Once again Northwest winemakers and fans have a reason to cheer. This week, Wine Spectator, the world’s premier magazine for all things wine, released its annual top 100 list. The list is made available to Wine Spectator’s readership, and is released early via its internet site, which posted the scores and tasting notes just days before copies hit the newsstands.
We here in the Mid-Columbia region have something extra to celebrate about. Topping the list this year out of a total number of 17,000 wines tasted was Columbia Crest Winery, with its 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine, created just across the Columbia River at Columbia Crest winery in Patterson, won a landslide victory based on the characteristics of quality, value, availability, and excitement.
I have had other vintages of this Cabernet Sauvignon, and can attest to Columbia Crest’s dedication to producing absolutely fantastic wines in their reserve line with each bottling. Since there are many Columbia Crest employees who live in here locally, I want to take the extra time to congratulate each of you. Your team effort continues to show the world that our region does produce amazing wines consistently.
Columbia Crest’s sister wineries Ste. Michelle and Spring Valley also made the top 100 list. Ste. Michelle’s 2006 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon came in at number 38, and Spring Valley’s 2006 Uriah red blend made the list at number 60.
As well as the Ste. Michelle Estates group, a few other local wineries deserve kudos for their work. Argyle made a fantastic score by reaching number 18 this year with their 1999 Extended Tirage. This Dundee, Oregon winery consistently makes the top 100 list with its sparkling wines.
Cayuse, a Walla Walla vintner, known for creating highly sought after wines, reached number 26 with their 2006 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah. Cailloux, which according to the company’s website, is French for “Rocks”, is produced in extremely rocky soil.
Barnard Griffin, a Richland, Washington winery that I’ve written about many times, made the list at number 66 with their 2008 Columbia Valley Riesling. Rob Barnard continues to produce brilliant wines out of his winery. This Riesling, which I’ve tasted at the winery, is an off-dry wine with lots of fresh fruit and floral notes.
Coming in at number 72 was The Magnificent Wine Company with their 2006 Columbia Valley Syrah. Better known for their “House Wine” labels, the Magnificent Wine Company, owned by Northwest wine giant Precept Brands, is located in Walla Walla.
Waterbrook, another Walla Walla winery owned by Precept, took the honor of reaching number 74 with its 2006 Columbia Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Not far behind at number 77 was King Estate winery with their 2008 Signature Collection Pinot Gris.
Now… for the bad news. Most of these wines have already been purchased and consumed months ago. If you can find them on any local shelves it will be out of pure luck. That is always the condemnation of this annual list. By the time the list reaches consumer hands it is usually too late. But, don’t worry. Chances are you will find many of the same characteristics in newer vintages that got these wines on the list.
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Ste. Michelle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ste. Michelle. Show all posts
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
What Does Good Cabernet Taste Like?
The last few weeks I’ve had several conversations with people in the wine industry about a few winemakers in the region, one in particular, who claim to make superior wines in an “old world style”. I’ll come right out and say that their wines taste like good vinegar to me, however good vinegar makes great salad dressing.
The problem is that there is not a consumer standard for what is supposedly good or bad. It really depends on what people like me, and others who are more educated and highly paid have to write about the wines that they drink. A good score means that you have to like it because some “expert” did.
In preparing for this article I did a little research, beyond just drinking, and was reminded of a few points of reference. A few years ago there was a funny movie that was produced about winemaking, and it wasn’t that over-rated movie Sideways. The movie is called Bottle Shock. You can rent it from most local movie rental places or even download it on Netflix.
Bottle Shock, set in 1976 in California’s wine country is about the story of Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant who sets out to prove that French wines are superior. He hosts the Judgement of Paris, the world’s first truly intercontinental judging of Cabernet and Chardonnay. The Americans beat the French, like usual, and the French whine, also like usual.
The rest of the movie you’ll have to watch for yourself. However, a few standards of what a good Cabernet are, are established during the Judgement of Paris. Those facts are pretty much immutable.
