Lummi Island Wine Tasting August 27 ’11

Posted at August 25, 2011

To begin with, we are doing a bit of a, what do they call it, a “makeover” in the wine shop. We mentioned several weeks ago that we were making a few changes that we hoped would improve traffic flow and make the limited space work better for all of us. Step one was moving the “Best Buys” rack, which gets most of the action, away from the tasting area. That seems to have worked quite well.

The second part of the plan has taken a little time to implement. That is, our local woodworking guru, Tom Lutz (who supervised the development of our whole space, from walls to cabinets to our bar (a Happy Place!) has installed lovely window-tables along our front wall. We have moved out the wine racks along that wall to make room for you to sit, sip, and enjoy the view. We also think the extra floor space will make it easier to move around the shop to browse all the displays. Below are Ryan and Mary Jane showing us how it works! (you can click on the picture for a larger image!). And for more information on Tom Lutz’s work,  see his website . Yes, he IS available to make your woodworking Dreams come true!

On the local scene, our weather continues to be lovely (despite a couple of days of laid-back summer rains), and also it is the time of year when our local Historic Reefnet Fishery is in operation right out in front of us out in Legoe Bay. A couple of mornings ago I looked out to this eerie view, in which the early morning sun was shining on Legoe Bay and the reefnetters, while we and Orcas Island across the channel remained in shadow. The effect was so startling I took a photo, which may give some idea of the interesting light contrasts…it was quite arresting. (click on the picture for a larger image!)

Last week’s wines were great, although I did make a last minute substitution from the blog posted selection. Because it was actually HOT (we deployed our portable air conditioner for the first time in two years!…I’m not making this up!), I postponed our tasting of the Dynasty Cellars Zin from our neighbors across Haro Strait until a cooler day, and added a rosé, making the whole array lighter. This summer we have developed a definite taste for the Provencal style of rosé (light and dry) and have gone through cases and cases of several labels because it is so delightfully refreshing on a summer afternoon or evening. So look for the Dynasty Zin tasting on our next cool and gray weekend. This weekend we will again be starting with a rosé and a white, followed by a couple of economical and tasty reds.

Last week’s Argyle Brut sparkling wine from Oregon obviously touched a cordial nerve, because we sold out in short order. We will look for more if anyone missed the boat…call or drop a note. And as occasionally happens, the Atalaya ’08, which was nice but a little disappointing six months ago compared to the ’07, had evolved to be showing magnificently, so we are cleaned out. The Three Trees Cougoumeilles also struck a nerve, yet again showing that “89pts” is a magical wine rating score…not flashy enough for 90. not ordinary enough for 88, and usually priced to sell. My friends, a toast to the 89-point wines, the poor person’s ‘perfect wines!”

This week’s wines :

Delille Doyenne Rose ’10    Washington      $20
Bright and refreshing, a zinger of a dry. Provencal-style rosé that brims with guava, rhubarb and tea flavors, finishing with creamy texture balanced with the zip of acidity. Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre.

Stephen Vincent Chardonnay 09 California $10
A terrific value, the 2008 Chardonnay offers attractive melony, buttery citrus, and tropical fruit characteristics as well as a hint of minerality. Elegant, fresh, and medium-bodied, it tastes far better than its humble price suggests.

Chateau D’Oupia “Les Heretiques”  ’09     France          $10
Made in Minervois from Carignan and syrah with native wild yeast; delivers aromas and flavors of dried herbs and pressed ripe blackberry; fruit-rich, hedonistic, and a great buy. (see video review)

Langmeil Three Gardens SMG ’09      Australia        $16
Rich, silky-smooth and round, delivering a generous wave of red berry, cherry, spice and licorice that plays out through a long, harmonious finish. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Wine Tasting

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