PASCO, Wash. — Washington state's 2013 vintage is in the early stages, yet already it is giving the wine industry a wild ride. In early April, grape growers across the Columbia Valley were reporting early bud break - when tiny leaves emerge from buds formed the prior year. Now, Great Northwest Wine has heard of at least one example of bloom taking place in Washington - a … [Read more...] about Washington vineyards setting up for warm 2013 vintage
Archives for May 2013
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2010 Elton Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $45
For many years, winemakers have loved the fruit they've gotten from Elton vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Planted in 1983, it is owned by Dick and Betty O'Brien and considered one of the state's top vineyards. A few years ago, Willamette Valley Vineyards CEO Jim Bernau managed to lease the vineyard and now has access to all of its grapes. This is a superb bottling that shows … [Read more...] about Willamette Valley Vineyards 2010 Elton Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $45
Dusted Valley Vintners 2010 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $42
The Dusted Valley boys blended in a touch of Merlot and Petit Verdot to round out this superb example of Malbec, showing once again that the red Bordeaux variety continues to have a bright future in Washington. This opens with aroma of dense purple fruit, boysenberry jam and chocolate. It has an intense entry on the palate with flavors of crushed walnut, fresh pomegranate and … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2010 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $42
Farm Boy 2010 Bunk House Red, Columbia Valley, $16
Winemaker Robert Smasne has put together a delicious and affordable red blend under this second label that pays tribute to his experiences growing up in a Yakima Valley farming family. This includes Tempranillo, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourédrè, and it opens with aromas of plum, bacon, blackberry and blueberry. On the palate, it gives way to ripe flavors of … [Read more...] about Farm Boy 2010 Bunk House Red, Columbia Valley, $16
Fly fishing catches on at Waterbrook Winery in Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Precept Wine continues to expand its presence on store shelves with consumer-friendly pricing, but it's also increasing a local presence at several of its wineries with unusual family events such as Waterbrook Winery's upcoming Fly Fishing Fair. On Sunday, Sawtooth Winery in Nampa, Idaho, played host to its 24th annual Mother's Day Wine Tasting. It's … [Read more...] about Fly fishing catches on at Waterbrook Winery in Walla Walla