A good flavor profile for Cabernet Sauvignon begins with the grapes. Grapes that are picked right, with the right amount of sugar should have a soft vegetable flavor that is going to taste a little like Green Bell Pepper. A really established Cabernet vineyard, will produce flavors of Eucalyptus or Mint, which tells you that you are drinking pretty much the best of the best.
Spice is added to Cabernet Sauvignon through barrel aging. Depending on the wood and treatment by the cooper, barrels create different spices that will layer over the grape flavors to develop the wine’s complexity. Flavors of Vanilla, Cassis or Black Currant, Tobacco and Leather come from this aging process.
Lastly, a good winemaker balances the wine with just the right amount of tannin. Silky, smooth tannins that don’t overpower the fruit create a long and beautiful finish to the wine.
If you were wondering who won the 1976 Judgement of Paris, it was Stags Leap Vineyards, with their 1971. Stags Leap, now owned by our friends at St. Michelle, remains to be one of the outstanding examples of what a good cabernet should be. Of course, that region is full of other names such as Heitz or Rombauer.
Locally the best cabernet comes from just a few vineyards. Probably the most famous are Champoux, Seven Hills, Pepperbridge, and recently Ceil du’ Cheval. If you look on your label and see these names, you will likely be drinking what is likely to be the way a good Cabernet Sauvignon should taste.
Enjoy!
The problem is that there is not a consumer standard for what is supposedly good or bad. It really depends on what people like me, and others who are more educated and highly paid have to write about the wines that they drink. A good score means that you have to like it because some “expert” did.
In preparing for this article I did a little research, beyond just drinking, and was reminded of a few points of reference. A few years ago there was a funny movie that was produced about winemaking, and it wasn’t that over-rated movie Sideways. The movie is called Bottle Shock. You can rent it from most local movie rental places or even download it on Netflix.
Bottle Shock, set in 1976 in California’s wine country is about the story of Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant who sets out to prove that French wines are superior. He hosts the Judgement of Paris, the world’s first truly intercontinental judging of Cabernet and Chardonnay. The Americans beat the French, like usual, and the French whine, also like usual.
The rest of the movie you’ll have to watch for yourself. However, a few standards of what a good Cabernet are, are established during the Judgement of Paris. Those facts are pretty much immutable.
A good flavor profile for Cabernet Sauvignon begins with the grapes. Grapes that are picked right, with the right amount of sugar should have a soft vegetable flavor that is going to taste a little like Green Bell Pepper. A really established Cabernet vineyard, will produce flavors of Eucalyptus or Mint, which tells you that you are drinking pretty much the best of the best.
Spice is added to Cabernet Sauvignon through barrel aging. Depending on the wood and treatment by the cooper, barrels create different spices that will layer over the grape flavors to develop the wine’s complexity. Flavors of Vanilla, Cassis or Black Currant, Tobacco and Leather come from this aging process.
Lastly, a good winemaker balances the wine with just the right amount of tannin. Silky, smooth tannins that don’t overpower the fruit create a long and beautiful finish to the wine.
If you were wondering who won the 1976 Judgement of Paris, it was Stags Leap Vineyards, with their 1971. Stags Leap, now owned by our friends at St. Michelle, remains to be one of the outstanding examples of what a good cabernet should be. Of course, that region is full of other names such as Heitz or Rombauer.
Locally the best cabernet comes from just a few vineyards. Probably the most famous are Champoux, Seven Hills, Pepperbridge, and recently Ceil du’ Cheval. If you look on your label and see these names, you will likely be drinking what is likely to be the way a good Cabernet Sauvignon should taste.
Enjoy!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
More New Wines For 2009
I can not tell a lie…This week I am seriously cheating on this article by continuing with more wines from the Graybeal trade tasting last week.
