|
Biography |
|
|
Home > People
> Eric Awes |
|
|
Eric Awes
Wine Steward
|
|
|
Eric has been in the wine industry for 31 years--starting in
retail, and has worked as a distributor salesperson and regional
sales manager for three major wineries and wine broker
representing wineries and importers from around the world.
Currently, Eric is the full time wine steward at the QFC in Gig
Harbor. Eric was transferred to
Washington in 1985 and has first hand knowledge of and experience
with the growth of our State's wine industry from within.
From the knowledge of working in all three aspects of the
"Three Tier System" (retail, wholesale, supplier) Eric brings to
his position a wealth of information of what his customers would
like and how to present wines of value and pleasure in every price
range.
|
|
|
|
Personal
Picks |
|
|
Willakenzie Pinot Blanc 2005 (Oregon) $22
100% estate grown with only 6 acres planted, has produced one
outstanding white wine to consume now! Fermented in stainless
steel tanks and using no oak produces bright fruit aromas and
flavors with zesty citrus tones and crisp acidity. This Pinot
Blanc puts many Oregon Pinot Blanc to shame with its more classy
finish and flavor!
|
|
|
Ethos Syrah 2004 (Washington) $24
Beautiful deep red color and thick legs, which coats the inside
of the glass. Rich aromas of peper, spice and blackberries.
Heavy body helps carry a nice lingering aftertaste with medium
amounts of oak not dominating the flavor. Well balanced and can
age up to five more years.
|
|
|
Columbia Winery “Otis Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
(Washington) $27
The oldest Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted
in 1957 by Otis Harlan and discovered by now retired winemaker &
Master of Wine David Lake. Very much in the “Bordeaux” style
(fruit-acid balance), excellent aroma and beautiful flavor with
structure and backbone. Made to last!! 82% Cabernet
Sauvignon/18% Merlot.
|
|
|
Clayhouse Adobe Red 2005 (California) $15
From a California Central Coast winery that has blended 44%
Zinfandel, 29% Syrah, 19% Petite Sirah and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
into a very nice red wine blend! Loads of fruit in the aroma and
medium heavy flavor of rich Zinfandel without the tannins makes
for a very enjoyable wine with a winter pot roast.
|
|
|
Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (New Zealand) $30
What a wine!! This is a Sauvignon Blanc on steroids in terms of
body, aroma and flavor. Harvested at night and pressed into
French oak barrels, allowed to go through ML and held in oak
over twelve months; the winery has made a real winner! Aromas of
mango-pineapple with medium oak produced a flavor of flint and
sage. Reminds me of the Sterling 1969 Sauvignon Blanc by Ric
Forman.
|
|
|
Guenoc Chardonnay “Lake County” 2005 (California) $15
A fine example of what can be produced at Lake County in white
wine. At 14.5% the wine doesn’t seen burned in the flavor or
after-taste. Nice golden color and medium to heavy taste with
the oak positioned not over-the-top. Match with lobster and a
white cream sauce.
|
|
|
Grande Ronde Cabernet Sauvignon “Pepperbridge Vineyard” 2002
(Washington) $32
Can you believe a wine from Pepperbridge Vineyard is less than
$50 and with some age to it! Wonderful red color and coats the
inside of the glass. Wonderful flavor of cherry, blackberry and
oak with moderate tannin. A very nice wine to drink in 2007!
|
|
|
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Washington) $22
A Gold medal winner at the 2006 Central Washington State Fair
Wine judging that really deserved it! Purple edges with a plum
and chocolate aroma (nice oak) but not over-the-top. Medium
tannin with good after-flavors that suggest more bottle-aging
that will improve the aromas and flavors (about another two
years). A very nice effort by the vineyard and winemaking team
of Ste. Michelle. There is sediment which means you may want to
then decant the wine.
|
|
|
Calera Chardonnay Central Coast 2005 (California) $18
A very nice effort. The 2004 vintage of this wine was first
place in a major national newspaper, and this vintage is every
bit as good! Nice golden color, medium body and acids which hold
the flavor together. The oak aging is just perfect (you can
taste it and Chardonnay). 36% Monterey County, 48% Santa Clara
County and 16% San Benito County.
