WEEK 2, DAY 5: WASHINGTON WINE REVIEWS.

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Stan The Wine Man

I realize that rain is a good thing, but it is certainly something we don’t want to see a lot of in August. This has been a strange August so far and the last few days have been more like early October. I want to spread some good Karma for the weekend by ending my second week of Washington wine reviews with white wines only.

As a wine producing state, Washington has been best known for reds such as Merlot, Syrah and some pretty fantastic blends. However, Washington is also known for pumping out some awesome Riesling, Semillon and Chenin Blanc. I have also discovered some pretty interesting Chardonnay, white blends and of all things, Gruner Veltliner. Washington whites as a whole have taken a foothold in the mainstream and are finding a place in the heart of the consumer. Here are my thoughts on some whites that I tasted last night.

2012 Syncline Gruner Veltliner (Underwood Mountain Vineyards Columbia Gorge, WA) … $20.
Subdued on the nose with notes of pears and apples with a trace of minerals. Apple notes are prominent on the palate with a backdrop of lemon grass and pears. There is a nice core of minerality on this Gruner with just a tiny hit of sweet fruit on the mid-palate. Finishes dry with a fruit skin element that comes across as just a little bitter. Apple skin notes linger for some time. This didn’t seem like any Austrian Gruner I have tasted recently, but I liked it for what it is. (B)

2012 Syncline Grenache Blanc (Boushey Vineyards Yakima Valley, WA) … $24.
Aromas of fig, melon and coconut… Very enticing and, I know this sounds a little weird, but it almost smells thick. Loads of tropical fruits up front…Fig, melon and mangoes. There’s a nice backdrop of minerals. This baby starts drying out on the mid-palate and flows into a fig/citrus finish with a dose of crushed rocks that lingers. There is an interesting apple juice component that sneaks in on the back-end. I’m not a big Grenache Blanc fan, but this one may convert me. (A)

2012 Waitsburg Cellars Pinot Gris Old Vines (Columbia Valley, WA) … $16.
Former wine columnist Paul Gregutt “The Wine Advisor” for the Seattle Times has struck out on his own as a wine maker. Waitsburg Cellars is Paul Gregutt’s and he produces in conjunction with Precept Brands, three whites and a red. I was very interested in trying these wines as I have followed him as a columnist for some time (he still works as a Washington State wine reviewer for The Wine Enthusiast).

The Waitsburg Pinot Gris exhibits aromas of perfumed figs and nuts with a little apple and melon thrown in with a dash of celery on the backside. Creamy on the palate (almost buttery) with notes of honey and apple up front. Silky across the palate but finishes clean with notes of apples, melons, white pepper and honey notes that linger. This is a sweeter style Pinot Gris most of the way, but has a nice dry finish. (B-)

2012 Waitsburg Cellars “Chevray” Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley, WA) … $18.
Aromas of wet wool (this is a good thing for a Chenin), figs and melons with a little cut grass coming though. Very aromatic.Creamy tropical fruit notes come through on the palate with a back-drop of honey and wool. Buttery fig and mango notes show on the mid-palate with a little crushed rock component that flows into the finish. This wine is seamless on the palate and this is right up there with some of the best Chenins I have enjoyed from Washington State. (A)

2012 Waitsburg Cellars “Cheninieres” Old Vines Chenin Blanc (Columbia Valley, WA) … $18.
This one is a little subdued on the nose with notes of wooly citrus and fig backed by traces of minerals. Wool, melon and minerals with a honey edge come through on the front of the palate. There is a herbal component that shows on the mid-palate and follows into the finish. There is a lot of stuff going on with this juice on the finish. Wool, minerals, white pepper, and a little citrus peel. This bottle screams oysters baby! (A-)

My hats off to Paul Gregutt for a good start with his new winery. Also to James Mantone from Syncline for consistently surprising me with his quality whites. I absolutely adore the Grenache Blanc.

There you have it, week two is under my belt for Washington wine reviews in August. Fifty down, fifty to go….Stay tuned as I start on the next fifty Monday. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man

Posted in From My Moleskine To You..., Main | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WEEK 2, DAY 4: WASHINGTON WINE REVIEWS.

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Stan The Wine Man

I have to admit that I am really digging this challenge I put before myself to taste and review 100 Washington wines during the month of August, the second Washington Wine Month of the year. I love the wines and have discovered some excellent values and absurdly delicious examples of what can come out of this great state.

Today I will focus on a little Washington winery that has caught my attention in a big way…Cor Cellars. Wine maker Luke Bradshaw is a down-to-earth New Yorker turned Washingtonian who really doesn’t acknowledge his talent for crafting some of the best Washington wines I have come across for the money. I had a chance to taste through his wines recently and here are my thoughts.

