Lummi Island Wine Tasting June 18 ’11

Posted at June 16, 2011

Seattle, a Tasting Menu

Here’s a link to yet another NY Times food article featuring our neighbors at the Willows Inn. This one talks up the Seattle food scene as a context for what’s going on at the Willows: fresh, local, creative. Few, however, are as dedicated to those three pillars as Willows chef Blaine Wetzel, who continues to pull in people from all over for the local food experience here on Lummi Island. (see pictures)

(new world!)

Wine Tasting Classes with Ryan Wildstar
The first two Sunday afternoon classes have been a huge hit! The next class is June 19 and will focus on comparing Old World and New World wines: California chardonnay vs. white Burgundy, California pinot noir vs. red Burgundy, and Australian Shiraz vs. southern Rhone. We have one or two spots open, so call now 758.2959. The next class will be July 10 ( I think we are skipping the 3rd..?), and will pair wines with art, music, and poetry. I have NO idea what that is going to look like, but I am Totally looking forward to it!

I kinda lost track of orders and spending the last week or two, so we have a Ton of wine, way more than we have room to display. All you need to know is that we are a virtual Tsunami of good stuff to drink at the moment, so be sure to come on by this weekend. We have the regular tasting on Saturday, French class at noon on Sunday (mais ouI, avec M. Ryan!) followed by the Old World/New World tasting class at 2.

Feedback was mixed last week about the ‘new layout.’ I suppose really it’s not that big a deal, but it is a struggle between aesthetics and function to move out the bistro table we have had in the front end the last couple of years. As usual on Thursday nights while I am doing this blog, Pat is out with the weekly mah jong game, which rotates among the group. Tonight they are in the wine shop, but alas, the bistro table is out on the deck wondering what will become of it in the unfolding remodel. Being a long-time hoarder of anything that might come in handy sometime, I have some challenges letting go of this table, which has added elements of comfort, function, and visual interest to the shop. I find myself reluctant to give up pleasing ambience for any sort of commercial pragmatism. The new challenge is to improve circulation without having our little space losing any of its warmth and charm. The goal is to make it even better (yah, like that’s even POSSIBLE…!)

New Theo’s chocolate shipment!
We have a new shipment of Theo’s chocolate bars (to tide you over between periodicTruffle Occasions), and there are a couple of new flavors that are completely Irresistible: milk chocolate with salted almonds and dark chocolate with toasted coconut…MMMMmmmmmm!

they have no idea Ryan’s light box (by his left ear) is recording their every move…!

Craig and Kelly, with high hopes for their Canucks in the Stanley Cup playoff…kinda reminds you of those dear, sweet, Chicago Cubs fans…”against all odds our team could, you know, conceivably prevail every million years or so,,,”

This week’s tasting:

Perazzeta Sara Rosado di Montalcino ’10     Italy     $12
From the same grape as Brunello (sangiovese grosso), this beautiful rose has it all: rich, bold, flinty, and summery. Only one case, this won’t last long!

La Coterie Cotes du Rhone  ’10   (organic)     France      $10
Dark velvety purple black in colour to rim. Very young. Very primary aromas, Floral scents, blue berry fruit, hints of smoke and garrigue with a sprinkle of liqorice. Nice flow in the mouth, youthful exuberance, slightly jammy with a touch of cocoa. Has a very good heartiness with gives promise for the future.

Waterbrook Reserve Merlot 07 Washington $20 WS92pts
Ripe, pure, focused and beguiling for its balance, offering blueberry, raspberry and plum fruit at the core, layered with hints of red pepper, clove and peach fuzz as the finish extends extraordinarily well.

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva ’02    Italy       $20
Got a few of these on a closeout, no rating available for this vintage. Opened a bottle, but it was seriously corked…even at that it was so good I drank a fair amount. This usually sells for $45, come see what you think!

Wine Tasting

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