|
|
|
Beringer Pinot Noir "Third Century" 2005 (California) $16
The parent company of Beringer (Fosters) is now covering all price
point (and doing it well) with this wine! Excellent deep red color
and body that coats the inside of the glass. California Pinot Noir
aromas of truffles and mother earth combine with a wonderful
mouth-feel of rich Pinot Noir flavors. Tasted blind; one may say
this wine is priced much higher.
|
|
|
Eyrie Vineyard Pinot Noir “Willamette Valley” 2002 (Oregon) $28
The direct opposite of the 2005 Beringer in that it's produced
more in a "French Burgundy" style of Pinot Noir. Color: ruby red
with a tinge of brown around the edges. Aroma: lighter aroma of
alcohol and the nose of a non-California Pinot Noir (not the heavy
sunshine and oak). Very balanced flavor of fruit, alcohol, tannin
and PH which (in my opinion) will make this wine standout in it's
older age!
|
|
|
Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc “Lake County" 2005 (California) $12
The pure Sauvignon Blanc aroma from Lake County where both Guenoc
and Buena Vista Wineries source award winnng grapes from. Straw
gold in color and the aroma of Kiwi fruit or hay/grass that has
just been cut. Nice acid level that doesn't over power the
varietal flavor of grapefruit and no oak flavor to hid the true
flavor of Sauvignon Blanc. Very nice summer time wine for grilled
chicken and seafood salads.
|
|
|
Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon "Oakville" 2002 (California)
$40
Nice red garnet color. The aroma and flavor don't reveal the 14.5%
alchol as is intented by the winery. Balance is the "key" in
Mondavi red wines where the norm today is to produce a "fruit
bomb" where you taste only heavy oak and alcohol. The aroma picks
up the soil (dust) of Oakville (just as it does in Rutherford) and
the flavor speaks of Bordeaux in a good year. Enjoy it now
(suggest decanting) or watch it improve over the next seven years
both in taste and aroma/bouquet. Especially the bouquet!
|
|
|
Fleur Pinot Noir “Carneros” 2000 (California) $16
The label & name came from "Carneros Creek Winery" which sold
early this year and the new owners are now free to search for the
best varietal from any wine region in California and this wine
happens to come from their "home turf". Very nice color of
cherries (light color) and good varietal aroma after fifteen
minutes of breathing. Medium body and Pinot Noir flavor that would
match skirt steak or Salmon during the summer and fall.
|
|
|
Kenwood Pinot Noir Russian "Olivet Vineyards" 2000 (California)
$17
If all Pinot Noir could be like this then winemakers could take
longer vacations! Wonderful ruby red color, and aromas of plum and
berries that jump out of the glass. Add the flavors of a mature
Pinot Noir with bottle age and it doesn't get any better. A great
match to go with grilled salmon in olive oil, herbs and spices.
|
|
|
Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc “To Kalon” Vineyard 2001 (California)
$34
From the famous vineyards that also grow Mondavi Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon, this has an average grapevine age of over twenty-five
years. From this age the wine shows its "class" in body, aroma and
flavor. Like no other Sauvignon Blanc produced in the United
States; it's more like a white Bordeaux that uses the same blend
of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon. Rich flavors of tropical fruit and
the mineral (soil) inter-mix along with flavors that just keep on
coming.
|
|
|
Nelm’s Road Columbia Valley Merlot 2003 (Washington) $25
What a super tasting local Merlot! Thick body coats the inside of
the glass and the purple-young color suggest good aging. Then you
get the aroma of nice Bing cherry and the flavor of a "classic"
Merlot that has up-front fruit and medium tannins for aging. The
second label of Woodward Canyon Winery can be most wineries
"first" label at half the price.
|
|
|
Sauvignon Republic Cellars Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2004
(California) $12
One usually thinks of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from this region but
who cares with this wonderful Sauvignon Blanc. Very light
yellow-straw color and that typical wet hay-grass aroma of the
grape. Medium body, high acid and a tart after-taste that begs for
seafood and cream sauces. Tasted the second day and was just as
good if not better.