To begin, I wanted to mention L’Ecole No 41. Their table offered some real long-time favorites for me. The First being the Apogee. The 2005 vintage is back to being one of my favorite Walla Walla blends. It is boldly aromatic with aromas of cooking spices, leather, and tobacco. The dark stone fruit and chocolate make this wine absolutely delicious.
L’Ecole also tasted us on their 2005 Walla Walla Cabernet, 7 Hills Merlot, 2006 7 Hills Syrah, and several of their Columbia Valley Vintages. One of their other wines that I thoroughly enjoy every time I try it, is their “Walla Viola” Chenin Blanc. The 2007 Vintage continues in the Vouvray style which provides wonderful floral aromas and flavors.
Last week I didn’t mention Sineann. Paul, from Sineann (pronounced Shin-A-un) offered some wonderful glimpses at their newest vintages. One thing that I do have to say about Sineann is that they have some of the most elegant bottles I’ve ever encountered. If you want to be the life of the party bring one of these. The glass stoppers are an attractive alternative to screw caps, and protect the wines much better than cork.
Sineann’s 2006 Abondante was another brilliant flavored red blend made of Zinfandel, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot. It could pass as a high-end old vine Zin, with it’s bright raspberry flavors and spices. Their 2006 Baby Poux Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely a keeper. One of my favorite wines from one of my favorite vineyards.
Mike from Coyote Canyon Winery also showed some very nice wines at the tasting. His Tres Cruces is full of flavors of black current and blackberries. There is also a wonderful essence of cinnamon throughout. His 2006 Robert Andrews Blend is a robust Rhone blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. I love Grenache, and this wine presents with the richness of the Grenache from beginning to end.
Ste Michelle Wine Estates was present with a collection of twelve different wines, from the ever amazing 2005 Col Solare red blend, and Spring Valley’s 2006 Uriah, to their 2007 Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling. They even poured one of my newer favorites…A 2004 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico. The Marchese is not easy to find, but available at a few outlets in the area. It is an intense Chianti, with ruby color, and bright flavors of fruit and spices throughout.
Last, but not least, was an incredible lineup of wines from E.J. Gallo. They spared no expense in offering up wines from their Barefoot, Whitehaven, Frei Brothers, Gallo Reserve, and Mirassou lines. The Barefoot brand even had their “Barefooter” representative in town to hand out cute purple lays to guests.
Now, If you think Gallo makes cheap wines, you are 100% correct. But, if you haven’t had Whitehaven Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, then you are seriously missing out. I consider the Whitehaven Pinot to be one of the best Pinots on the market. And, the Sauvignon Blanc has received several Wine Spectator scores well into the 90s.
I hope you get out to your favorite wine shop, grocery, or restaurant this week and pick up some of these wines that I’ve suggested. If they don’t have them, then insist they bring them in for you. They owe you that much.
Enjoy!
To begin, I wanted to mention L’Ecole No 41. Their table offered some real long-time favorites for me. The First being the Apogee. The 2005 vintage is back to being one of my favorite Walla Walla blends. It is boldly aromatic with aromas of cooking spices, leather, and tobacco. The dark stone fruit and chocolate make this wine absolutely delicious.
L’Ecole also tasted us on their 2005 Walla Walla Cabernet, 7 Hills Merlot, 2006 7 Hills Syrah, and several of their Columbia Valley Vintages. One of their other wines that I thoroughly enjoy every time I try it, is their “Walla Viola” Chenin Blanc. The 2007 Vintage continues in the Vouvray style which provides wonderful floral aromas and flavors.
Last week I didn’t mention Sineann. Paul, from Sineann (pronounced Shin-A-un) offered some wonderful glimpses at their newest vintages. One thing that I do have to say about Sineann is that they have some of the most elegant bottles I’ve ever encountered. If you want to be the life of the party bring one of these. The glass stoppers are an attractive alternative to screw caps, and protect the wines much better than cork.
