lummi island wine tasting march 11, ’16
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Sunday Concert Series March 20!
From time to time over the years conversation reveals that a wine shop visitor is a musician, who happens to have instruments in the car, and who can be persuaded to play for whoever is present. Through this process we have learned that the shop has very nice acoustic qualities. Indeed, as many of you know, the acoustic qualities are so good that once there are more than a dozen people in the shop talking at once the noise level makes conversation difficult. And we have a standing offer to musicians: play a twenty-minute set, and your wine tasting is on us!
A year or two ago in this fashion we met singer-songwriter Robert Sarazin Blake, who not only played some of his songs for us; he also was persuaded to restring my old guitar, which I still haven’t played in many years, even with new strings calling softly, “come on, no commitments, just hold me for a little while…!”
Robert has visited several times since then, and recently offered to do a little concert in the wine shop. He has just returned from several gigs in Europe, and will be performing at the wine shop on Sunday, March 20 from 5-7 pm. Suggested donation is $15 per person plus regular wine tasting fee. Since as you know space is very limited, reservations are required…call or email if you would like to attend. While it may be premature to call this a “Series,” we are excited about the idea and look forward to more concerts in the future.
Listen to some of Robert’s songs here.
Friday Breads (email us to get on the preorder mailing list! )
Flax seed & Currant Ciabatta – This rustic bread is made with bread flour and a mix of freshly milled whole wheat and whole rye. Part of the flour is fermented overnight in a poolish before making the dough the next day. Then a healthy amount of flax seeds and currants are added which make for some great flavor. This type of bread is known as high hydration as there is a lot of water in it which makes for a very slack dough that cannot really be shaped, so it is simply cut into pieces. Each piece is about the same size – $5/piece.
Poolish Ale Bread- Ferments a portion of the flour overnight using ale in the pre-ferment before mixing with bread flour and freshly milled whole wheat. It makes a great all around bread – $5/loaf.
And, for a bit of sweetness…
Bear Claws! These delightful pastries made their debut in January to rave reviews. They are made with a modified danish pastry dough that is full of butter, eggs, and cream, then rolled out and filled with almond paste and topped with a delicious honey glaze- because what else would bears want on their claws! 2/$5.
Showdown at the Neoliberal Corral
The first thing you need to know about “neo-liberal” is that it is the philosophy of Adam Smith, Ronald Reagan, and most politicians, both Democrats and Republicans. It is the supposed Rationale behind the idea that laissez-faire economic policy will, like an Invisible Hand, optimally guide the allocation of resources and the distribution of benefits and costs. “Optimally” here means, technically speaking, “better than any alternative allocation of resources which has been distorted by interfering public policy.”
Sounds impressive, huh? As it turns out, this idea has been the subject of two centuries of economic and philosophical discussion. The upshot of that discussion is that, yes, under a very restrictive set of assumptions about perfect information, perfect markets, perfect initial conditions, and so on, a price system acts as a signalling device about allocation of resources to their highest valued goods and services, and as a rationing device to put those goods and services in the hands of those who most value them.
Unfortunately, there is a Very Long List of reasons (28 at last count) why real markets aren’t anything like theoretical markets, why real people aren’t anything like theoretical consumers or producers, and why government, which makes all the rules, is at root a set of political institutions that is used by the Powerful to influence economic outcomes in their favor.
Fast forward to the current Presidential Campaign Season, and we see that All the Republican candidates espouse this Neoliberal philosophy, arguing endlessly over who is more like Ronald Reagan. But the Truth is that, although we didn’t realize it at the time, Bill Clinton was also a Neoliberal, who led us down the path of Welfare Reform, Nafta, WTO, repeal of Glass-Steagall, and so on. The “W” administration doubled down on Neoliberalism with Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, and the Obama administration has doubled down on Neoliberalism with a long list of pro-Wall Street policies.
I think what is evoking this Rant at the moment is that the Great Field of Not-so-Presidential Candidates are (almost) All drinking the Kool-Aid of Neoliberalism, despite the fact that it is destroying the American Middle Class, American Democracy, the European Union, the Middle East, the Global Climate, and possibly even All Life on Earth..!?
This week’s wine tasting
Treana White ’13 Washington $16
Assertive aromas of poached pear, peach, honey, chamomile and vanilla. Fleshy and broad with deep orchard and pit fruit flavors braced by zesty acidity and a gingery nuance.
Alta Vins Tinto Joven ‘13 Spain $11
60% Garnacha, 30% Syrah, 10% Carinena; Brilliant garnet color; bright and fresh with notes of red currant, balsamic, and rose water.
Bocelli Sangiovese Italy $14
Bright,, lush, and appealing; deliciously ripe and smoky, with notes of marasca cherry, granite, and rhubarb compote. Finish is long and dry, with admirable acidity that makes the palate taut and pleasing
Les Pious Cotes de Rhone Grenache ’11 France $14
Smooth and rich, with notes of plum and caraway; grown biodynamically and aged in cement tanks…nice!
