Lummi Island Wine Tasting April 6 ’13
On the Road
The picture at left is of a sister (brother?) trailer to the one we are picking up (taking in tow, actually) in Denver tomorrow. From there we will meander our way back to scenic Lummi Island over the next few weeks, visiting with old friends and family along the way, several of whom we (and possibly many of you) first met at our wine shop (e.g., Leere, Leigh and Brian, Kier and David…).
The Dark Lords of Coors
As I write this, we are visiting an old high school friend of mine in Golden, CO, a lovely upscale town a bit West of Denver. This summer marks 50 years since our high school graduation, a fairly iconic milestone, and it has been a great visit.
I have to say that while I have no strong opinions one way or the other about Coors beer, which is made here, I do feel compelled to say that the structure that houses the brewery has an unmistakable Darkness about it, its vast gray concrete ramparts strongly resembling Mordor itself, so Creepy I doubt that anyone who has seen it could ever again drink the beer it produces. I mean, I thought it was some kind of Power Plant, built to last maybe, but without a shred of aesthetic sensibility.
However, the town of Golden and surrounding countryside are quite lovely, and we have enjoyed our stay.
Tomorrow we hit the road in the new trailer, and so will not be present for the usual festivities at the wine shop. Ryan will open the shop for regular hours on Friday (4-7) and Saturday (2-6). Only he knows what wines he will pour, so stop by and find out. We will be thinking of you, and will update our travel notes periodically over the next couple of weeks.
The Dark Lords of Coors
Lummi Island Wine Tasting March 30 ’13 Easter Weekend
Easter thoughts
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Here it is Easter again, and you still have no reasonable explanation for why a Christian celebration of the resurrection of the historical Jesus should be confounded with the, let’s face it, rather bizarre symbol of the “Easter Bunny.” How exactly do these things fit together? I mean, how did this happen? I can’t tell you how many Easter Sundays of our childhood (my older sister and I) involved waking up, going downstairs with some excitement (like Christmas) to find these beautiful baskets my mother had put together, with lovely fake grass, chocolate eggs, chocolate rabbits, jelly beans, and of course marshmallow chickens, bless her heart. Also part of the ritual was hunting for little candy-coated “eggs” that she would have “hidden” on bookshelves, picture frames, lamps, and windowsills. But of course you couldn’t eat any of these things until after Mass…!
Oh, and before walking the mile or so to church, we would stand out in the street in front of the house and be photographed in our new spring dress clothes, the annual just-in-case we need to get dressed up this year outfits my mother really could not afford, but were some kind of annual cultural obligation that she took very seriously. I mean, that is So Irish! But as usual, I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah, how to reconcile the Christian thing with the Bunny thing…
Historically speaking, “Easter” was probably named after Eostre (a.k.a. Eastre), the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people in Northern Europe. Her name was derived from the ancient word for spring: “eastre.” For the last two thousand years or so Christians have celebrated Easter as the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. But for thousands of years before that, people celebrated the arrival of spring with the symbol of the oh-so-fecund symbol of fertility, the Rabbit. All of this business of Easter and Jesus and rabbits and pagan history came to a head in 325 AD when (Christian) Roman Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea which decided once and for all that (I mean, this is So Obvious, why didn’t they think of it sooner?) Easter would be celebrated on the First Sunday after the First Full Moon after the Spring Equinox. You have to admit it was Brilliant! What pagan could resist converting with a deal like that?? read more
Plonk! It’s here!
Okay, folks, this is It! Many of you have told us that sure, good wine is a delight, but when are we going to have something CHEAP? You know, as if price were the only issue! I mean, I understand that. I spent several years back in the late nineties looking for the Perfect $7 bottle of wine. Somewhere in that process our young-man-of-the-world Donald took pity on me and showed me the Way, bringing home several seriously above average wines and some nice glasses. And Lo, there was a Difference, and Taste and Aroma appeared from the Deep, and we saw that it was Good, and have never looked back. (Except, you know…editorially!)
