2020 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Saturday!  I have been working on my annual sauce production today, combining 25 pounds of tomatoes, freshly roasted garlic, pancetta, basil, wine and olive oil to make a festive Italian treat for my friends and neighbors.  And as that is simmering, I have time for a glass of wine and dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Helix Petit Verdot, a highlight of a normal blending varietal for Bordeaux, so let's see how this wine is shaping up! 

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, with nice clarity, almost having the look of a Cabernet, but just a bit lighter.  The nose presents aromas of leather, lilac and blackberry, with just a hint of anise over the top.  The first sip is a rush of ripe berry, blackberry, cherry and marionberry that wash over your palate before transitioning to some earthy loam midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a fine example of a single varietal that normally takes a back seat in a blend.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hard cheeses, but would also fare well with burgers, steaks and barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled T-bone, with roasted hatch chilies, and some fresh corn on the cob that was just picked yesterday!  Cheers!

2022 Reininger Syrah

Happy Sunday!  I've been somewhat relaxed today, taking a break before doing a full day of flower planting and yard work tomorrow.  So, to celebrate my doing nothing, I've made a wonderful Sunday dinner and have opened a bottle of 2022 Reininger Syrah.   This wine is a 100% Syrah sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  A gentle swirl of the glass and you're greeted with aromas of rich black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum just dripping with sweetness amid undertones of anise and baking spice.  The first sip is an intriguing rush of ripe black fruit that melts into notes of tea, black licorice and earthy loam midpalate.  The tannins are silky smooth, with bit of acidity on the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant example of the vibrant Syrah that Chuck and his team are producing in the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would be ideal for sipping on the patio in front of a fire, or if you must eat, try this one with some grilled venison, lamb or carne asada.  Tonight, I am enjoying this with my Sunday dinner of rack of lamb with potato puree, red wine reduction and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2022 Accendo Cellars Laurea Napa Valley Red Wine

Happy Sunday!  It's been chilly and rainy all day here, so I did some laundry, had our first rehearsal of tech week, and now I'm ready for Sunday dinner.  As for the wine, tonight I opened a surprise bottle from Wines Till Sold Out, well I guess technically this was a "mystery pack" of deeply discounted, higher end wine.  The 2022 Accendo Cellars Laurea Napa Valley Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (94%) and Petit Verdot (6%) from the Napa Valley, Yountville, Diamond Mountain  and St. Helena AVAs.  Since I love surprises, let's see how this surprising wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a quality Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents a cascade of ripe blueberry and blackberry intermingled with earthy leather, cedar and dusty loam, with just a hint of lavender.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe black fruit that eases into some earthy notes of leather and dusty mineral notes, before swinging back around to some backing spice and a reprise of blackberry.  The tannins are well structured, providing for an elegant, lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an overall, pleasing Cabernet that will stand the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dished, from braised short ribs to hearty wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight I am taking a more traditional approach and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, seasoned with Cowboy crust along with some asparagus with hollandaise and parsley buttered red potatoes.  Cheers!

2019 Reininger Walla Walla Malbec

Happy Saturday!  It's been a crazy weather day today, with cold and freezing rain, but I made it through grocery shopping and am back home for a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been hanging around and ignored with it's siblings from 2020 and 2021.  The 2019 Reininger Walla Walla Malbec is a 100% Malbec sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard (86%) and Stone Valley Vineyard (14%) in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting after a few years in the cellar!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a classic Malbec.  The nose presents aromas of violet, espresso and blackberry, an fresh earthy blend that will have you anxious for a sip.  The first taste is a rush of tart cherry, blackberry and espresso that gives way to some earthy loam and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are expertly structured to provide for the perfect foundation for the smooth, long dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a quintessential example of the promise of Malbec in the capable hands of a Walla Walla winemaker.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, but honestly this wine just begs to be paired with steak, like the gauchos of Argentina.  Well, we're in luck as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared filet mignon, mashed potatoes and gravy and steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2021 Forgeron Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

