Lummi Island Wine Tasting October 12 ’13
Near Miss
We’ve all seen the movies and the images of The Big One that may be Out There somewhere with our planet’s number on it. We are here at all largely because the Really Big One 66 million years ago dropped by and snuffed out 99% of extant species, giving our tiny mammal ancestors some empty niches to call their own. We feel sad for the dinosaurs, but really, Darwinian creatures that we are, we are primarily concerned about our own survival, as individuals and as a species. I do confess that I might feel somewhat comforted if I knew the whole human race was going extinct if I new that, you know, puppies, flowers, and bees would survive…how about you?
The reason I am bringing this up is because last Friday night at home after wine shop I had the very scary and sobering experience of a brief “TIA,” (transient ischemic attack), aka “mini-stroke.” It only lasted a few seconds, but it definitely got my attention. Having spent most of Friday night in the ER, and most of this week having tests to sort out causes and strategies, I find that my entire perspective on Life, the Universe, and Everything has changed and will likely never be the same. I suspect the same is true for all of us who survive “near misses” of any kind, surviving any life-threatening disease, accident, or catastrophe. I am grateful to be here, grateful for all of you, and grateful for this wonderful life that we share in this beautiful place. At various times this week I have thought, “yes, this is just where I want to be right now.” It’s a good feeling. As an old friend said recently, “we are all lucky ducks!”
Another year, another Lullaby
Many of you were lucky enough to be with us a year ago this past August when our friend and winemaker extraordinaire Virginie Bourgue (at right in photo) came to the wine shop to pour wines from her own winery, Lullaby. We first met Virginie shortly after we opened the wine shop in 2005 when she was the winemaker for Bergevin Lane in Walla Walla, and we always enjoy it when our paths cross. Unfortunately, schedules did not permit her to visit for a tasting this summer. However, I just received a shipment of her current wines, and we will be tasting two of them this weekend. She is a very accomplished French winemaker who has brought with her to Washington the sensibility and skills of letting the grapes become the wines they want to be.
This is one of the primary philosophical differences between Old World and New World styles of winemaking, and one we have been increasingly learning to appreciate in recent years; New World style tends to over-engineer each wine to achieve a particular profile, while Old World style is more oriented toward evoking the unique expression of fruit and vintage that is present in this year’s harvest from this vineyard. For example, many winemakers in America, including Washington, age all or nearly all of their wines in new oak barrels, while European winemakers often use the same barrels over and over, year after year, so the effect of oak on the wine’s development does not mask the unique characteristics (for better or for worse!) of this particular year’s vintage. To some degree I am reflecting on these things because at this moment I am previewing Virginie’s Lullaby Rouge, and finding it very agreeable indeed, and much more reminiscent of favorite wines from France than favorite wines from Washington. So there is a definite Old World stylistic expression in Virginie’s wines that I very much enjoy, and I think you will, too!
Coming next week: Judy, Judy, Judy!
Believe it or not, I have just learned, while researching this paragraph, that Cary Grant never actually said the line, “Judy, Judy, Judy” in a movie. Supposedly that myth was initiated by comedian Larry Storch during a night club act, in the middle of a Grant impersonation, when actress Judy Garland walked in and he ad-libed the line. However, Cary Grant DID (supposedly) say “Susan, Susan, Susan” in Bringing Up Baby (1938) (sorry, could not find a video clip). Even though the line was never said in any of Grant’s movies, Storch’s impression inexplicably stuck and was often used by other impressionists. Who knew?
What is important here is that we are off to France on Monday, and Ryan is off to France on Sunday, leaving neither of us to open the wine shop the next two weekends. However, fear not dear friends, because Judy Arntsen and Judy Olson have volunteered to open the shop for the next two Saturdays during the usual hours, 2-6. PLEASE NOTE THE SHOP WILL NOT BE OPEN THE NEXT TWO FRIDAYS, October 18 and 25, but WILL BE OPEN THE TWO SATURDAYS, October 19 and 26. We are grateful to Judy and Judy for taking on this burden, and it promises to be a lot of fun. We will remind you again about this next week!
This week’s tasting
Famega Vinho Verde ’12 Portugal $8
Refreshing, crisp with a tingly sparkle and notes of tart apple tartness and delicate citrus; pleasant and mellow, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fresh seafood, salads, and mild cheeses.
Lullaby Rosé de Virginie ’12 Washington $18
(67% mourvedre, 33% grenache) Virginie’s version of Provencal rose; light, crisp, delicate, and refreshing, with just the right balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality.
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.
Palama Primitivo ’11 Italy $13
Floral aromatics mix with notes of tobacco, citrus, and wild herbs; ripe, fresh, lush, and bright, with notes of dark anise, cedar, and blackberry confit.
Lullaby Rouge de Virginie Washington $27
A luscious blend of both 2009 and 2010 merlot and cab, with earthy notes of black berries, creamy vanilla, forest floor, and eucalyptus on a voluptuous texture.
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2072 Granger Way
We are, too, thanks!
I’m so glad you’re ok.