayn Bjornholm guided the festivities from the helm with his powder blue polyester 70's style tuxedo.




Local Sommeliers added to the fun with the whole audience participating in the spectacle. We enjoyed “blind tasting” numerous as wines as we tried to name the varietal and region. It was a blast for everyone there to try to determine if a wine was Riesling or Chardonnay, from Washington or France.

A big “Shout-Out" for Shayn…. Nice job!

We will definitely attend Crave Arizona again next year.

Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998

Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998

Michel-Schlumberger winery is located on the western hillsides of Dry Creek Valley and has a well-earned reputation for its excellent Bordeaux varieties. They take pride in their sustainable wine growing techniques. Sonoma County is one of the great wine regions of California and this wine has a beautiful expression of the region. We bought this bottle at the winery and had it cellared for the past 6 years. This wine has a medium ruby-red color with a scarlet rim. On the nose is sweet dark fruit with exotic spice and green tea. This is a medium bodied wine with a complex mix of black cherries, fig, spice, rhubarb, slate and cedar. Supple tannins combine with some expressive acidity to keep it interesting. The finish is lingering and harmonious. We enjoyed this with a casual weekend dinner off the grill. The present vintage of this wine retails for about $38.

Chandler Reach 36 Red, NV

Chandler Reach 36 Red, NV

Chandler Reach Winery is located in Benton City, Washington on the fringe of the Yakima Valley and Red Mountain appellations. They have been producing some lovely wines over the past 5-10 years with an emphasis on Italian style and quality varietals and blends. This 36 Red wine (non vintage) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and perhaps Syrah and Merlot. The wine is named after a weather beaten 1936 red flatbed truck that belongs to the owner/winemaker Len Parris. All the fruit is sourced from the Chandler Reach estate vineyards and the wine is aged in oak barrels for over 20 months. This is an easy drinking wine with pleasant dark berry flavors of cherries and raspberries along with some cranberry and plums. This is a medium bodied wine with smooth tannins and a lingering, harmonious finish. We enjoyed this wine with some barbecued chicken and corn on the cob. A very nice summer wine. We purchased this at the winery for about $14. Their new winery and tasting room is fashioned after a Tuscan villa and is well worth a visit!

Click Here to Download a YAKIMA VALLEY WINE MAP (Courtesy of Wine Yakima Valley)

Walla Walla Travel

Last week we spent a few days out in the Washington State wine country. We spent the first day in Prosser and enjoyed visits to Hogue Cellars, Desert Wind, Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Kiona and Chandler Reach. All of these wineries do a very nice job and are well worth the visit.

Desert Wind Winery in Prosser

Chandler Reach (Red Mountain)

Kiona Winery in Benton City (Red Mountain)


We spent two night out in Walla Walla enjoying the small town charm and great wineries. We really enjoyed the wines at Dusted Valley, Basil Cellars, Tamarack and Isenhower Cellars. It is great tasting wines in Walla Walla because there are great wines across the board. Here are a few pictures from our romp. We visited wineries, a lavender farm and wheat fields!

Dusted Valley Tasting Room

Developing Syrah grapes on the vine

Basel Cellars (Walla Walla)

Walla Walla Vineyards

Making the rounds in Walla Walla

Lavender Farm near Walla Walla

Wheat fields near Walla Walla Airport

Matthews Cellars Wine Event

Matthews Cellars Wine Event

Last night we had the privilege to attend a private event at Matthews Cellars, located in Woodinville, Washington. Our good friends, Jim and Taffina, were invited by one of the wineries owners, Jim Rubstello, to join in a celebration of the wineries past and future. Matthews Cellars was established in 1993 and is located in Woodinville, the epicenter for wine production in the Puget Sound area.

Matthews is presently owned by Jim Rubstello and Cliff Otis and their winery has established a great reputation of producing well crafted and age-worthy red wines that are impressive and memorable.

It was a beautiful day in Seattle with clear blue skies and temperatures rising into the 90s. Amongst the towering stainless steel fermentation tanks of the dim and chilly winery, a lively gathering of wine enthusiasts tasted some of Matthews great wines along with some scrumptious appetizers crafted by Seastar Restaurant. This was a high-energy party with good looking people, excellent food and great wines.