What an arctic blast we have been experiencing the past couple days!  The low last night was -6 and the high today was barely above zero, so needless to say I have been huddled indoors.  But at least there is good food and wine to take a bit of the chill away and tonight I've opened a bottle of 2021 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet sourced from the Minnick Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bit lighter in body than your typical Cabernet, emblazoned with bright ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents welcoming aromas of leather, toasted oak and warm cherry pie that beckons you to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of ripe blackberry, plum and cherry with a good bit of acidity, which transitions to some earthy notes of dusty loam, vanilla bean and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are youthful but well behaved, providing for a lovely, smooth dry finish with just a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it's a very nicely composed Cabernet that will likely improve a bit with some time in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty winter dishes, from beef stew and braised short ribs, to baked pasta or risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared bison New York Strip, oven roasted white and purple potatoes and steamed green beans almondine.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I spent the afternoon working in the yard and enjoying the sunny, cool weather, and now it's time for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of the inaugural vintage of a new Cabernet from Mark Ryan that was just delivered to me last week.  The 2022 Mark Ryan 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of the humble beginnings of Mark Ryan Winery and the 216 mile trip between Woodinville and the vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Phinney Hill and Quintessence Vineyards of Washington.  So, let's see how this first vintage is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a solid Washington Cabernet.  The nose reveals aromas of tart cherry, green grass and dusty loam.  The first sip is an adventure, with a rush of tart cherry, raspberry and currant that easily transitions to some notes of dark chocolate and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are well structured to provide for a warm dry finish that will have you imagining an afternoon at a wonderful Red Mountain vineyard at harvest time.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant Cabernet at a price under $40.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from barbecue to tacos, hearty pasta to braised lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of a rare grilled T-bone, baked potato and bacon roasted broccolini.  Cheers!

2020 Stags Leap Winery "The Investor" Napa Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's been a busy afternoon of leaf gathering in the yard, and now that I've cleaned up I have time for a nice glass of wine and dinner before heading off to my local community theatre for a performance.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I discovered at a restaurant when I had dinner in Gross Pointe, Michigan a couple of months ago.  The waiter indicated that this wine was not on the list as they received only a few bottles by mistake, and since it was half off bottle night we indulged in a bottle of 2020 Stags Leap Winery "The Investor" Napa Valley Red Wine.  Given my career choices, this wine is perfectly named and contains a blend of Merlot (40%), Petit Syrah (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Malbec (10%) all from the Napa Valley AVA.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is an inky black with a rind of ruby along the edges, perfect for a Bordeaux blend.  Take a whiff and you indulge in an array of black fruit, intermingled with anise and caramel, hints of dusty loam and dark chocolate.  The first sip is a wave of luscious ripe fruit, black cherry, currant and plum that ease into some warm notes of baking spice, white pepper and caramel.  The tannins are playful in the structure, easing you into a velvety, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip forthwith.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fantastic Bordeaux style blend that is somewhat surprising given its origin in Napa.  This wine would pair well with the braised short ribs I enjoyed at that restaurant, steaks, grilled lamb chops or hearty pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a quick and simple dinner of Trader Joe's tomato and burrata ravioli along with some homemade marinara and some new Bolognese mix of ground veal, pork and beef.  Cheers!

2012 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month which means it's Cellar Saturday!  It's time to raid my cellar and find something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened the first bottle in a 2012-2016 vertical I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2012 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (96%) and Petit Verdot (4%) from the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a classic, big Napa Cabernet.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, lavender, eucalyptus and a bit of ripe blackberry.  Take a sip and you are immediately in big Cabernet country, with a rush of black fruit that washes over your palate, blackberry, cherry and plum, that transition easily to some notes of anise, white pepper spice and earthy loam.  The tannins are robust, providing for a velvety mouthfeel and a long, smooth dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's really matured well over the years.  This wine would pair well with a lot of hearty dishes, but like most big Napa Cabs, it would be exceptional with steak.  Tonight I am doing just that and enjoying this wine with a big dry aged prime ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with grilled leeks, oven roasted sweet potatoes, blistered cherry tomatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2020 Mark Ryan Underground Wine Project Idle Hands Red Wine

