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Hi Friends,
I attended Taste Washington last night – and thought you might be interested in my favorites wines (or may be not!). Regardless, here goes:
1. Gorman ’07 “The Bully” Cabernet Sauvignon. This was my favorite of the evening. I think Chris Gorman is a genius. He also let me taste his new “Albatross” that will be coming out in December in a very limited allocation. It’s delicious…2. Gramercy Cellars ’07 John Lewis Reserve Syrah. Greg Harrington also said the ’08 Tempranillo is even better than the ’06 (my personal favorite).
3. Barrister “Rough Justice” blend. Barrister is just the best thing that’s ever happened to Spokane. Their ’07 Cab Franc was also great.
4. Amaurice ’06 Tsudakawa blend is brilliant. Plus, I have a total crush on Anna Schafer.
5. Fidelitas ’07 Red Mountain blend. Charlie Hoppes is just a badass. Their Optu is great as well.
6. Spring Valley ‘07 Uriah blend – learned that all the wines are named after family ancestors, which was cool.
7. Walla Walla Vintners “Bello Rosso” is super. They were hiding this bottle, and I was one of the lucky few who got to try it.
8. Pepperbridge ’07 Cabernet – actually ships today for the wine club. Awesome. Jean Francois remembered me from our last trip
9. Sparkman Cellars was the surprise hit of the night. I loved their ’07 Stella Mae blend.
10. Maison Bleue ’08 La Roque Syrah. ...their wines are great!
The runner-ups: Seia ’07 Syrah, Woodward Canyon ’07 Artist Series Cab, Whitman ’05 Cab Sauv, and Col Solare ’07 Red Mountain blend.
Also thought it was interesting that so many wineries are marketing their slice of the Boushey vineyard in Red Mountain – which kind of feels like the new “copper river salmon.”
Enjoy!
Gadget
The Gorman Albatross was definitely in my top three wines at Taste Washington. My biggest surprise was Bainbridge Island Pinot Noir. Washington Pinot doesn't usually impress but this estate Pinot was superb. The Fidelitas Malbec was another fantastic wine.
FYI Part of the vineyard marketing was due to the set up at Taste WA. Large sections were set up to highlight various vineyards.
nice to hear on the gorman. he makes such amazing wines, hard to go wrong. interesting note on the bainbridge island pinot noir - that really surprises me as well. what's the price point on it?
for fidelitas, i'll have to try that - honestly, i haven't had much luck with fidelitas, but it might be because i've been on their lower end price points.
you going to the wine bloggers conference in june? should be a lot of fun. i went last year in napa and we had a great time, with so many good wines.