Lummi Island Wine Tasting November 23 ’13 Pre-Thanksgiving
Holiday Bubbles
We don’t usually do much to promote sparkling wines here at the shop, though we do try to keep a little bubbly on hand, generally more affordable Italian prosecco or Spanish cava. However, recent circumstances have unfolded such that at the moment we just happen to have an interesting array of bubbles on hand, just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday. See tasting notes below. Supply is very limited on the French imports, but we can take orders if you find something you like. Or, if there is a special bottle out there you would like us to order for you, let us know and we will do our best to track it down for you!
Women in Politics
Sure, elections around the country a few weeks ago were for the most part pretty small potatoes. But one regional winner that really got our attention is Occupy activist and economics professor Kshama Sawant, who was recently elected to the Seattle City Council. Of particular interest is the fact that she ran — and won– as a Socialist candidate! And since the term “socialism” is rarely discussed seriously in the media, except when broadly applied by the Far Right as a generic put-down of any course heading even a single degree to port of Hard Starboard, it is a noteworthy accomplishment. In recent years mainstream corporate interests have taken control of both major political parties, neither of which is willing to address the major issues facing our planet: social and economic justice, climate change, sustainability, and peace. For more on this new political face in our region, watch a short video and read this excellent interview.
Along similar lines, check out Bill Moyers’ recent interview with Jill Stein (2012 Green Party candidate for President– yes, I did vote for her) and Margaret Flowers, full-time advocate for a single payer health care system at both the state and national levels. Both women are MD’s who spent many years in private practice before becoming convinced that they could do more good for more people by shifting their focus to politics. They are both members of the Green Shadow Cabinet, an organization of nearly 100 prominent scientists, community and labor leaders, physicians, cultural workers, veterans, and more, that provides an ongoing opposition and alternative voice to the dysfunctional government in Washington D.C.
Finally, there is a lot of ongoing chatter about Elizabeth Warren as a Presidential candidate in 2016. Warren, a freshman senator from Massachusetts, is a well-known progressive with a national following. She, too, is committed to social and economic justice, and has become a champion of the people against Wall Street power.
In summary, there is something encouraging going on with the traction progressive women have been getting in American politics recently, at all levels of government. Stay tuned, this could get even more interesting…!
Who is Dick Taylor and why should you care?
In late September we spent the day at the Northwest Chocolate Festival at the Seattle Convention Center. Here were two floors devoted to chocolate makers and their wares (I’m not making this up!) As many of you know, we have carried an array of Theo’s chocolate products for many years. Theo’s was well represented at the Festival, and we also discovered a number of other chocolatiers that made a favorable impression. Chief among those was a small artisan chocolate company called Dick Taylor, located in Arcata, California. It turns out there is no “Dick Taylor”, but there are two guys named Adam Dick & Dustin Taylor, who have also made music and wooden boats, and who now make some really great chocolate bars. Delicious and beautifully packaged, these single-source confections made an excellent impression. We have ordered some samples to share with you this weekend so you can preorder for the holidays.
This week’s tasting
Argyle Brut sparkling wine Oregon WA90pts $23
Not only does this little Oregon winery make great pinot noir, it also has earned a reputation for producing terrific Old World style sparkling wine. This blend of chardonnay and pinot noir displays a bouquet of brioche, pear, apple, and white peach. Crisp, balanced, and lengthy, it’s an outstanding value.
Deutz classic $36
Light yellow. Toasty lees, poached pear and lemon rind on the pungent nose. Offers an array of sappy citrus and orchard fruit flavors and becomes spicier with air. The lemon and lees notes come back on the broad, clear finish
Pierre Moncuit Hugues de Coulmet Blanc de Blancs Brut $38.
Light gold. Spicy, floral-accented aromas of lemon and green apple, with a hint of toasty lees in the background. Juicy and precise, offering focused orchard fruit flavors and a jolt of bitter citrus pith. Finishes tangy and long, with lingering spiciness and a suggestion of ginger.
San Martino Prosecco Italy $11
Pale straw yellow in colour, aromatic and elegant nose (unusual in prosecco), with notes of apple and banana; pleasantly full and harmonious on the palate.
Vilarnau Cava Brut Spain $14
Well-balanced and light-bodied, this cava features lively acidity and an appealing mix of pear, star fruit, Meyer lemon and smoke flavors, ending with a creamy finish.
Tarima monastrell ’12 Spain $10
100% Monastrell sourced from 25-35 year old vines and raised in stainless steel with lees stirring. Medium crimson-colored, the nose reveals fragrant blueberries and underbrush. Firm on the palate with plenty of savory fruit.
Buglioni Valpolicella Classico ’10 Italy $12
Refined, feminine personality. Sweet red berries, flowers and spices linger on the high-toned, refreshing finish.
Familongue “Le Carignan” ’08 France $12
From 75 year old vines in gravelly soil, this carignan has brambly dark fruit, a soft palate, and great depth of flavor.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
2072 Granger Way