Happy Sunday!  It's been a long and busy day for me, starting at the crack of dawn as this month I am volunteering to make breakfast for the worship team at church, then it was back home for a full day of yard work.  I trimmed a lot of branches, pulled weeks and then mowed.  By 5:30, I was ready for the end of the work day and now it's time for a nice glass of wine and a hearty dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Mark Ryan Underground Wine Project  Idle Hands Red Wine.  This project started as a venture between Mark Ryan and the folks from Sleight of Hands Cellars, but eventually Mark Ryan bought out the venture to expand distribution.  In any case, particular wine is a blend of Merlot (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Petit Verdot (7%) and Malbec (2%) all from the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the Merlot and Cabernet in the blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather, black cherry, green herbs and hints of graphite.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and cassis that ease effortlessly into some earth notes of peat, dusty loam and graphite.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a velvety dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking blend that is quintessential Washington.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from grilled steaks and chops, to burgers, brats and barbecued ribs.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, grilled hatch chiles, steamed green beans and corn on the cob.  An ideal summer Sunday dinner.  Cheers!

2007 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means this is Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight is a special treat as I had long forgotten I had this wine, the 2007 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a treat as well as this was the last vintage with the old school house label that was the signature of L'Ecole until they updated to a photo of the schoolhouse at the 25th anniversary vintage in 2008.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting now that it's nearly old enough to drive.

I decanted the wine for about an hour before tasting which is always a risk with an older wine, but we'll see whether it was a mistake.  The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with just a hint of amber along the edges.  Take a whiff and you're greeted by aromas of prune, blackberry and cherry, intermingled with floral notes of lilac.  Take a sip and your mind it blown at the rush of tart cherry at the outset, that easily transitions to notes of mocha, dusty loam and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are still firm and well structured, providing for a velvety smooth, dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's drinking marvelously after 16 years, but clearly has a lot of life left in it.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to barbecue or tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus ribeye along with some grilled corn on the cob with elote spice.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been a while since I've had a weekend all to myself, and so this weekend I'm celebrating with some wine and food!  So, tonight I've opened a bottle that came from a recent wine club shipment from one of my favorite wineries, Seven Hills.  I have enjoyed a few bottles already, but here is my blog debut of the 2020 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a classic Walla Walla Cabernet from the McClellan Estate Vineyard, which is adjacent to the Seven Hills Vineyard.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is an inky black at the center, with bright ruby along the edges as you might expect from a classic Cabernet.   A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, anise, and classic dried spice and oak that brings me back to tastings in the barrel room at the winery.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that transition to some earthy notes of tar, pipe tobacco and dusty loam midpalate.  The tannins are perfectly structured to provide a long, smooth dry finish that will leave you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic example of a great Walla Walla Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from rare grilled filet mignon, to hearty pasta dishes to a summer barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a great cowboy ribeye (that I bought at my local market today) grilled Pittsburgh rare, with blistered cherry tomatoes and grilled white asparagus with bacon.  Cheers!

2019 Mark Ryan Numbskull

Happy Wine Wednesday!  This is the second day of my long Christmas vacation as I had 11 vacation days left that I needed to use by year end, so I'm finally catching up on work around the house and blog posts among other things.  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of wine I brought back from my Walla Walla trip last year.  The 2019 Mark Ryan Numbskull is a classic GSM blend of Syrah (53%), Mourvèdre (25%) and Grenache (22%) from the Columbia Valley of Washington.  So, let's see if I picked the right wine for my Wednesday dinner!

The wine is a bright garnet in the glass, exactly as you might expect from such a blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of black cherry, anise, baking spice and a bit of dusty loam.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black cherry that transitions nicely to some earthy mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish with just a kick of spice at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a very pleasant example of what Washington wine makers are doing with Rhone varietals.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from lamb to butter chicken, hearty pasta to prime steaks.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a grilled veal rib chop along with roasted root vegetables and steamed broccoli.  Cheers!

2011 Clarendon Hills Grenache

Happy Cellar Saturday! It's the first Saturday of the month, that wonderful time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making to enjoy.  Tonight I've open a bottle that's older, but hasn't been in my cellar very long, as it was a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold out.  The 2011 Clarendon Hills Grenache is a 100% Grenache from the McLaren Vale region of southern Australia.  Though this region is well known for Syrah, let's see what this fellow Rhone varietal has to offer.

