Lummi Island Wine Tasting May 17 ’14
note: Click on the Title to go to the online version
Wide open spaces
We are back from a week on the road. After a few days in Walla Walla we meandered west through the Columbia Gorge, giving the word “Gorge-ous” an entirely new meaning. Certainly the time of year with its cooler temperatures and glorious green expanses of spring wheat add an unexpected freshness to the experience.
And then there are the windmills…I mean, look at this, Don Quixote would love it!
Load up for June!
Let’s face it, June is going to be complicated. To the left of the photo is a curious triangular peak, which turns out to be the “Pic” in Pic St. Loup, some distance to the west in this photo. It gets more defined and formidable…and beautiful…as you get closer. (link) There is a depth and a sort of metaphysical groundedness in the wines from this place that I have often found particularly intriguing. Regulars will have recently tasted a lovely rosé from this region two weeks ago, so you know what I mean.
The complication is that in mid-June we are going to be there, and not here. The further complication is that Ryan will be there too, and that means that the wine shop will be closed for the first two weekends in June (6-7 and 13-14)! Following logically from that is that, OMD, what are you going to do for the inevitable Wine Emergencies that will surely come up while the shop is closed??!! It is clearly a deeply disturbing prospect! Our suggestion is that you Plan Ahead and buy the several cases you are likely to need to get you through the two-week Wine Drought. And let us remind you we offer a 15% discount on all case purchases! In other words, Load Up now and avoid the Heartbreak of an Empty Wine Rack!
“Julia’s Dazzle” Rosé
One of the many highlights of our recent trip was a visit in Salem with long time friends Kier and David, who have spent part of the summer here in the Island for many years, and who, incidentally, are dedicated rosé fans, largely responsible for the “Rosé Shrine” display we feature at the top of the stairs from now through the summer. Of course we had many wines to share, including this delightfully over-packaged Washington rosé with quite an interesting story.
Apparently, although the wine has been produced for nearly a decade, this is the first time it has been made available commercially by Washington wine magnate Allen Shoup, former CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle and founder of the Long Shadows winery group (in which famous winemakers from around the world make their signature style of wines using Washington grapes). These are all stylish, well-made, and well-packaged wines, many of which have been lingering in our cellar for some years. From their first releases (several years ago) I have been impressed with the quality and elegance of this entire group of wines, and so we have built up an inventory over the years. Unfortunately, they proved a little pricey for our market, and they languish. So maybe it’s time to pull them out of the cellar, dust them off, and do a special tasting sometime this summer. Stay tuned!
This week’s tasting notes
Julia’s Dazzle Rose ’13 Washington $15
98% pinot gris, 2% sangiovese; bright, eye-catching orange-strawberry color, aromas of strawberry and orange peel, sweet fruit flavors, and clean, sharp acidity and a light and refreshing finish.
Terra d’Oro Zinfandel ’11 California $14
Vibrant aromas of clove and big, generous fruit lead to concentrated flavors of juicy plums and blackberries,all with a good dose of toasted oak.
Renegade Red ’12 Washington
Blend of mostly Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Cab Franc; shows lots of red and black fruits, scents of loamy minerality, and fine grained tannins that are matched with balanced acidity.
Eric Texier Cotes du Rhone ’11 France $15
Bright ruby-red. Lively aromas of cherry, lavender and white pepper with a delicate floral component. Silky, seamless, and plump in the mouth, with sweet, ripe red fruit flavors, a solid spine of acidity, and supple tannins.
Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes ’12 Argentina $14
Highly perfumed aromas of lemon drop, white flowers, peppermint and white pepper. Supple, pliant and easygoing, with citrus, herbal and floral flavors joined by a hint of licorice.
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2072 Granger Way