Sineann’s 2006 Abondante was another brilliant flavored red blend made of Zinfandel, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot. It could pass as a high-end old vine Zin, with it’s bright raspberry flavors and spices. Their 2006 Baby Poux Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely a keeper. One of my favorite wines from one of my favorite vineyards.
Mike from Coyote Canyon Winery also showed some very nice wines at the tasting. His Tres Cruces is full of flavors of black current and blackberries. There is also a wonderful essence of cinnamon throughout. His 2006 Robert Andrews Blend is a robust Rhone blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier. I love Grenache, and this wine presents with the richness of the Grenache from beginning to end.
Ste Michelle Wine Estates was present with a collection of twelve different wines, from the ever amazing 2005 Col Solare red blend, and Spring Valley’s 2006 Uriah, to their 2007 Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling. They even poured one of my newer favorites…A 2004 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico. The Marchese is not easy to find, but available at a few outlets in the area. It is an intense Chianti, with ruby color, and bright flavors of fruit and spices throughout.
Last, but not least, was an incredible lineup of wines from E.J. Gallo. They spared no expense in offering up wines from their Barefoot, Whitehaven, Frei Brothers, Gallo Reserve, and Mirassou lines. The Barefoot brand even had their “Barefooter” representative in town to hand out cute purple lays to guests.
Now, If you think Gallo makes cheap wines, you are 100% correct. But, if you haven’t had Whitehaven Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, then you are seriously missing out. I consider the Whitehaven Pinot to be one of the best Pinots on the market. And, the Sauvignon Blanc has received several Wine Spectator scores well into the 90s.
I hope you get out to your favorite wine shop, grocery, or restaurant this week and pick up some of these wines that I’ve suggested. If they don’t have them, then insist they bring them in for you. They owe you that much.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Eggs, Ham, or Lamb… A Few Wine Pairings For Easter
Did you know that Easter is one of the biggest wine days of the year, just behind Christmas, and Thanksgiving? It is. But, unlike those other two holidays, people tend to eat food that is a little more exotic on Easter. Blame this on the melding of various cultures, and both religious and secular traditions. Yes…we all know…it’s the Easter Bunny’s fault!
If your family is like mine, you’ll probably start the day with a little Easter egg hunt. Some people use plastic eggs out of food safety. But, we’ve raised our kids to be accustomed to food poisoning, so we use the real ones from real chickens.
While the kids are out running around the yard with their baskets, fix yourself a nice mimosa. I love to use Ballatore Rosso, or Domaine St. Michelle’s Blanc de Noir in my mimosas. Mix the sparkler liberally with fresh orange juice for a wonderful treat.
After a few rounds of hiding and finding, we bring the eggs in and serve them with brunch. Deviling eggs for me means a little ground onion, mustard, mayo, sweet relish, paprika, pepper, and a dash of jalepeno juice. This combination of ingredients leads to a nice Sauvignon Blanc. I suggest Terra Blanca Sauvignon Blanc. It is filled with wonderful citrusy flavors that clear the palate and prepare you for another bite.
Along with deviled eggs, we are also big into ham at our house. There are two varietals that really pair with ham without much thought: Pinot Noir or a zesty Zinfandel. Our ham gets glazed with honey and orange zest, so I always reach for a really great bottle of Pinot Noir. Eyrie, Domaine Drouhin, or Sineann all make exquisite Pinots from Oregon grapes. I’m also partial to Whitehaven Pinot Noir from New Zealand. The Whitehaven fills your senses with the feeling that you are walking in a redwood forest. (This has been corrected from my post in the EO - I suggested McWilliams in the article, which is an Australian wine that is also good, but not nearly as satisfying.)
If you serve your ham dry smoked, or grilled, I strongly suggest using a Zinfandel. Bogle makes an Old Vines Zinfandel that you can pick up in local grocery stores. It is rich with fruit and spices, and finishes just a little sweet.