The wine is a bright ruby in the glass, with a hint of amber along the edges.  Take a whiff and you're treated to aromas of strawberry, cherry and blackberry intermingled with earthy notes of peat and dusty loam.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in vibrant berry fruit flavors, with just a hint of sweetness, before transitioning to some wonderful earthy mineral notes and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are robust, providing a solid backbone for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a real testament to the potential for this varietal under extended maturity.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from steaks and chops to barbecue or classis paella.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic pairing of herb crusted rack of lamb, with a wine and berry cardamom reduction and oven roasted rainbow cauliflower.  Cheers!

2018 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  That weekend really went fast, but at least the weather turned somewhat spring like today so I could enjoy a bike ride.  And now I'm ready for a nice bottle of wine and Sunday dinner, which made for an interesting pairing challenge.  Undeterred, I have opened a bottle of 2018 Helix Petit Verdot, a 100% Petit Verdot from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky indigo at the center, with bright ruby along the edges as might be expected from the smaller berries of this varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, dusty loam and a hint of lilac with some undertones of dark chocolate and caramel.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of tart cherry, black currant and raspberry that transitions easily to some earthy notes of dusty loam and green grass midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured to provide a bit of backbone for the long dry finish that lingers to a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an interesting single-varietal wine for what has long been a simple blending grape.  This wine is a classis for some of those harder to pair dishes, like duck or pork tenderloin, or even smoked brisket.  Tonight I am taking a pairing challenge and enjoying this wine with some chicken and vegetables simmered in some Trader Joe's Thai green curry simmer sauce over some steamed jasmine rice.  The fruit and earthy character of this wine is ideal to counter the richness of this dish.  Cheers!

2019 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  Tonight I had some friends over for a wonderful dinner after having spent several hours this afternoon helping with taxes, so it was good to settle down for a nice meal and an equally nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine from a wine club shipment that literally arrived yesterday, so I've opened a bottle of 2019 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon a perennial favorite from the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with the classic look of a high-quality Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, black cherry, with the faintest notes of violet.  Take a sip and your palate is awash with ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum, easily transitioning to some notes of dusty loam and oak midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth and well integrated, providing for a delightful dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just another solid vintage of a great Cabernet from a great producer.  This wine would pair well with the classic steak, but would also do well with some earthy mushroom risotto, or some hearty comfort dishes, like beef stew or even barbecue.  Tonight I've invited some friends over for some grilled prime center cut ribeyes topped with béarnaise sauce and served with cheesy potatoes and some maple bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2017 11*14 'The Definitive' Spring Mountain Cabernet Blend

Well, that weekend went quickly!  I did manage to get some yard work done yesterday when it was sunny and in the mid-70s, but today was just more work.  At least I can sit down to Sunday dinner and enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2017 11*14 'The Definitive' Spring Mountain Cabernet Blend from Napa Valley that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Merlot (16%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Spring Mountain AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the heavy hand of Cabernet in the blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of blackberry, leather and dusty loam that beckon you to take a sip.  And that first sip reveals ample black fruit, blackberry, plum and currant that transitions easily to notes of mocha and hints of cedar midpalate.  The tannins are soft and chalky, providing for a velvety smooth and very dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking Bordeaux style blend from a region known for more single varietal offerings.  This wine would pair well with big steaks, grilled lamb, braised short ribs or even classic tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse with some steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2017 Seven Hills McClellan Vineyard Malbec