|
|
|
Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon “Marques de Casa Concha” 2003
(Chile) $16
After Concha Y Toro went through its "rebirth" as a modern-day
winery in the early 1990's, this wine has always been at the front
of new vintages reviewed from Chile. The wine is a mix of new
world winemaking and old world grape growing in that the tannins
and acids never over-power the fruit which makes for a long aging
and high quality wine. Nice deep red color, good young aromas and
flavor needing two more years bottle age. A real winner and will
improve with age.
|
|
|
Trefethen Red “Double T” 2002 (California) $25
A blend of the five Bordeaux grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot) from the
estate-family owned vineyards planted in the 1970's! Enjoy the
deep young color, heavy aroma of a perfect vintage and the rich
flavor and medium tannin that make for a perfect red wine blend.
From a winery often over-looked that is making a turn around and
should be enjoyed for what they are now producing.
|
|
|
Tintara Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale 2002 (Australia) $21
Here is one very deep purple color wine! Heavy body and aroma of
mint and earth. This wine needs two more years bottle age but has
it all to improve very much. From the best region in Australia to
produce Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich flavors and medium tannin make
for a nice wine now and great wine in two years.
|
|
|
Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Argentina) $13
Produced in Argentina by Arutio Montes of winemaking fame in
Chile. Both this Cabernet and his Malbec from this project offer
good amounts of varietal fruit, deep colors and long lingering
after taste. A wine to enjoy now and for two more years before it
reaches it's peak enjoyment.
|
|
|
Altos Las Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda 2003 (Argentina)
$7
So what is the red grape "Bonarda" to taste like? Well from my
description I would think it's a "cousin" of the Malbec grape.
Simple because of the very ink red color and medium tannins that
are in balance with the fruit make this wine a real "Buy" for the
money.
|
|
|
Villa Mt. Eden Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard 2003
(California) $20
I wrote about the 2001 vintage two years ago and this current
vintage is a better wine than the 2001! On top of an upscale
re-designed label, the Chardonnay shows a deep golden straw color
and thick legs that coat the inside of my wine glass. Good acid
balanced with a rich flavor that suggests true "Central Coast"
Chardonnay style. Taste against a $30.00 Napa Chardonnay and this
one will be the winner every time.
|
|
|
Bleasdale " Mulberry Tree" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Australia)
$15
A very well developed Cabernet from a family owned winery showing
wonderful purple color and rich aromas of mint and liquorice.
Excellent flavors of older vine Cabernet Sauvignon yet elegant
with fine tannins and oak. This wine will only get better with at
least five years cellaring.
|
|
|
Meridian Reserve Pinot Noir Santa Barbara 2002 (California) $16
The rich aroma of Pinot Noir (mushrooms) that is very much in this
regions’ Pinot Noir aroma. Darker than usual red color suggest
ripe grapes but the alcohol of 14.2% is still very balanced for a
big wine such as this. Soft, smooth and that "silky" flavor from
the Central Coast makes this wine a real joy to taste.
|
|
|
Bookwalter Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (Washington)
$22
What a treat to smell and taste a Washington state red wine that
has bottle age to it! Still a nice red color (no brown edges) with
cherry and tobacco aroma and no signs of the wine starting to
fade! Perfect balance of fruit & acid without being a "fruit bomb"
wine of today’s market.
|
|
|
Wrongo Dongo 2003 (Spain) $9
From the Jumilla Wine District in Spain, this is produced from
100% Modreff grapes. Showing it's youthful color and rich aroma
the wine is just perfect to drink now. Yet there is a background
of tannin telling me this wine will improve with another year of
age! It's the type of red wine now being produced in Spain that
proves that with modern wine growing & winemaking knowledge, there
is a great supply of wine coming from Spain at very reasonable
prices.
|
|
|
Chateau Larose-Trintaudon 1999 (France) $13
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot & Cabernet Franc in the
blend, Larose-Trintaudon 1999 is somewhat tannic and closed in
when young (very young color) but with bottle age becomes more
fragrant and drinkable. This is the case with this vintage as the
Chateau has a large vineyard but year in-and year-out produces a
very "Bordeaux" like red wine at a very affordable price! (It
taste like a Bordeaux should) even at this un-heard of price!
