Lummi Island Wine Tasting Memorial Day Weekend ’14 Artists’ Studio Tour
Now showing at the Gallery: Recent works by Mary, Myra, and Pat
They call themselves the “IQ’s,” short for “Island Quilters.” They have been meeting somewhat regularly for many years to support and encourage each other and to exchange ideas. And of course in the process of sharing their work they also share, as friends do, a little food and wine, a bit of gossip, a lot of warmth, and a passion for their craft. Their last show here at the Wine Gallery was even before this blog started in 2009 (sorry, no links to pictures!) and since then two shows at Mindport in Bellingham. Though their styles are individually very different, they share a common craft with uncommon skill and expression. This is a great show, so be sure not to miss it! (click on photos to enlarge)
Second Reminder: stock up for June!
As we have told our visitors for many years, we are open most of the year Fridays 4-7 and Saturdays 2-6. Or any time for Wine Emergencies! That is to say, we do what we can to help you avoid that most forlorn, most pitiable, most inhospitable– let’s face it, most-devoutly-to-be-eschewed situation of…I shudder to imagine it…running out of wine! Although modern Science has generally established that the Universe is not exactly Friendly to the fragile, obscure, and ephemeral beings like us that periodically bloom here and there in its Vast Bosom, neither is it actively Hostile. On the other hand, there is no particular evidence that it is inclined to Suffer Fools with any particular patience or affection either, so we humans will always have that to worry about.
So this is your Second Warning: The wine shop will be closed the weekends of June 7 and June 14! Not for regular hours, and not for Wine Emergencies! And while it is true that various sorts of Artisan Wine Substitutes will sell themselves to you in your dark hour of need, could you ever look yourself in the eye after such degeneration? Of course not! Therefore, we hope you will plan ahead and stock up the cellar. This is probably a good time to remind you that we pay sales tax on any mixed-case purchase…nearly a 10% discount! So stock up!
Small Vineyards Special Tasting!
It’s now almost a Tradition here at the Wine Gallery– if it’s Studio Tour, we must have Tristan here pouring some of the delicious and breathtakingly under-priced Spanish and French wines he has brought into the Small Vineyards portfolio in the last several years. Long-time Gallery supporters will also associate the name “Small Vineyards” with high-value yet low-priced Italian wines we have been carrying for many years, and Tristan has expanded their portfolio to Spain and France. These are always great tastings because Tristan knows each of the winemakers personally and has a story to tell about each wine. Surprisingly, I do not seem to have a photo of him in my files, so I posted this one from his Facebook page with his fiancee, Emily (wedding is coming up soon on July 27th!).
It is very likely that a few more wines might be poured than are on the list below, and it is also very likely that (see paragraph above!) you will be able to use this opportunity to stock up for the coming two-week wine drought here on the Island!
This week’s tasting
Pech Celeyran 5th Generation White ’12 France $12
A fresh, food-friendly Languedoc blend of Bourbolenc, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne from the La Clape appelation, high on a hill between Narbonne and the Mediterranean. Great with rich seafood, pork, or even Thai food.
Pech Celeyran Ombline Rouge ’12 France $10
Nose of black fruits; flavorful mouth that calls for a second glass, especially with barbecue sausages and spicy meats.
Cepas de Zorro ’10 Spain $10
100% Monastrell from chalk and clay soils; a powerfully authentic wine with aromas of plum preserves, Partagás cigar ash, soy, and sage blossom; a fantastic match for Manchego cheese, Marcona Almonds, and olives.
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Finca el Tesso Tempranillo ’10 Spain $10
From clay and limestone soil in western Spain at 600 meters above sea level, providing cool nights and an unusually long growing season, where the wines develop a rich, alluring complexity.
Altavins Tinto Joven ’11 Spain $11
Mouth and sense-filling blend of garnacha, syrah, and carinena, full of ripe dark fruit and berry flavors from Terra Alta’s hot days and cool nights close to Tarragona and the Mediterranean.
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2072 Granger Way