Washington Wine Month
By Andrew B. Campbell
March is again upon us, and it is time to
celebrate Washington wine!* This is a great opportunity to
explore more than 240 wineries throughout the state, and
participate in many
scheduled events. A challenge in itself, to taste a wine from
each winery this month, the Washington Wine Commission has
presented a sweepstakes for retailers to display Washington wine
so that you can be choosy. Look for the “Washington Wine Month”
banner at your local supermarket.
Here are some of WineSquire’s recommendations for Washington Wine
Month:
Squire Value List
Avery Lane Syrah Columbia Valley 2001 (Washington) $8
The best tasting of the Avery Lane line is by far the Syrah and is a
superb value. It exhibits dark and concentrated blackberry and
currant flavors, mingled with leather and coffee notes. A wine this
good makes you look twice at the price tag!
Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc 2001 (Washington) $15
Medium-bodied, smooth, elegant Cab Franc, with gorgeous blackberry
and plum flavors. Fine texture, good acidity and well-integrated
tannins. Touch of spice on the finish. Another steal!
Mt. Baker Vineyards “Big Red” Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
(Washington) $7
Randy Finley at Mt Baker Vineyards has really hit the mark with some
new pricing strategy. His newly labeled, $6.99 ‘Big Red’ 1999
Cabernet (we call this label the ‘Janet halftime show’) is the best
value cab from Washington, period. He only made a few hundred cases,
so act quickly. Ripe and lush, with a little bit of European style
earthiness. Call it baby Bordeaux from the left bank of the
Nooksack.
Six Prong Red Alder Ridge 2001 (Washington) $12
This wine has intriguing floral aromas of berries. The flavors of
spice, currant, and raspberries are integrated with a tone of sweet
oak. The finish is well rounded with a soft lingering complexity.
This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Cinsault.
Squire Cellar List
Basel Cellars Merriment 2001 (Washington) $50
Finally, the flagship from this fledgling Walla Walla winery has
arrived! Damn, what a wine it is! Elegant, refined and very classy,
this is not your fathers Washington fruit bomb. Spice, leather,
balance and grace are how this wine needs to be described. Well
worth the wait and the 50 bucks to procure. Teeny tiny amounts
allocated outside the winery, so start the search now. It will not
be around long.
DeLille Cellars D2 2001 (Washington) $37
Concentrated plum and blackberry aromas with black pepper and
cassis. Soft tannins and a nice lingering finish.
Mark Ryan Winery “Long Haul” 2000 (Washington) $32
It's about time young man! We have waited a very long time for the
debut wine from this Washington State winemaker. Mark Ryan's Long
Haul is a fantastic example of where Washington winemaking is
heading. Great extraction of color and intense aromatics of dark
berry fruit, cassis, leather and smoke fill the glass. The seductive
nose of this wine is prelude to its magnificent texture and flavors.
Its explosive flavors of black cherry, licorice, vanilla and warm
brown spices glide through the palate. The texture and mouthfeel of
the wine may just be its greatest attribute. The Long Haul offers up
silky tannins and a velvety smooth structure while still maintaining
it's full-bodied appeal. This is quite a wine and a spectacular
first effort from what I would consider Washington State’s hottest
new winery.
Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series 2000
(Washington) $45
Powerful scent of brash berries, cassis and smoky oak. Still young
and relatively tight. Give it some time and enjoy.
Cheers! * March is
one of our two “Washington Wine Months” as declared by the
Washington Wine Commission. The other is August. |