|
|
|
Two Hands Angel's Share McLaren Vale Shiraz 2003 (Australia)
$23
At 15% alcohol by volume you would think this wine will bite your
head off but that doesn't happen! It's so well balanced between
the acid and flavor one would think they are drinking a
five-year-old wine. Very deep purple color and coating the inside
of the glass (heavy body) with an aroma of "pepper" that is very
much Shiraz. This is a great example of Australian Shiraz in
today's market.
|
|
|
Kiwi White Table Wine 2003 (New Zealand) $10
With nothing on the label as to what the grapes are one would
think "Sauvignon Blanc" since New Zealand is so famous for that
grape variety. But looking at the golden hue color and then the
aroma I would suggest large amounts of Chardonnay as the majority
grape in this bottle. After tasting the rich flavor of oak and
heavy tropical flavors all I can say is indeed "Chardonnay" What a
great wine for $10!! It has it all: deep golden color and a rich
aroma and flavor that last and last and last.
|
|
|
Kiwi Red Table Wine 2003 (New Zealand) $10
As like the Kiwi White above; one would think "New Zealand Pinot
Noir" as the grape of choice in this blend. That is what I though
when I first tasted but with breathing time I also picked up
Merlot or that Cherry aroma and taste. Whatever grapes they used
this wine also is of high quality for the price. It has it all;
color, body, rich aroma and flow through with nice flavors of New
Zealand.
|
|
|
Three Rivers Red 2001 (Washington) $13
40% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon & 29% Cabernet Franc grown in
the Columbia Valley from this Walla Walla Valley winery. Aged for
twelve months gives this wine a solf and smooth flavor that makes
you want to have another glass to enjoy. A nice wine at a decent
price from a region that has gotten out-of-control with it's
pricing in today’s world.
|
|
|
Origin Napa Sauvignon Blanc "Gamble Vineyards" 2002
(California) $20
Produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes at 14.1% Alc that are so rich
and full-bodied you would think the Alc is about 12.5%! This wine
reminds me of the 1969 Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc that
Rick Forman produced for their first vintage that had that same
"Bordeaux" aroma & flavor that very few other American producers
have created. The wine coats the inside of the glass and the aroma
and flavor are one of pure "classic" Sauvignon Blanc. A great
wine.
|
|
|
Patrick M. Paul Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
(Washington) $27
A deep red color that coats the inside of the glass without
showing any "legs" that indicates a very heavy bodied wine. Well
balanced between acid and varietal flavor with just a hint of the
"dust" of the Walla Walla Valley vineyards used to produced this
wine. I like this wine for its over all balance of flavor, acid
and regional character that should show in wines of this price
from this area of Washington State.
|
|
|
MacMurray Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2001 (California) $25
Great balance between flavor, aroma and acid. Rich and supple and
balanced by flavors of ripe, dark cherry and raspberry. Excellent
color, medium body and long after taste. Will improve with 2-3
years of bottle age.
|
|
|
Rutherford Hill Merlot Napa Valley 2001 (California) $18
Very deep red color that carries over to the deep rich Merlot
aroma of ripe fruit and outstanding flavor and aftertaste. Taste
that lingers on and on.... it’s nice to go back to "an old friend"
that had been overlooked for much too long. Try it blind tasted
side-by-side with any Napa Valley Merlot in the $40 price range
and you will see why I wrote about this wine.
|
|
|
Killerman's Run Shiraz 2001 (Australia) $16
I like this Shiraz because it's balanced with the right amount of
fruit, oak and acid in the background. The typical deep red-purple
color of Shiraz that suggest a "fruit bomb" that does not carry
through on the taste; but one of complete balance between varietal
flavor and having something there for next year. The French &
American oak used in this wine has clearly made the wine one to
drink now and put into your cellar also.
|
|
|
Buchli Station Pinot Noir 2002 (California) $12
Cellared and bottled by Bouchaine Vineyards, Napa California
(Carneros Region). A new second label by this winery that "hits"
square on the price point versus quality that we are all looking
for now. Taste like much of this Pinot Noir fruit comes from
either the Carneros Region where the winery is located or other
cool climate Pinot Noir growing regions of California, and is a
juicy wine with just the right structure, acid, and light tannins
to keep everything in balance. A very interesting Pinot Noir and
Bouchaine also produces the counter-part Chardonnay that is just
as good for the money!
|
|
|
Gra Eagle Red Wing Walla Walla Valley 2001 (Washington) $22
52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon from Nicholas Cole Cellars.
