PROSSER, Wash. - Ste. Michelle Wine Estates announced this morning that it will move production of Snoqualmie Vineyards to Columbia Crest in Paterson and will rechristen the Prosser location as the tasting room for 14 Hands Vineyards. "The location is perfect for 14 Hands," said Erin Shane, spokeswoman for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in Woodinville. She said Snoqualmie … [Read more...] about 14 Hands to get tasting room in Prosser; Snoqualmie moves to Columbia Crest
Archives for February 2013
Charting Washington wine’s big four grapes
When the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual snapshot of the Washington wine grape harvest Friday, a few interesting statistics stood out. Most prominent was how the top four grapes in the state stand apart from all the rest and now are nearly even in production. The big four Washington wine grapes are: Chardonnay (36,900 tons) Riesling (36,700 … [Read more...] about Charting Washington wine’s big four grapes
House Wine 2010 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! This creation of Walla Walla's Charles Smith that now is marketed and distributed by Precept Wines in Seattle continues to be a crowd favorite for its distinctively simple labels, straightforward and approachable flavors and price. This Chardonnay opens with a perfumy and floral nose that includes notes of lemon, pineapple, banana, lychee and a something that reminds … [Read more...] about House Wine 2010 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Pleasant Hill Cellars 2008 Donatella, Columbia Valley, $26
Owner/winemaker Larry Lindvig produces tiny amounts of wine at his operation in the Cascade foothills town of Carnation, Wash. This is a blend that leads with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It opens with delicious and enticing aromas of roasted Kona coffee, plum, cherry, coconut and dark chocolate. On … [Read more...] about Pleasant Hill Cellars 2008 Donatella, Columbia Valley, $26
Erath 2010 Reserve La Nuit Magique Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $65
The name of this superpremium Pinot Noir from one of Oregon's pioneer wineries translates to "The Magic Night," which Erath winemaker Gary Horner describes as "the defining moment when one falls in love with Pinot Noir." Horner puts a great deal of effort into this wine, selecting the top barrels each vintage for this blend. He used grapes from three vineyards, with more than … [Read more...] about Erath 2010 Reserve La Nuit Magique Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $65