March is the original “Washington Wine Month’, and the only one I really put some effort into. At some point, someone, no doubt the Washington Wine Commission, decided to add August as an additional month to recognize Washington wine. Seriously, we don’t need two of these; one is certainly enough. So, I will be spending some time YouTubing and writing about our great wine-producing state. Certainly, we have earned the respect of the wine world by making world-class wines. To kick off the original Washington Wine Month, I have chosen a Washington wine that I feel over-delivers for the money. It comes from a winery that owns a ton of vineyards, so they own their own fruit, which allows them to deliver outstanding wines at very reasonable prices. This is a red blend that I have been recommending at the store for a number of years. The retail price that I’m offering at Kings Market is only for Washington Wine Month. The normal retail price is three dollars more.
2022 Airfield Estates Dauntless Red (Yakima Valley, WA)… $15.
Aromas of currants, cherries, with a whiff of veggie and earth. This gem has good structure, with smooth tannins that have just a touch of attitude. Currant and dark cherry notes ride on the palate with an underbelly of earth. Tobacco notes and spice join up on the finish with a hint of blackberry stem that comes from the Cabernet Franc. This is a balanced wine with nice integration of fruit and tannins. This will pair nicely with a variety of foods, such as steak, pork, pasta with red sauces, pizza, or burgers. It will also age up to five years if you have the patience. A blend of 56% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. (B+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