2012 Cor Cellars Riesling (Underwood Mountain Vineyards Columbia Gorge, WA) … $19.

Aromas of dusty apple and mouth-watering acidity, very steely on the nose. Green apple skins all over the palate backed by good acidity with a steely edge. This juice penetrates start to bracing finish with a little kiwi action on the back side. (B+)

2012 Cor Alba White (Celilo Vineyards Columbia Gorge, WA) …. $20.

A little petrol action on the nose along with aromas of melon and peach. Melon notes with a little sugar cane action on the palate flowing into a little apple/sugar cane finish. There is a sweet core to this wine but it is by no means over-sweet. This my friends would be perfect with some Asian or Indian food. 56% Pinot Gris and 44% Gewürztraminer. (B-)

2010 Cor Cellars Momentum (Horse Heaven Hills, WA) … $16.

Nice rusticity on the nose giving you some of that “old world” feel with notes of red flowers, currants and cassis. Notes of black olives, wood, cassis and cherries hit up front with a little leather and tobacco joining on the mid-palate and finish. Nice balance of acid and fruit with that old school style shining through with just a touch of vegetation and tannic grip on the finish. This wine is for those who are a bit tired of the silky smooth fruit bombs that dominate the wine shelves these days. It screams for grilled meats. (A-)

2009 Cor Cellars Cabernet Franc (Alder Ridge Vineyards Horse Heaven Hills, WA) … $23.

Aromas of black licorice and Worcestershire Sauce with a green edge. Nice backbone of minerals on the palate with notes of currants and tobacco. There is a leathery edge with a hit of white pepper and a little tannic grip on the long finish. If you are into Chinon from the Loire Valley of France, you will more than likely appreciate what this wine brings to the table. I’m not saying it’s entirely Chinon in style but it is not “New World”, that’s for sure. A well-built wine that is made to enjoy with food. (A-)

2009 Cor Cellars Malbec (Columbia Valley, WA) … $23.

Intense aromas of boysenberries and grape jam. Bold and powerful on the palate without being jammy. Grapes, herbs and spice come through with a little black tea action thrown in. Seamless flow across the palate into a tea, tar, tobacco and boysenberry finish with a kiss of vanilla. This is a big, bad boy who is just tame enough to drink solo, but food wouldn’t hurt. I have to say this is a steal for the price and is one of the best domestic Malbecs I have tried in recent memory. (A+)

Posted in From My Moleskine To You..., Main | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WEEK 2, DAY 3: WASHINGTON WINE REVIEWS.

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Stan The Wine Man

It’s hump day, week two of my 100 Washington wine reviews. In honor of “Hump Day” which is one of my busiest days at the store where I find myself pulled in all directions, I am going to go in several directions with my reviews. In fact, I am going to recognize five different wineries in this segment. Variety is the spice of wine, so here is a little variety for you this Wednesday, August 14, 2013 from my Moleskine.

2010 Seven Falls Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Wahluke Slope, WA) … $15.

Ste. Michelle Winery has a huge umbrella under which sit many Washington wineries…Seven Falls is one of the newest. Wine maker Doug Gore who was head wine maker for Columbia Crest for twenty years is responsible for this new project by Ste Michelle. All his experience shows in this terrific cab.

Notes of currants, black licorice, and brown sugar come through on the nose backed by a meaty element and a little pencil lead. Sweet tannins back notes of black currants, black licorice and tobacco. Seamless on the palate with a backbone of acidity and spice. Expands on the mid-palate through the finish with lingering notes of ripe currants and spice. I think they want this wine in restaurants only, we will see how that goes. (A-)

2008 Le Chateau Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA) … $30.

I tasted this cab and wondered why I have never heard of this winery before. Veteran wine maker Brian Carlson has done and excellent job on this cab.

Aromas of currants and spice with a hit of mint. Back notes of oak and black cherries come through. Rich currant and black cherry notes hit on the front of the palate with a spicy edge and a little vegetation showing up. Leather and tobacco notes show on the mid-palate on sturdy tannins. Finishes with minty currant notes, a little tannic grip and spice notes that linger. This is a good example of a “New World” cab with an “Old World” bend. (A-)

2009 Kestrel Vintners “Falcon Series” Tribute Red (Yakima Valley, WA) … $21.

This is a very interesting blend from Kestrel… 52% Mouvedre, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Sangiovese. Exhibits aromas of black currants with an edge of spice. Notes of licorice, tobacco and blackberries come through on the back-end. Nice intensity on the palate with notes of blackberries and currants showing on smooth tannins. Nice mouthfeel on this wine with some warm spice notes hitting on the mid-palate. Nice beam of minty acidity penetrates from start to finish. A little leather hit on the white pepper, currant and spice driven finish. The best Kestrel wine I’ve tasted in recenvit memory. (B+)

2008 Cote Bonneville Carriage House Red (DuBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley, WA) … $49.

I had a chance to visit Dubrul Vineyards a couple of years ago and meet Hugh Shiels, owner of Dubrul Vineyards and Cote Bonneville Winery. I have to tell you that I was thoroughly impressed with Hugh’s passion for farming grapes and his love of the product of the vine. The wines are a little pricey, but as far as value for the dollars, I have to admit that they are worth every penny. If this were a Napa product, it would be in the hundred-dollar range.

