Sick of hearing about Napa? Look two states north to the country’s hottest wine-growing region right now: the state of Washington. Walla Walla and Horse Heaven Hills are just two of the American Viticultural Areas.
This relatively new region – the first winery, Columbia Winery, was established in 1964 but didn’t produce wines under its current name until 1983 – is well off the beaten path, although quickly earning acclaim from wine critics. Actor Kyle Maclachlan partnered with Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla on a wine (he called it Pursued by Bear), bringing some Hollywood-studded glam to this region.
Here are two recommendations – a value-priced wine (from a winery founded in 1982) and a higher-end pick (from a winery founded in 2000).
2008 Buty Winery Rediviva of the Stones (Walla Walla Valley, Washington, $60) demonstrates one of those rare cases where, in my house, the entire bottle is drank in one night. This medium-bodied, silky red wine (79 percent Syrah and 21 precent Cabernet Sauvignon) expresses plum notes and a dash of black pepper on the finish along with oaky layers and a trace of roses. (www.butywinery.com)
2008 Hogue Cellars Red Table Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington, $10) is an excellent food-pairing wine since the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (41 percent), Merlot (38 percent) and Syrah (21 percent) results in a smoky, peppery (with some clove spice) red wine with ripe black-fruit notes that extend to the finish. (www.hoguecellars.com)
EVENT OF THE WEEK
A Saturday night in the ‘burbs was never this much fun! The Friends of Muskego Public Library’s wine-tasting benefit this Saturday kicks off at 7 p.m., lasting until 10 p.m. For a flat fee of $30, you’ll get to taste wines and show your love for literature. Talk about one-stop fun, huh? This is the ninth-annual event and it will feature music as well as food from local restaurants. Get your ticket via an online link on LocalWineEvents.com (reachable through the event’s link above) or by visiting the library during its open hours.
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Oh, you don’t get Ray’s Wine & Spirits’ twice-weekly emails? That’s too bad because it means you’re missing out on deals for wines the world over, from Cali to Champagne. This week’s deal – a bottle of 2010 Artezin Wines Zinfandel (Mendocino County, California) for $11.99, normally $18, and garnering a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year – is but one example. I spoke with Orey Laev, who administers these deals on behalf of Ray’s in Wauwatosa, and he says if you email him at rayswine@rayswine.com he’ll reserve a bottle for you. What’s nice about the email blast deals is this: Someone else is tasting wines for you, procuring only the best for your precious palate.
WINE OF THE WEEK
There are two things you need to know about Rosé wines, which are pale pink in color and served chilled. Truly excellent Rosé wines are a dime a dozen and the most spectacular are often the most expensive (with Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge, pricing out at around $50, the best example). However, there is at least one exception. A bottle of 2011 Chateau de Roulerie Rosé d’Anjou (Anjou, Loire Valley, $12) was recently uncorked by a friend (and I am still telling her merci for doing so in my presence). A blend of Gamay and Grolleau grapes produces a round mouth feel and a slightly sweeter Rose than most, straddling cherry Jolly Ranchers with pure, unabashed fruit. In the glass, it’s a bright pink, adding a cheery note to the table even before it’s touched your lips.
GIVEAWAY
In honor of Wine Notes’ first giveaway … we’re doing another! Want to attend Waterford Wine Company’s “A Celebration in Pink: The Rose (and Loire) Tasting” – for free? It’s this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and would normally cost you $20 to sample 25 different wines. Comment below for a chance to win two tickets (worth $40). We’ll pick the winners tomorrow by noon.