Lost River Massif ’12 Washington $27
80% Malbec, 20% Cab Sauv; a big, dark red wine with dense but supple tannins, a deep mid-palate of blackberry flavors, and a long, satisfying finish.
lummi island wine tasting march 4, ’16
https://www.weekendbakery.com/posts/more-artisan-bread-baking-tips-poolish-biga/(note: some photos will enlarge when clicked)
Friday Breads (email us to get on the preorder mailing list! )
Cinnamon Raisin – This rustic loaf is made with bread flour and 25% freshly milled whole wheat and rolled oats, cinnamon, and honey for sweetness. Lots of raisins are added which really takes this loaf up a notch. Makes fabulous toast and maybe even better french toast – $5/loaf.
Buckwheat Walnut & Honey – Takes a portion of the buckwheat and bread flours and ferments them overnight in a “poolish.” The next day the rest of the flours are added along with toasted walnuts and some honey to balance the earthiness of the buckwheat. This is a great artisan bread – $5/loaf.
And on the sweet side…
Brioche Tart au Sucre – A delicious rich, buttery, and egg filled brioche dough is rolled into a round tart base, topped with more eggs, cream, butter and Demerara sugar. These are soooooo good. Get your orders in early as they go fast and I can only make a limited number 2/$5.
Anciano
As many of you know, we are not fans of Market Hype, so we don’t know yet what to make of these wines. The outfit is called “Anciano,” located in Spain’s La Mancha wine region (it gets Very Hot), and it has adopted an interesting schtick of producing a number of different tempranillo wines based on their ageing pattern. There is a 3-yr., a 5-yr, two 7-yr, and a 10-yr. The longer it is aged, the higher the price. In general, more age brings more character, and the taster is presented with a very straightforward economic problem, trading off the increases in price against the increases in the perception of quality.In our case, we opted for the 5-yr “Riserva,” because the increase in quality over the 3-yr was well worth the improvement. Our impression was that for the other wines in the series the price increased a bit faster than the quality. And since we know that all of you make similar tradeoffs, we decided to stock this one and put it before you for your impressions.
You heard it here First, Folks
The World has watched in Hypnotic Horror over the last several months as the Fall Release of Donald Trump 2.0 has continually upstaged the latest releases from the other Campaign Machines. At this point it is impossible to say if that is because he has such Great Appeal, or if the Others have So Little. Either way, none of the contenders left standing as we go to press (Trump, Cruz, Rubio, and Kasich) is acceptable to both the Far, Far, Far, Far Right and the Far. Far, Far Right that now dominate the Republican Party. At present a dank and steamy Fog is starting to rise from the Oxygen-starved Fen that gave rise to these Creatures of Darkness, and it appears that none of them can actually pass for Human amid the General Electorate.
Therefore, for some many months now, we have been predicting that the Dark Lords behind the scenes are conspiring and casting Spells over boiling cauldrons to rid their Party of this smarmy army of egomaniacal Poseurs, and to replace them with One of Their Own through Nefarious Means. There is already precedent for their compromise candidate, so no one should be surprised when it happens. As the sage has said, “To judge the direction of the wind, it is enough to see a single blade of grass…”
This week’s wine tasting
Anne Amie Amrita White ’14 Oregon $14
Palate-tickling blend of pinot blanc, viognier, and riesling; aromas of quince, Rainier cherry, and lemon; palate of strawberry, raspberry, and nectarine; good match for Asian spices.
Anciano 5-Yr Tempranillo Riserva ’08 Spain $11
Aromas of damp earth, mocha, tobacco, and black cherry. On the palate it is sweetly fruited, easy-going, and nicely balanced leading to a seamless, fruity finish.
Portteus Bistro Red ’13 Washington $10
54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. A food friendly wine with delicate yet elegant mouthfeel. Notes of blackberry, pomegranate, cocoa, honey and licorice, with a creamy finish.
Podere Ciona Montegrossoli ’13 Italy $14
Merlot from a hilltop vineyard in Chianti Classico, showing bright red fruit, subtle smoky notes, and a full-bodied, lush, feminine style.
Vina Pedrosa Ribera Del Duero Crianza ’10 Spain $31
Deep ruby. Spicy, focused dark berry, cherry, licorice and pipe tobacco aromas and sappy, penetrating blackberry and bitter cherry flavors, youthful tannins and lingering finish.
lummi island wine tasting feb 26 ’16
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We’re Back!
Hopefully just in time for Spring…already a few daffodils blooming out front, the occasional frog chirp (some call it a “peep”), a bit of forsythia, and green tendrils on the Indian plums. Still looking for more tree blossoms and lots more sunshine, but hey…at midday the warmth is glorious!
We had a nice time away in our little trailer, very enjoyable despite lots of El Nino-driven rain in Oregon and California. It’s good to be home, and looking forward to seeing all of you soon!