The wine has a nice young red color and the aroma reminds me of
Bordeaux with its earth tones in the nose. It has medium body and
excellent as a food wine (which many of the "new" Washington
wineries can't say).
|
|
|
Castle Rock "Russian River Valley" Pinot Noir 2000 (California)
$11
What a winner of a California Pinot Noir! Deep red young color,
rich Pinot Noir varietal flavor and a long velvety after taste
make for a complete wine. Aged nine months in French oak has made
a supple, full-bodied wine ready to drink now or age and improve
for another two years.
|
|
|
Villa Mt. Eden "Bien Nacido" Chardonnay 2001 (California) $20
From one of the most famous California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
vineyards located in Santa Barbara County. Yellow straw color
suggesting a youthful wine that carries over to the flavor. Nice
sharp acid in the flavor cuts through any heavy oak that other
California Chardonnay show today. This has excellent balance in
the flavor and fruit even with a 14.5% Alcohol showing on the
label.
|
|
|
Boroli Dolcetto D' Alba 2001 (Italy) $21
Purchase at least six bottles for your cellar, as you will be
rewarded twice over after only one more year of bottle age! Purple
color and a young aroma not ready to come out but still there in
the background. Then you get to the flavor… still a baby that
needs time but with big fruit that only needs a little more bottle
time to reward the person who can wait.
|
|
|
Avery Lane Columbia Valley Red Blend NV (Washington) $8
A non-vintage red wine blend 'VINTED" in Sunnyside, WA (ie; Used
Washington Hills Winery). Soft, smooth flavor and aroma makes for
interesting tasting wine. Low in tannin but interesting taste make
for an easy drinking experience. Deep red color would indicate
some young wine in the blend as also comes through in the aroma.
|
|
|
Clay Station Shiraz 2002 (California) $10
The appellation is Lodi, California which is just south of
Sacramento and directly west of the San Francisco Bay area that
allows cool afternoon winds to lower night temperatures in the
Lodi area which help grape vines grow their fruit slower and more
even. Nice purple color with an aroma of sweet cherries and
chocolate. The aftertaste lingers and reminds me of a true
Australian Shiraz in both the aroma and flavor. Drink now.
|
|
|
Fort Walla Walla Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Washington)
$30
The Walla Walla Region has had an explosion of new wineries
turning out very good to great wines the last five years. This
winery has produced a wonderful wine that you can drink now, won't
cause you to go into debt and show the true varietal aroma and
flavor of this region. It is showing nice dark red colors with a
"dust" & blueberry flavor that lingers on the plate. We are so
blessed with the right climate to produce wines such as this one!
|
|
|
Erath Vineyards 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir Yamhill County (Oregon)
$21
It's so nice to drink Oregon Pinot Noir that doesn't break the
bank, is ready to drink and really taste like Oregon Pinot Noir
should! Nice light red color with medium body that lingers in the
mouth. The aroma of strawberry and leather are not too
over-powering. From one of "The boys Up North" that helped
establish the Oregon Wine Industry in the 1970's. Read the book by
Paul Pintarich that really gives great background history on Dick
Erath.
|
|
|
Chalone Vineyards Chardonnay Estate 2001 (California) $35
If you like mountain grown Chardonnay from California that needs
bottle age and will improve from it; then this wine is for you.