The local choice for a Zinfandel is Maryhill. Maryhill Winery, located just across the river from Biggs makes probably the best Zinfandel from the Northwest. This wine pairs extremely well with ribs, ham, or just about anything off the barbecue. You can get Maryhill wines at any of the local wine shops, and many convenience stores as well because it is such a local favorite.
Many people eat lamb for Easter. I’m partial to a nice rack of lamb, rubbed in olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs, and then grilled. Once again, go for the Maryhill Zinfandel on this one. If you have time to get out to one of the local wine shops I also suggest grabbing a Temperanillo or a Carmenere. These dark, rich, and spicy Spanish varietals are wonderfully paired with the flavors of the meat.
Oh, and not to forget, if you are into spending Easter sitting on the couch eating the head off of a chocolate bunny, I suggest a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark chocolate bunny head goes really well with a nice glass of Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy and have a great Easter!
If your family is like mine, you’ll probably start the day with a little Easter egg hunt. Some people use plastic eggs out of food safety. But, we’ve raised our kids to be accustomed to food poisoning, so we use the real ones from real chickens.
While the kids are out running around the yard with their baskets, fix yourself a nice mimosa. I love to use Ballatore Rosso, or Domaine St. Michelle’s Blanc de Noir in my mimosas. Mix the sparkler liberally with fresh orange juice for a wonderful treat.
After a few rounds of hiding and finding, we bring the eggs in and serve them with brunch. Deviling eggs for me means a little ground onion, mustard, mayo, sweet relish, paprika, pepper, and a dash of jalepeno juice. This combination of ingredients leads to a nice Sauvignon Blanc. I suggest Terra Blanca Sauvignon Blanc. It is filled with wonderful citrusy flavors that clear the palate and prepare you for another bite.
Along with deviled eggs, we are also big into ham at our house. There are two varietals that really pair with ham without much thought: Pinot Noir or a zesty Zinfandel. Our ham gets glazed with honey and orange zest, so I always reach for a really great bottle of Pinot Noir. Eyrie, Domaine Drouhin, or Sineann all make exquisite Pinots from Oregon grapes. I’m also partial to Whitehaven Pinot Noir from New Zealand. The Whitehaven fills your senses with the feeling that you are walking in a redwood forest. (This has been corrected from my post in the EO - I suggested McWilliams in the article, which is an Australian wine that is also good, but not nearly as satisfying.)
If you serve your ham dry smoked, or grilled, I strongly suggest using a Zinfandel. Bogle makes an Old Vines Zinfandel that you can pick up in local grocery stores. It is rich with fruit and spices, and finishes just a little sweet.
The local choice for a Zinfandel is Maryhill. Maryhill Winery, located just across the river from Biggs makes probably the best Zinfandel from the Northwest. This wine pairs extremely well with ribs, ham, or just about anything off the barbecue. You can get Maryhill wines at any of the local wine shops, and many convenience stores as well because it is such a local favorite.
Many people eat lamb for Easter. I’m partial to a nice rack of lamb, rubbed in olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs, and then grilled. Once again, go for the Maryhill Zinfandel on this one. If you have time to get out to one of the local wine shops I also suggest grabbing a Temperanillo or a Carmenere. These dark, rich, and spicy Spanish varietals are wonderfully paired with the flavors of the meat.
Oh, and not to forget, if you are into spending Easter sitting on the couch eating the head off of a chocolate bunny, I suggest a nice Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark chocolate bunny head goes really well with a nice glass of Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy and have a great Easter!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Why Can't I Get That Wine Here
I’ve heard it so many times lately that I swear my ears are bleeding. I’m standing in a grocery wine isle, or in a restaurant and someone behind me exclaims: “These guys just don’t carry a good selection of wine here”. I look down the massive isle, or the wine list and my thoughts are quite the opposite. I’m thinking, “Wow, if you can’t find something to drink here then you just don’t know what you’re looking for”.
Today as I was walking through the wine isle in a large store in Spokane, I was accosted by a lady wondering if I worked there. I wasn’t wearing the apron or the name tag that would indicate my employment. But, being the mild mannered young man that I am, I offered to give her a hand anyway. After all, grocery wine shelves are all the same.