Aromas of red flowers, earth, cassis, cherries and sweet black licorice. Intense currant and dark cherry notes on the front of the palate with a back-drop of leather and licorice. Minerals and spice come through on the long finish of dark fruits. Excellent balance and good structure. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. (A)

2011 Renegade Wine Company Red (Columbia Valley, WA) … $10.

Being the Blue Collar wine guy that I am, I had to finish with a ten-dollar gem. I love what wine maker Trey Busch does. I don’t always like all his wines, but I love his high energy and intent. He hit the nail on the head with this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petite Verdot.

Very interesting nose of liquid vitamins, iron, violets, black licorice and blackberries. Plush blackberry and plum notes on the front of the palate with hits of liquid vitamins (I hope you remember), and iron. There is a little gritty minerality that comes through on the finish. Nice balance, good fruit, and it never gets juicy or flabby on you. For ten bucks, this is a no-brainer and a perfect accompaniment to the back-yard BBQ. (B+)

I hope that was enough variety for you on this “Hump Day” of week two. See you tomorrow with five more. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man

Posted in From My Moleskine To You..., Main | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WEEK 2, DAY 2: WASHINGTON WINE REVEIWS.

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Stan The Wine Man

When someone in the audience asked Rob Griffin what makes one of his wines a reserve, he simply said…”Because I said so.” Everyone laughed of course, but it really highlighted to me Rob’s sense of humor and his humility. When he was asked a question that he did not have an answer to, he acknowledged that he just didn’t know or wasn’t sure.
I know why he designates a wine a reserve, expensive fruit, newer oak treatment and longer time in barrel, and bottle before release. Rob knows this, but why bore the audience with all the little details. As I said before, Rob not only is a wealth of knowledge, he is a good speaker with great timing. He is also good with the grape juice, and after thirty years plus in the business, he is still passionate about what he does. We tasted through some of his Tulip Label reds and reserves, here are my notes.

2010 Barnard Griffin “Tulip Label Merlot (Columbia Valley, WA) … $14.
Aromas of warm spice and cinnamon penetrate on the nose (a little Cinnabon action), along with some green tea , currants and mint. Plush yet structured on the palate (in other words, it wasn’t jammy and flabby), with notes of currants and warm spice. Notes of black licorice and tobacco show on the mid-palate flowing into notes of worn leather, currants and white pepper. There is this interesting beam of fresh mint from start to finish that is barely detectable but there. Excellent balance of fruit, acidity and tannins with a wonderfully plush mouthfeel. This is the second merlot from the ’10 vintage out of Washington State that has really impressed me….This is the best value so far. (A-)

2009 Barnard Griffin Ciel Du Cheval Merlot (Red Mountain, WA) … $40.
From the well-known vineyards of Ciel Du Cheval on Red Mountain (one of my favorite appellations in WA) Rob sourced fruit for this incredible Merlot (oops, did I just let the cat out of the bag?). O.K. , I really like this baby.
Aromas of violets, licorice, baked earth, cassis, plums and blackberries fill the nose in almost a hedonistic fashion. Hyperbole? I don’t think so. There is a lot going on with this Merlot, and it starts on the nose. Chalky, earthy tannins back intense bright notes od cassis, plums and violets with a back-end of tobacco. This baby has a vibrancy and intensity on the palate that expands into the finish with a spicy edge. Notes of red flowers, baked earth and cassis, with a dash of spice lingers for some time. This drinks wonderfully now, but will improve over the next five years. (A)

2010 Barnard Griffin “Tulip Label” Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA) … $14
Aromas of rose pedal, cherries and cedar. Notes of rose pedal, cedar, and tobacco on the front of the palate with a core of currants on structured, approachable tannins. Seamless across the palate with chalky minerals, and a tobacco, spice and currant driven finish that lingers. Like the Tulip Merlot, this is an incredible value. I cannot believe you can get either of these for under fifteen bucks. Crazy! (B+)

2011 Barnard Griffin “Tulip Label” Syrah (Columbia Valley, WA) … $14.
Aromas of smoky blueberries, mint with a hit of char and caramel. Delicate on the palate, with notes of blueberries and currants up front. On the light side, start to finish with notes of smoke and mint on the back-end and lingering char and currant. This is a nice effort by Rob from a very difficult vintage. (C+)

2010 Barnard Griffin Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley, WA) … $30.
Very meaty on the nose, with notes of menthol and blueberries. There is an interesting edge of rose petal, char and caramel that comes through. Sturdy tannins back concentrated notes of blueberries, currants and spice, with a little vanilla/mocha element sneaking in. A nice core of acidity magnifies on the mid-palate, into the meaty finish with notes of mint, currants and blueberries lingering for some time. There is also a nice worn leather component that comes through on the back-end. You could go out and spend sixty-bucks on a good Cote-Rotie from Northern Rhone, or spend half that and get this beauty with the same results. (A-)

If you are searching for great value, top quality wines, look no further than Barnard Griffin. If you want to get your hands on some of the limited reserves, join their wine club, visit their website, or stop by the winery for a visit, because you won’t find them in your local wine shop or grocery store. However, if your local wine shop doesn’t carry the Tulip Label wines, or some of the available reserves, get on their case, so you can get a case (or bottle of course…Just had to say that because it sounded clever.) Cheers! Stan The Wine Man

Posted in Main | Leave a comment