We tasted two different Sauvignon Blancs; the Stillwater Creek and the Columbia Valley, both from the 2007 vintage. These are both delightfully refreshing and easy drinking wines that were a total delight on the warm sunny day. We especially favored the 2007 Stillwater Creek Sauvignon Blanc with a delicious smooth and refreshing mouth feel, luscious citrus and tropical fruit flavors and an impressive off-dry finish.

We tasted six beautiful red wines throughout the evening. The 2005 Red Mountain Syrah is a big fruit forward wine with mouth filling tannins and a cloak of toasty vanilla. The 2004 Columbia Valley Claret is an elegant Bordeaux blend with black cherries, cassis along with smooth well integrated tannins and a lingering, harmonious finish. Our favorite wines of the evening were their estate Red Wines. We tasted the Matthews Columbia Valley Red 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003. These Estate wines are all blends with a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon. These are all very big, concentrated wines that really bring the thunder. Although they were all delicious and exciting to drink, we agreed that our favorite was the Matthews Columbia Valley Red 2002. This wine has a dark, nearly opaque black/red color with a delightful nose packed with black fruit, chocolate and cassis. This is a full bodied wine with chewy concentrated fruit, espresso, spice, licorice and mocha commingling to create a luscious and balanced wine. The tannins and underlying acidity coat your mouth and linger on the smooth, long toasty finish. This wine deserves a grilled prime steak or some well aged cheese. This wine is ready to drink now, but should continue to evolve over the next 5-10 years.

Matthews wines should always be considered whenever someone is looking for well crafted Washington State wines that are sure to deliver. These wines range from $20 to $80 and are available at the winery and many wine shops around the Seattle area.

Taste of Washington Weekend, 2008

Taste Washington 2008

This weekend is the Taste Washington wine event that showcases Washington State wines to the world. On Saturday morning we attended the seminar "Washington Wine Library TV". In town was Gary Vaynerchuk to host this wine tasting event while filming an episode of Wine Library TV. Here is Gary's profile as described on the Taste Washington website: Gary Vaynerchuk, self-trained wine expert, is revolutionizing the wine industry. His blog, Wine Library TV, boasts a cult-like following resulting from his enthusiastic, unconventional, and often irreverent wine commentary. In the name of “expanding one’s palate," Gary convinced Conan O’Brien to lick salted rocks and shared samples of dirt and grass with Ellen Degeneres.With a wealth of knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit, Gary re branded the family business as Wine Library. Within a five year time period, Wine Library grew from a $4 million dollar business to a $45 million business. What raised Gary’s notoriety even more than his business acumen was his foresight. Inspired by sites such as Youtube.com and Facebook.com, Gary leveraged technology to reach an untapped audience. His daily 20 minute webcasts caught the attention of a demographic new to wine and eager to learn. Within a short time, beer sales were outpaced by wine. While his youthful following broke down barriers in the wine industry, the business world (and Web 2.0) admired Gary for creating a new generation of branding, focusing on the Internet. Gary’s unique identity as both a wine expert and a “real person” has reinvented the concept of wine tasting for a new generation.

We enjoyed the tasting seminar which allowed us to be a part of Wine Library TV and to taste 6 different Washington State wines.

2005 Harlequin "Celilo Vineyard" Chardonnay, CG $28
2004 Nicholas Cole "Camille" Blend, CV $48
2004 Boudreaux "Reserve Champoux Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, HHH $100
2006 Cougar Crest Viognier, WW $20
2005 Gramercy Cellar Syrah, WW, $40
2007 Nefarious "Stone's Throw Vineyard" Riesling, CV $18



Later that evening we attended a party for Gary that was held at Seattle Wine Storage. This was a fun and wild event. The party was structured as a pot luck food and wine festival. About 75 Seattle area wine lovers brought over 100 different wines to be shared and tasted during the party. The wines were great and definitely "over-load" as the boisterous crowd swirled, sipped, drank and spit throughout the evening. After tasting about 40-50 wines, last night, we are moving slowly today!

Jumilla Spain and Monastrell Grape

Monastrell, cultivated in the Mediterranean region up to the southern portion of France (where it is also known as Mourvèdre) has a Spanish origin. It needs a Mediterranean climate to mature properly, with long, luminous summers. It has small spherical berries that are very dark enclosed within an abundant bloom. It makes intense wines with good tannic energy that soften when aged. It is often used in blends with velvety varieties such as Garnacha.