Now, the store was quite large and they had a rather impressive selection. So, when this lovely older woman hit me with the above statement, I was taken aback.
She was looking for an authentic Spatlese from Germany. For those who don’t know, Spatlese is a semi-sweet white wine, much like a Riesling. My immediate response was “No problem”. However, after several runs through the shelves I finally found one label that met her specifics. It was a hefty $42 bottle.
After muffled gasps from both of us, I told her that we’d find something that would work just great, and meet her budget as well. We finally settled on Ste. Michelle Winery’s “St. M.”. This wine was produced by the famed Dr. Loosen in conjunction with Ste Michelle.
St. M is a wonderfully semi-dry Riesling, with a great level of acidity and flavors of peaches, and apricots, with a slight minerality that makes it really good with food. It isn’t a Spatlese, but close enough to taste good at just under $12 a bottle.
After she walked away I looked back down the wine isle and thought about how many people probably walk down this isle every day and say the same phrase. It got me to thinking that people have a specific thing in their mind. In this lady’s case, she had toured Germany with her late husband, and was looking to rekindle those memories.
The problem is that hand made wine is not normally sold outside of normal channels of distribution without a great cost. Sure, you can pick up a Trocken Aslace, or an Opus Cabernet Sauvignon on special order from a local wine shop, but you better know that it is going to cost a little to get it. You might get that same wine in downtown Seattle for a few dollars cheaper, but you’re going to have to cover the gas and hotel.
The truth is that there are absolutely amazing wines available throughout the Northwest, including right here in Eastern Oregon. Most are actually produced within 100 miles of Pendleton. My suggestion is that if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask one of the distributors or store personnel at one of the local shops. They will likely be able to find something much like it at a price that you will really enjoy.
As always, enjoy!
Today as I was walking through the wine isle in a large store in Spokane, I was accosted by a lady wondering if I worked there. I wasn’t wearing the apron or the name tag that would indicate my employment. But, being the mild mannered young man that I am, I offered to give her a hand anyway. After all, grocery wine shelves are all the same.
Now, the store was quite large and they had a rather impressive selection. So, when this lovely older woman hit me with the above statement, I was taken aback.
She was looking for an authentic Spatlese from Germany. For those who don’t know, Spatlese is a semi-sweet white wine, much like a Riesling. My immediate response was “No problem”. However, after several runs through the shelves I finally found one label that met her specifics. It was a hefty $42 bottle.
After muffled gasps from both of us, I told her that we’d find something that would work just great, and meet her budget as well. We finally settled on Ste. Michelle Winery’s “St. M.”. This wine was produced by the famed Dr. Loosen in conjunction with Ste Michelle.
St. M is a wonderfully semi-dry Riesling, with a great level of acidity and flavors of peaches, and apricots, with a slight minerality that makes it really good with food. It isn’t a Spatlese, but close enough to taste good at just under $12 a bottle.
After she walked away I looked back down the wine isle and thought about how many people probably walk down this isle every day and say the same phrase. It got me to thinking that people have a specific thing in their mind. In this lady’s case, she had toured Germany with her late husband, and was looking to rekindle those memories.
The problem is that hand made wine is not normally sold outside of normal channels of distribution without a great cost. Sure, you can pick up a Trocken Aslace, or an Opus Cabernet Sauvignon on special order from a local wine shop, but you better know that it is going to cost a little to get it. You might get that same wine in downtown Seattle for a few dollars cheaper, but you’re going to have to cover the gas and hotel.
The truth is that there are absolutely amazing wines available throughout the Northwest, including right here in Eastern Oregon. Most are actually produced within 100 miles of Pendleton. My suggestion is that if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask one of the distributors or store personnel at one of the local shops. They will likely be able to find something much like it at a price that you will really enjoy.
As always, enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)