Lummi Island Wine Tasting November 9 ’13
Hooray, we ARE open this Friday!
Here we are up to our knees in November, and finally we are shining our Friday night ray of light into the “I don’t think we’re saving daylight anymore, Toto” Gloom that has gathered around us since setting the clocks back last weekend. We will be open for our familiar Friday night hours of 4-7pm. We are hopeful Janice will bring the latest loaf of wood-fired bread to share, and maybe we will even turn on the fireplace to keep you warm and string our winter lights to guide your way in and out.
Autumn Studio Tour
Winter Studio Tour is a different animal from Spring and Summer studio tours. Most obviously, it certainly isn’t summer anymore, which can make for attendance obstacles. Not too many years ago, winter studio tour was the first weekend in December. However, in those days (they may come again, depending on El Niño/la Niña) it was common to get a Nor’easter in early December (or even late November), which could mean sub-freezing temperatures, high winds, and maybe even snow. There were some studio tours where absolutely No One came out, the weather was that nasty!
So it was a good idea to move the tour to the second weekend in November. I personally think it would also be a good idea to make it Saturday only, since attendance is often sparse on Sunday, but hey, maybe I am just lazy. For this tour we are continuing our show from Labor Day, adding some new works by Ryan Wildstar and Pam Miller. One or both of them will be in the shop both days from 10 till 1 to talk with you about their work, and we will be in from 1-6pm for our regular wine tasting (notes below, as usual!).
Momix to remember
As it turns out, both our birthdays fall within a week in late October/early November. We often talk about a joint celebration, but rarely actually do it. Well, this year we celebrated with dinner at Giuseppe’s (never disappointing) and tickets to the Momix dance production at Mt. Baker Theater. Momix is a small (5 men and 5 women), very creative and innovative dance troupe. They stretch the concept of choreography in lots of directions to include amazing lighting, costumes, and props reminiscent of Cirque de Soleil. Often you are not quite sure what you are looking at as the dancers seamlessly weave you into their illusions. The accompanying video gives you a taste. Bravo! see video in larger view
Were the Piccolominis really Meanies??
When we visited Italy several years ago we did a post about the 100-year-old church at St. Antimo, where a group of priests still say Mass every morning complete with beautiful Gregorian chant and huge clouds of incense, both of which hang like spirits in the morning sunlight that pours in above the altar. A short distance from the old cathedral we visited the winery at Ciacci Piccolomini, famous for its Brunello (it is Montalcino, after all), but also for many other wines. In addition, of course, the vineyard lands have been in the family since the 13th Century. The Piccolominis were a powerful family engaged in a centuries-long struggle for power against the other great Houses, including the Medici, and went through various periods of exile and triumph. The family included soldiers, prelates, literary men, and two popes—Enea Silvio, who became Pius II (1458–64), and his nephew Francesco, who was Pius III (1503).
This weekend we will pour their “Ateo,” a blend of cab and merlot (what, no sangiovese???) that has plenty of character, from a winery that has a LOT of history. Come check it out!
This week’s wines
Veramonte “la Gloria” sauvignon blanc ’11 Chile $9
Light straw and saline notes lead to a refreshing core of gooseberry, citrus and chive flavors.
Casarena ’505′ Malbec ’10 Chile $12
Dark red. Musky berries, tobacco and spices on the nose and palate, with nuances of gunpowder and pepper. Finishes smooth and persistent, with building tannins. Terrific value.
Borsao Garnacha ’12 Spain $9
Inky purple. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, blackberry and bitter cherry are brightened by peppery spices. Concentrated and velvety in texture, with good finishing breadth and cling. An outstanding value.
Ciacci Piccolomini Ateo ’09 Italy $14
Juicy cab-merlot blend that shows excellent up-front intensity, with notes of freshly cut flowers and mint that give the dark berry fruit an attractive sense of lift.
Lost River Western Red ’10 Washington $17
Lovely blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc; dark fruits on the nose, smooth and rich in the mouth, enjoy with rich sauces or all by itself.
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