I looked at the calendar, and realized that I have only reviewed three Washington wines this month so far, and I want to review fifty total. I must like to work under pressure or I am a huge procrastinator. Either way, I’d better get my you know what in gear. Here is the next round of reviews for your enjoyment.
2009 McKinley Springs Malbec (Horse Heaven Hills, WA)… $22.
Luke Bradford of Cor Cellars called Washington Malbec the bridesmaid of wine from this state. It certainly does not get the recognition it should, which is no doubt due in part because of the price, compared to the inexpensive juice coming out of Argentina. Well, it is nearly impossible to compete with that since land prices, labor and fruit are much more expensive up here than down in South America. That being said, this is an example of just how good Malbec from Washington State can get.
Aromas of black plums, blackberries, tobacco and lavender with a tarry edge on the back-end. On the palate the black plum and blackberry notes are intense with good concentration. They are married on the mid-palate with tobacco and BBQ spice notes. New meets old world as the finish features notes of crushed rock and blackberry notes that linger. This is intense juice that never goes to the jammy side because of the strong acidity that supports the fruit. This should be the bride, but unfortunately will have to accept the role of bridesmaid. (B+)
2012 Corvidae Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley, WA)… $11.
Aromas of lemon-lime, tangerine and hits of watermelon with a little Juicy Fruit action. Lemon-lime, tangerine and hits of watermelon come through on the palate with some interesting wood tannins (it seems) on the finish. I’m not sure if it had some wood treatment, but I am willing to bet on some two to three-year oak barrels. This is good juice, and would be much nicer without the oak… Just saying. (B-)
2009 Cana’s Feast Two Rivers Red (Columbia Valley, WA)… $18.
I met Patrick, wine maker and owner of Cana’s Feast Winery, and I was blown away by his wines. He is based out of Oregon, but he uses Washington fruit liberally.. Like Cor Cellars and Kyra wines, his wines are done with an “old world” attitude. This is a kitchen sink blend that he does.
On the nose, notes of cherries, Tobacco, tomato stem, black licorice, rust and rose petal come through (very hard to detect as new world). Black cherries and currants all over the front of the palate (new world) with red flowers and violets joining the party. Finishes with minerals and blue fruit (mainly blueberries). this is a well-balanced, well made wine for under twenty bucks (seriously!). (B+)
2009 Cana’s Feast Bricco Red (Columbia Valley, WA)… $14.
Interesting notes of pea pods up front backed by notes of plums, cherries and rose petals…Very interesting. Spicy red cherries hit the front of the palate, followed by notes of crushed rock and red plums. Violets join the fruit party leading into a long finish of spice and cherries. Another “kitchen sink” blend from Patrick that delivers a boat-load of wine for a great price. (B+) A-
2012 Cana’s Feast Barbera (Columbia Valley, WA)… $25.
Aromas of cranberries, red cherries and rose petals. Very intense on the palate with notes of cranberries, bright cherries and blueberries. There is an herbal component on the finish with a citrus hit followed by blueberries that linger. This is as close to an Italian Barbera that you can get without getting it from the source. Good balance of acidity and fruit. (A-) B+
Eight down, forty-two to go….It will be done. Please keep Washington wine on your radar, it deserves to be there.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
