I had become a real fan of many of the Rhône varieties that had been produced in Washington state, so my dislike of Viognier was confusing. For sure, I had tasted delicious examples of the wine. While judging in Dallas one year, I adored a Texas version of Viognier. I thought it strange that I had this love/hate relationship with a variety that seemed to garner so much … [Read more...] about My long, strange trip with Viognier
The Wine Knows: Wine-related Movies with Industry Intrigue
The dark days of winter tend to inspire doubleheaders at my house — well, more like a matinee followed by a movie night — since it’s neither sunny nor warm enough yet in the Pacific Northwest for me to spend time outside. And while Oscar season is a time to explore new cinematic stories, it also leads me to revisit some of my favorite movies, regardless of their award … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: Wine-related Movies with Industry Intrigue
From Argentina to Washington with Malbec for Juan Muñoz-Oca
Juan Muñoz-Oca, chief winemaker for the growing Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, was practically born with Malbec running through his veins. A native of Argentina’s Mendoza Valley, Muñoz-Oca was introduced to premium wine as a child. Before he turned 10, he knew he was going to be a winemaker when he grew up. The South American country is among the world's leading wine … [Read more...] about From Argentina to Washington with Malbec for Juan Muñoz-Oca
The Wine Knows: L’Ecole N°41 provides unique taste of its 2018 Perigee
A global pandemic turned a top Walla Walla Valley winery’s in-person outreach idea into an educational opportunity for adventurous wine consumers. But first, the back story from the iconic schoolhouse in the tiny town of Lowden. L'Ecole N° 41 can be viewed as a template for a Bordeaux-inspired house in Washington state with signature red blends crafted in an Old World … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: L’Ecole N°41 provides unique taste of its 2018 Perigee
The Wine Knows: Mastering the magical blend of GSM
Among Washington’s best styles of wine is GSM, shorthand for a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. All three of those grapes are traditionally grown in southern France’s Rhône Valley, from a region known as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is part of the greater Cotes du Rhône appellation, much as Red Mountain is a small part of the greater Columbia Valley American Viticultural … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: Mastering the magical blend of GSM