(Here is an aticle from the Rare Wine Co. newsletter relating to Bodegas Olivares and the Jumilla region of Spain.)

As Spain’s winemaking revolution continues to flourish, one of the next hot spots promises to be Jumilla, 150 miles southeast of Madrid. Along with Quinta do Noval’s Nacional vineyard and Bollinger’s Vignes Françaises, Jumilla was one of the few places in Europe spared during the Phylloxera epidemic of the late 1800’s. Virtually everywhere else on the continent, vineyards were devastated and, to this day, can only be planted when grafted onto American rootstock.
For Jumilla, the key to its vineyards’ survival was their sandy soil—which is resistant to the Phylloxera insect. As a glorious consequence, Jumilla not only has some of the oldest vines in the world, but also the largest number of ungrafted vines. Most of these vines are Mourvèdre—or Monastrell as it is locally known—one of the most prized varieties of Mediterranean Europe.

Jumilla’s summers boast hot days and cool nights, perfect for ripening grapes, while maintaining acidity.
Today, Jumilla is awakening to its vast potential, and a winemaking revolution has followed—led by growers like Olivares’ Paco Selva. He owns 65+ hectares of ungrafted old vineyards in the northern part of the appellation, in La Hoya de Santa Ana. It is the coolest sub-zone of Jumilla, with sandy, lime-rich soils that yield intensely aromatic wines, while protecting the ungrafted vines from Phylloxera.

Map of Spain with Wine Regions

Click on map to enlarge.

Italian Classifications... What do they mean?

IGT, DOC or DOCG?

If you look on any Italian label you will find the winery name, sometimes the vineyard name, the year, and an abbreviation (DOC, DOCG) or a phrase (Vino Da Tavola) which can be confusing and of-putting. What does this mean? Why is it there? What is the difference? Do not fret! The classifications for Italian wine are easy to understand with simply a base education which is outlined below.

There are four major categories of Italian wines:

- Vino Da Tavola

- Vino a Indicazione Geografica (IGT)

- Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)

- Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

Vino Da Tavola (VdT) (table wine) was once only required by law to not kill the drinker. There were few rules or regulations and most were thin, weak wines and sold in jugs which eventually became candlesticks. But now—the world has changed. There are some winemakers dedicated to changing the image of the VdT and the consistency, and these wines can be excellent and great bargains.

Vino a Indicazione Geografica (IGT) is a classification for a wine produced in a specific area. “Toscana” is a common IGT where Tuscans blend Sangiovese with varying amounts of other grapes like Cabernet or Merlot. These can be amazing wines with good acidity. The ‘Super Tuscan” blends are IGT status and can be some of the best wines coming out of Italy, as well as some of the most unique.

Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) is the Italian version of the French AOC. DOC wines are produced in specific well-defined and tenured regions. There are very specific rules designed to preserve the traditions of Italian winemaking—each unique to the individual regions. Thus, the rules for making Barolo differ markedly from those for making Chianti Rufina. Region of production, grape varietals, minimum alcohol content, and aging length are all DOC regulations. In addition, to be eligible for a DOC designation, wines must pass a taste test and a chemical analysis.

Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) is the mother of all classifications. Only the strong survive this set of rules and regulations. To meet the standard, average yields are generally lower, and all DOCG wines must pass an evaluation of a tasting committee before they can be bottled. The DOCG testing has resulted in an overall improvement in quality for Italian wines. For many historic wines of extremely high quality, which meet all the requirements, the DOCG system functions splendidly and provides the wine drinker and consumer with an accounting of every bottle produced. This information was provided by Marchesi De' Fescobaldi (great wine makes for centuries).

Barbera Grapes in Piemonte, Italy

Here are some pictures I took in Piemonte. It is a great part of Italy to explore.

1) Vinyards of Barbera, Nebbiolo and Dlocetto
2) I was about to pick some Barbera



3) Our visit to Pecchenini Winery in Dogliani, Italy

Walla Walla Travel

Walla Walla Travel

Walla Walla is a small, attractive city with a quaint downtown area, Whitman Collage, and streets lined with historic homes with a nice neighborhood feel.