Happy Saturday!  I've been running around a bit today doing errands and now I am ready for a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I've been waiting for, and finally picked up in my Grand Rapids office last week.  The 2017 Seven Hills McClellan Vineyard Malbec is a pure Malbec from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a bit of pitch at the center.  A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of blackberry, leather, kirsch and dusty loam that just brings me back to a summer day in Walla Walla.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of black fruit, blackberry, cherry and mulberry that transition easily to some earthy mineral and classic spice notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured providing for a velvety smooth, dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it reaches a perfect crossroads between classic Malbet and bold Cabernet, a wine ideal for a big steak dinner!  This wine would pair well with steaks and chops, but also braised short ribs, lamb chops or venison.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with an uber prime ribeye that is reminiscent of wagyu, grilled rare along with some mashed potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2018 Seven Hills Winery Pepper Bridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's been a busy week, and after a bike ride it's time to open a nice bottle of wine and enjoy a wonderful dinner.  Tonight I've opened a classic Walla Walla Cabernet from one of my favorite wine makers and vineyards.  The 2018 Seven Hills Winery Pepper Bridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a classis Cabernet from a section of the Pepper Bridge Vineyard that exemplifies the best of what Walla Walla Cabernet can be.

The wine is a deep, brooding color at the center, with bright ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl releases aromas of violets, blackberry and cherry intermingled with dusty loam.  Take a sip and you are treated to a rush of ripe fruit as cherry, blackberry and currant cascade to earthy notes of dusty limestone, mint and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are expertly structured to form the base of the long, lush and wonderfully dry finish that will have you asking for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a perennial favorite and a great example of what the Walla Walla Valley and this classic vineyard can produce in a Cabernet.  This wine is easy to sip on it's own, but would also pair well with lamb, classic steaks and chops, as well as hearty fall pasta dishes.  Tonight, inspired by last night's episode of Masterchef with French dishes inspired by Chef Ludo Lefebvre, I am enjoying this wine with a steak frites, a classic French bistro dish of rare New York strip topped with béarnaise and some purple potato fries.  Cheers!

2016 Maison Bleue Voyageur Syrah

Happy Saturday!  It's been a day of intense yard work, as today was hedge trimming day!  I managed to trim all the bushes and hedges in the front yard, and my arms and back will be paying the price tomorrow, and I still need to do the back yard and rake up all the branches!  In any case, I have to clean up for the theater tonight, so I've opened a bottle of 2016 Maison Bleue Voyageur Syrah.  It's been a while since I've had any wines from Maison Bleue, despite the fact that I am a shareholder in the vineyard as they don't ship to Indiana!  But having recently visited Walla Walla, I brought back a case of Maison Bleue and Pambrun wine, so I'm set for a while!  This particular vintage is a 100% Syrah sourced from the Les Collines, Stone Valley and Yellow Jacket Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with great clarity.  A gentle swirl releases aromas of black raspberry, currant and ample mineral notes of graphite and dusty loam.  A sip reveals an unexpected rush of vibrant, sweet fruit, blackberry, currant and plum that dance around your palate before easing into notes of floral notes of violets intermingles with some tobacco and herb notes.  The tannins are supple bringing the finish to a climactic moment that brings you a sigh of easy satisfaction as you reach of another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a pleasant drinking classic Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley, unpretentious and approachable.  This wine would pair well with a variety of challenging dishes, from spiced Moroccan chicken, to green curry to a classic lamb.  Tonight I am enjoying this with a summery dinner of maple sesame wild sockeye along with some chilled pasta salad and sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

2014 Woodward Canyon Barbera

Well, it's been a rainy Saturday, but that's ok, we need the rain as it's been pretty dry here, plus at least it wasn't snow!  At the very least, I am preparing a nice comfort food sort of dinner that will help allay the cold dampness of the day.  And with that dinner, I've opened a bottle of 2014 Woodward Canyon Estate Barbera, a 100% Barbera from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's take a sip and see what it has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with great clarity.  A quick swirl in the glass releases aromas of leather, blackberry and plum, with hints of spice box and toasted oak.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum, with undertones of lavender that transition easily to some earthy notes of loam midpalate.  The tannins are expertly integrated, providing for a delightful base to support the lingering dry finish that beckons you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a great example of a nice Barbera that is a wonderfully casual and food-friendly wine.  I could easily enjoy this wine with great easy comfort food, from pizza and barbecue to hearty stews.  Tonight I am taking a different tack and enjoying this wine with a maple grilled aged Berkshire rib pork chop, along with some steamed Brussels sprouts and farro.  Cheers!