The Walla Walla Experience
By Andrew B. Campbell
It’s that time of year again, a time when buds
break to reveal beautiful blossoms, a time when days get warmer
and longer and a time for the Spring Barrel Tasting in Walla
Walla, Washington.
The Spring Barrel Tasting is an annual event held during the
first full weekend of May. This year the event is May 3rd and 4th.
Most wineries participate in sampling some of their latest varieties
from the barrel. It is a great chance to meet your favorite
winemaker and sample his or her latest selections. If you haven’t
gotten your reservations for lodging, check out
www.wwchamber.com/lodging.htm, but book it soon, because most of
the rooms have been taken for this popular weekend.
One of the wineries not to miss is Cougar Crest. It is one
of the many wineries located at the airport on the corner of Beech
and A Street. It is in a great location for either starting your
tasting adventure or ending it. It is a popular spot because all the
wineries located at the airport are within walking distance to each
other.
Owners Deborah and David Hansen have been farmers for over twenty
years. They grew apples, but replaced them gradually with grapes and
they now have over 50 acres. These vineyards now comprise what is
now known as the Cougar Hills Vineyard. This vineyard consists of
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Viognier. Just
recently, for more blending options, the Hansens planted Petit
Verdot and Malbec, traditional blending grapes in Bordeaux.
While we at WineSquire.com have tasted but two of their releases,
they are releasing estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, estate grown
Cabernet Franc and estate grown Viognier during the Spring Barrel
Tasting Weekend. If these are as good as the Syrah and Merlot, then
these wines should be very memorable! Cougars will be very proud.
WineSquire.com Tasting Notes
Cougar Crest Winery Hangertown Select Merlot 2001 Walla Walla
Valley (Washington) $28
All estate grown fruit is used in this well priced, great wine. It
has dark ruby color along with smoke, ripe berry fruit, toasty oak
and a hint of mint. The silky acidity mingles with spice flavors
finishing on a note of currant and berries. It is a very satisfying
wine that is very well integrated.
Cougar Crest Winery Syrah 2001 Walla Walla Valley $28
Spicy and rich, this wine opens with aromas and flavors of
blackberry, tobacco and eucalyptus with bright up front flavors of
fruit. It is big, dark, and intensely concentrated, and with time
the tannic finish well meld nicely. |