Good website:
http://www.wallawalla.org/ Use this website to locate wineries and info for travel.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/314849_walla09.html Read or print this article.

Hotels

Best Western Walla Walla Suites Inn (We stayed here once, and it was fine.)
7 East Oak Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone: (509) 525-4700 Price: $79-$139 Web: http://www.bestwestern.com/ Centrally located in Washington's quaint wine country and surrounded by more then 50 wineries. We are 100% non-smoking and dog friendly. Just 3 blocks from Main Street & within walking distance to shops, tasting rooms, historic homes and much more.

Walla Walla Inns - Historic Downtown 214 Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362 Phone: (877) 301-1181 Web: http://www.wallawallainns.com/ Enjoy the contemporary elegance of the historic Main Street location in a sophisticated setting enhanced by the convenient access to shopping, wineries, restaurants, and many art galleries. Enjoy them all while staying at the Walla Walla Inns Historic Downtown. Book Online

(We stayed here in July. We enjoyed staying right on Main Street. The Studio room #3 was very nice. You can walk around town for coffee (Starbucks!!) in the morning or lunch and dinner during the day or evening. The owner will correspond with you via email. We will stay here again)

Downtown Suite 3
Starting from $100/ night
Studio suite situated in Downtown Walla Walla. This suite has a queen size bed with pillow-top mattress, and feather bed. Lie in bed and watch the fireplace or flat screen television. The mini refrigerator and coffee maker are there to meet your traveling needs. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and a separate Jacuzzi tub. Tall arched windows facing Main Street bring in light and views of Main Street activity into this suite.


Restaurants

Here are some good places. Here is the scoop:

Saffrons : New, great tapas, wood-fired flatbreads, pastas and upscale entrees. Highly recommend.
T. Maccarone's: Small and warm, modern casual. Nice wines, very good pastas.
Luscious by Nature: Nice fresh food with good sandwiches and takeouts. Cute place.

All the places I listed here are good. Check out what they look like as you explore the area.

26brix
207 West Main
Walla Walla 99362
(509) 526-4075
http://www.twentysixbrix.com/

CreekTown Cafe
1129 S. 2nd, Suite D
Walla Walla 99362
(509) 522-4777
http://www.creektowncafe.com/

Grapefields Wine Bar and Café
4 East Main St.
Walla Walla 99362
(509) 522-3993

Grapefields has a sophisticated bistro attitude, from the art deco bar to tasty tapas. The latter include toast manchego—bread grilled with manchego and served with a tomato-onion herb salsa—and Spanish sardines (not fishy at all) marinated in citrus, vinegar, garlic, and olive oil. The café menu offers a traditional charcuterie plate featuring a selection of cured and preserved meats; a perfectly dressed salad verte topped with toasted walnuts, Gorgonzola, and Anjou pear; and hand-tossed pizzas. The dazzling selection of premium wines is both local and international.

Luscious by Nature
33 S. Colville St
Walla Walla 99362
(509) 522-0424
http://www.lusciousww.com/

Upscale urban market in a newly renovated 1930’s garage and gas station featuring many organic products, fresh and seasonal prepared food along with local produce, specialty goods, pantry food and kitchen products. The indoor and outdoor patio dining will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a small plate menu or packaged to-go meals.

Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen
125 West Alder
Walla Walla 99362
(509) 525-2112

Modern Mediterranian cuisine with tapas, wood-fired flatbreads, pastas and upscale entrees. The food and service is top-notch and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The kind of place you might hope to find in Belltown, Seattle. Nice wine list

Whitehouse-Crawford Restaurant
55 W. Cherry St
Walla Walla 999362
(509) 525-2222
http://www.whitehousecrawford.com/

Upscale regional cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Located in an historic downtown Walla Walla building.

T. Maccarone's
4 S. Colville St.
Walla Walla 99362
(509) 522-4776

Nice atmosphere that is warm, modern and casual. This is a small restaurant with delicious fresh pastas. The owner makes sure everything is done just right.

Favorite wineries

Woodward Canyon (west of town)
L'Ecole No. 41*
Three Rivers
Reininger

Whitman Cellars (in or near town)
Seven Hills

Cougar Crest (airport area)
Russel Creek
Tamarack *
Dunham
Five Star

K Vintners (east of town)
Walla Walla Vintners