The aroma and flavor remind me of a young, rich flavored White
Burgundy that is "crying" for bottle age. Similar to its brother
(Chalone Pinot Blanc) but more smokey (oak) in the aroma, this
wine is for serious wine collectors.
|
|
|
J. Bookwalter Lot 15 Red Wine (Washington) $15
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3%
Syrah. Nice deep red color and aroma which isn't the same
Washington State smell I get from our states red wines. Good
medium body and acids make the flavor unique. Perhaps it comes
from aging only in French oak as the back label said that makes
this red wine so interesting and nice to drink. No aging required
with this beauty.
|
|
|
David Bruce Petite Syrah Central Coast 2001 (California) $18
From the very dark purple color and heavy aroma, you would think
this Petite Syrah should bite your head off! Luckly that didn't
happen. Using a blend of Paso Robles and Monterey County grapes
has soften this wine early so it can be enjoyed now. Just a hint
of oak makes for a joy to smell and with at least two hours of
breathing (decanting) you will be rewarded. (The second night the
aroma was still there).
|
|
|
Annie's Lane Shiraz "Clare Valley" 2001 (Australia) $15
When I think of Australian Shiraz the term "fruit bomb" comes to
mind first. It's a wine so young all I smell is a very strong
grape aroma with nothing else and usually a deep purple color. I
am glad to say this wine shows me much more character in the aroma
and flavor! Not the usual "pepper" nose but one of berries and
complex smells that add much to this wine with more bottle age.
Considering that we now are looking at red vintages from Australia
from 2002 and whites from 2003; this Shiraz shows quality
winemaking skills and will benefit from further aging.
|
|
|
King Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (Oregon) $10
Did you say “1996”? How can that be? Sounds like the winery was
sitting on a whole bunch of wine and suddenly said we had better
do something with this vintage fast. So they offered it to their
Seattle distributor and here we are. Good color, medium body, and
nice after taste. Remarkable wine in that it’s not showing that
much age for being from the 1996 vintage! Was first offered at the
release price of over $20!
|
|
|
Talomas 2000 (California) $15
The first release the joint venture of Robert Mondavi and
Rosemount Estate. This is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Syrah
blended by Ian Shepherd; winemaker of Rosemount. This red wine
shows remarkable seminaries of an Australian wine even thought
produced in and from California grape stock. Nice deep purple
color, heavy body and that “tar” nose of Syrah. Rich flavor and
after-taste that lingers.
|
|
|
Mark West Pinot Noir Edna Valley 2001(California) $13
From a winery that is no longer in business from the Russian River
Valley of Sonoma County. The grapes were sourced from Edna Valley
just south of San Luis Obispo, California. Nice deep cherry-red
color with medium body. Silky Pinot Noir taste with lingering
flavors of blueberries and oak. This is the direct result of the
large supply of quality grapes now on the open market.
|
|
|
Firestone Vineyards Johannisburg Riesling 2001 (California) $9
Tasting this wine blind I would guess a German Riesling in the $15
price range. Clean, fresh, great acid balancing the natural sugar
level makes this Riesling a perfect spring-summer time wine.
Firestone Rieslings have been made in this style from the first
vintage (1975) and it’s great to see that the quality has been
refined to an even higher level.
|
|
|
Bradford Mountain Zinfandel “Grist Vineyard” 2000 (California)
$23
Even thought it said “Dry Creek Valley” on the front label, the
back label indicates it’s from Grist Mountain and you sure can
tell by the first smell and taste. This ain’t no valley floor weak
Zinfandel but rather a intense aroma of rich Zinfandel smells and
a very deep rich red color. The flavors are dense (young) and
still tight which will allow for at least one to two more year of
bottle age. Suggest you decant and allow one hour of breathing
time before you plow into this wine!
|
|
|
Goats do Roam 2001 (South Africa) $11
A blend of Grenache, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cinsault and Carignan. A
cute take- off on “Cote-du-Rhone from France using mostly the same
grapes from the Rhone Valley in addition to Pinotage being native
to South Africa. Very deep red color, excellent fruity aroma and a
dry after taste (not a fruit bomb) that goes nice with food. A
good example of the “new” South African way of making wine.
|
|
|
Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2001 (Chile) $16
Nice Merlot, smooth flavor and excellent body and fruit to age and
improve over the next two years. Plum & cherry aromas aged for
fourteen months has given this Merlot much character. Another
great example of the “new” generation winemakers in Chile
producing outstanding wines and values.