This Week’s Breads
We understand Bread Fridays have continued in our absence, and look forward to bringing wine back to the tradition this week.
Pain au Levain – Sourdough starter with fresh milled whole wheat and rye flours. Wheat germ is added as well for more flavor and a little malt powder for sweetness to balance the whole grains. A great all around bread – $5/loaf.
Semolina w/ Fennel Seed & Golden Raisins – Half bread flour and half semolina flour. A little butter softens the crumb and fennel seed and golden raisins punch up the flavor. – $5/loaf.
And, on the sweet side:
Pan di Cioccolate – A delightful chocolate bread. Made with levain (sourdough), honey, vanilla, espresso and chunks of chocolate make this a tasty treat. This is not a small, soft breakfast roll, rather it is a regular sized loaf with a crisp crust that is great for breakfast with coffee or afternoon tea – $5/loaf.
Wine Club Reminder!
All wine club memberships are now per calendar year. Subcriptions since September 1, 2015 will continue through 2016, but many of you will have to renew to continue enjoying our Fabulous membership benefits, like $5 tastings and no-sales-tax purchases!
This week’s wine tasting
Krauthaker pinot grigio ’14 Croatia $15
Vibrant and harmonious, with well pronounced fruitiness and freshness; straw-yellow colour, crystal clarity; Nose hinting at apples, pears, peaches, kiwi, lemon peel and hay. Salty on the palate, with refreshing acidity.
Dupeuble Beaujolais ’13 France $14
High-pitched boysenberry and floral scents, with hints of white pepper and pungent herbs. Tangy and precise, with good lift to its bitter cherry and blue fruit flavors and silky, slow-building tannins.
Domaine La Croix Belle Caringole ’12 France $10
Syrah, Carignan and Merlot blend from Languedoc’s Cotes de Thongue region; fresh and supple with flavours of cherry, and black olive, and herbs.
Robert Ramsay Mason’s Red ’13 Washington $16
Easy-drinking cinsault-dominant Rhone blend; subtle nose of black cherry paste with a hint of cinnamon spice that expands on the palate to a soft anise finish.
Micheletti Bolgheri Rosso ’14 Italy $18
Blend of cab and merlot, showing aromas of dark cherry, dusty plum, and cinnamon…a great value!
lummi island bread friday january 15 ’16
January-February Hours
Reminder: the wine shop is officially closed till March 3. We will NOT be open on any Saturday until March 5!
However, Bread Fridays will continue from 4-6 pm through February 5! And although there will no wine tastings during this period, you will be relieved and pleased to know that you will be able to purchase wine when you stop by for bread pickup. After all, it is Winter, and we all Devoutly Eschew the grim specter of a Winter Wine Emergency! And who knows?..Maybe some Kind Person will buy a bottle and share it with you over the latest bread samples! Even better, maybe YOU will be that kind person!
This Week’s Breads
Barley Rye with Pumpkin Seeds – a mix of fresh milled whole wheat rye and barley flours. It also includes some buttermilk to soften the texture of the crumb and some honey to balance the whole grains and finally it is loaded with toasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch and texture. A great artisan bread, perfect with meats or cheese – $5/loaf.
Kamut Levain – One third fresh milled kamut berries. Kamut is an ancient grain from the middle east, also known as khorasan wheat. It is higher in protein and many minerals than modern wheat. It is always organically grown and non-GMO. It has a beautiful golden color and great flavor. Makes great toast! – $5/loaf.
And then, for a wee bit of sweetness:
Chocolate Croissants – Levain and a pre-fermented dough. Laminated with european butter before rolling out and loading up with chocolate! Ooh la la, some like better than any to be found in Paris. Delicious! – 2/$5.
Making Change
In some ways it was inevitable. In some ways it could never happen, but here it is: the People are suddenly refusing to drink the Partisan Kool-Aid. What IS Bizarre is that the two Rebels who are rising to the surface of the same Muck are polar opposites. So from some very broad viewpoint lots of people are Rebelling against the no-longer-bearable Status Quo.
Having been on the Far Left of the Far Left for a very long time, I can totally understand where the Bernie fans are coming from. When he speaks, I feel great internal congruity: yes, yes, yes, yes, this is what I have been thinking for as long as I can remember. The underlying model is respect for complex interdependent systems on which all Life depends. With humility, intelligence, and careful management, we and our living world can thrive.
The Disenfranchised of the Far Right are harder to figure. But looking at their Poster Boy, my take is they are Angry, Afraid, and Frustrated, and their most basic impulse is to find Someone to Blame and an Authority Figure to Punish them. The underlying view is Linear and Childlike, and therefore deeply vulnerable to the Demagogue who best convinces them that there is a Simple Answer to their Complex Questions.
Either way, the Good News is that we are Witness to a more Primal Exploration of these gut-level polarities this year than for a long time. It’s Quite a Show!
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2072 Granger Way