Yes! I finally was able to finish my article on the demise of Merlot, I hope you had a chance to read it. I would also like to write an article on the struggles Syrah is experiencing in the sales department. With both Syraj and Merlot, you have to get into the twenty-dollar and above range to find the best ones. As long as we can keep it under thirty. I have to say, even though I am good at finding bargains, when it comes to Merlot and Syrah it becomes a bit harder. For sure, I try to find good examples in the fifteen-dollar range if possible. I believe the problem lies in people who judge a varietal with a broad stroke when they try one that is not well-made. Compare it to going on a blind date. Do you judge the entire sex based on a bad experience during that date? Probably note. Not all men are jerks just because that one was. You get the picture. So, before you pass on a Merlot or Syrah, ask for some help in choosing one that will hopefully change your mind about that varietal.
March is “Washington Wine Month” so I intend to focus almost entirely on Washington wine on my YouTube channel that month. It will be fun to examine and talk about the great diversity of our fantastic wine-producing state. I might even do a few blind challenges. Washington vs. California, or Washington vs. Old World. That should be interesting. I’m looking forward to going to the “Taste of Washington” event in Seattle in March. It should be interesting and as I said, I will give you all a full report.
My assistant Scott and I are off to Woodinville for perhaps our last trip before we start getting the department in shape for the busy season ahead. Since it’s the end of February, I feel comfortable leaving the department one day without one of us there., And, it’s a Monday no less. We will be visiting Januik Winery where Mike and Andrew Januik will be teaching a blending class. I’ve been to it in the past, this will be the first for Scott. I’m looking forward to it.
Next month, I’m hoping to get a chance to interview Ashley Trout on Stan The Wine Man TV. She is visiting the island and we are trying to work out the details. She is one of the top women winemakers in Washington State. I would love to get a; chance to talk with her. Let’s hope we can make it work.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