|
|
|
Shale Ridge Chardonnay 2001 (California) $7
The second label of Lockwood Winery that has over 900 acres of
vines. When I can retail a very nice Chardonnay for $6.99 that
isn’t weak in body, flavor, aroma and after taste I know that I
have a WINNER!! Nice aromas of pineapple and medium oak that carry
over to the taste. You know you are drinking Chardonnay with this
wine…and at an outstanding price!
|
|
|
J. Lohr Monterey Valdiguie 2001 (California) $12
Oh, your mean Gamay, right? No, not according to the B.A.T.F which
said what has been selling all these years is really the varietal
“Valdiguie” and not Gamay, so change the name or stop making the
wine. Real credit goes to Jerry Lohr for still making a
beautifully, plump, juicy, grapy rich flavored Valdiguie instead
of stopping production of this excellent wine with a funny name.
|
|
|
Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 (Chile) $14
Sourced from the wineries prime “Puente Alto” Vineyards that went
previously into the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. What makes this
Cabernet so good is that for the price it has everything that
warrants more cellar time to make it even better than it is now.
This wine is more European than California in its make-up. Watch
the aroma and flavors open up with one hour breathing time
decanted.
|
|
|
King Estate Pinot Gris 2001 (Oregon) $19
What a nice wine matched with Dover Sole or Cornish Game Hen with
a light sauce. Medium acid and good background fruit (flavor)
gives this Pinot Gris the backbone to go with many foods. The
aroma opens up with breathing time and letting the wine warm up to
just under room temperature.
|
|
|
Chalone Estate Pinot Blanc 2000 (California) $27
Oh yea! Tasting this wine blind (not knowing the brand or
varietal) you could guess a $30 French White Burgundy (Chardonnay)
no problem. Deep yellow color, heavy body (14.3%) that coats the
inside of the glass and flavors of almonds and the soil of that
area (Chalone Bench Gavilan Mts, Monterey County). No wonder a
good Pinot Blanc such as this can be called “ a poor man’s
Chardonnay.”
|
|
|
Yalumba Viognier 2002 (Australia) $11
There was a time (1995) when Viognier retailed for $20 that was
not that good. How times have changed. It’s so nice to drink a
white wine that’s not Chardonnay with dinner that has a lingering,
rich aftertaste and isn’t over-oaked. With an aroma of honeysuckle
and pears this wine pairs nicely with chicken, pork or pan-fried
sole in a rich cream sauce. A real treat!
|
|
|
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley "Apalta
Estate" 1999 (Chile) $17
Deep ruby red color, very rich aroma of black currant and oak,
medium tannin, outstanding flavor with great aging potential. Much
better than most Cabernet Sauvignon's in this price range.
|
|
|
Byron Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 2000 (California) $22
A wonderful tasting Chardonnay that does not over do the oak
aging. Light yellow color and medium body that high lights the
grape flavor of Santa Maria area. Byron didn't go over board on
the oak so the nice crisp acids add to the rich Chardonnay
flavors.
|
|
|
Graffigna Syrah 1999 (Argentina) $12
When most Syrah/Sirah varietal wines in today's Seattle market
show too much purple color and aromas of a "fruit-bomb" with no
complex flavor or aroma, Graffigna Syrah is a welcome alternative.
Nice deep red color and body that coats the inside o the glass
showing very few "legs". This Syrah is drinkable now but can
benefit with up to three more years of aging.
|
|
|
Rosemount Shiraz-Cabernet 2002 (Australia) $8
Ready to drink, rich deep red color and flavor of Shiraz (70%) &
(30%) Cabernet. Young wine that begs to be drank now! Short term
aging of one year but for the price; why not just enjoy it now.
|
|
|
Villa Mt. Eden Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Grand Reserve
2000 (California) $29
Another stunning Chardonnay release from this vineyard. This is an
excellent example of California Central Coast Chardonnay that can
take oak aging but still retains the natural acidity of the
region. 13.5% by volume (you won't know it), balanced favor and
medium yellow color that coats the inside of your glass. An
excellent value at this price. |
|
|
|
|