I mention this because I got an email yesterday from our friend Kevin the Distributor that for the next few hours (this is SO used car sales!) we could get this little Spanish tempranillo for a very nice price. Unfortunately, HE had not tasted it, WE have not tasted it, and we have nothing to go on except it is said to be drinkable, it is from Spain, and it is Very Inexpensive! So come by and check it out! Maybe it’s wonderful! Maybe horrible! But we bought a bunch for thou bargain-driven, so we expect you to show up, belly up, drink up, and buy up!
When white wine is Very, Very Good!
Per The Spanish Table, “Blanco Nieva” is a classic Rueda white wine made from the indigenous Verdejo grape. Crisp, bright and refreshing, it will pair well with salads, egg dishes and all manner of seafood. Some of the vines for this wine are planted on original root stock that has thrived in this region for over a hundred years. This verdejo has the crisp acidity and citric blasts of its compadres, but adds dimensions of complexity and texture that you don’t often find in this varietal. Definitely something special!
Footnote on Betz
Being as we are a tiny wine shop far off the Beaten Path, we sometimes gaze jealously at our better located and marketed cousins around the region. One of those sends a daily email with the wines we should all be buying from them today. Today’s email extolled the virtues of the new Betz releases which we poured for you last weekend, including the 2010 Clos de Betz, which we listed at $50. All you need to know is that in today’s email, the (arguably) most popular wine shop in the region lists this wine for $61…$11 over our price, while expressing concern that they had such a small allocation they would sell out online in a few hours. I’m just saying that even though we are on some kind of Frontier, we have some extraordinary deals on some extraordinary wines. Pass it on!
This Week’s Wines
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.
Blanco Nieva verdejo ’11 Spain $15
From 100 year-old vines, this beautiful white shows mineral-driven lime, quince and floral scents with notes of anise and mint. Graceful, focused and pure, with zesty lemon/lime and pear flavors.
Volteo Tempranillo ’10 Spain $6
This plump red offers flavors of black cherry, herb, anise and smoke, all with good focus. The moderate tannins and fresh acidity are well-balanced, with a clean finish. And at this price, who even cares??!!
Andeluna cabernet sauvignon ’10 Argentina $11
Red-ruby. Currant, pepper and coffee on the nose, complicated by licorice and menthol notes. Juicy, brisk and intense, with a savory quality leavening the wine’s sweetness. Finishes with serious, toothcoating tannins.
Perazzeta Erio Supertuscan ’10 Italy $15
Sangiovese, cab, syrah blend from Tuscany just south of Montalcino (we also carry their olive oil–delicious!) – this vintage is richer and more balanced, with even bigger flavor than last year– totally yummy!
Lummi Island Wine Tasting March 23 ’13 Toast to Spring!
Signs of Spring
It is comforting to see the days growing longer, and to feel the sun growing warmer. On our daily walk to Legoe Bay with the dogs today the perceptible warmth of the sun was the perfect offset to the chlll in the air and the cool breeze off the water. Global warming or no, spring seems slow in coming this year. Yes, daffodils are out, and Indian plum is feathering into early leaf. But at mid-day when I check the temperature, it is still often curiously close to 40. And though I think we may have had some moments over fifty, the spring so far seems a but reserved, a bit stingy almost, as if to say, “well, you had a mild winter after all, so stop complaining.” Meanwhile, all around us, Spring builds up like an inevitable pressure that will not be denied.
As for this picture–for about ten years from ’85-’95, when I was mostly a full-time potter, I was a member of a little cooperative gallery in Laconner. We would take turns opening the shop on weekends, and though none of us made much of a living at it, it was a good thing to do and a good place to be, and I have lots of fond memories of it, from the pile of notes from third graders who watched/helped me do a raku firing, to conversations with iconic local artists like Guy Anderson and Robert Sund, and rambling conversations with visitors who occasionally write years later saying Laconner was a life-changing moment. My working theory was that the good vibes came from all the negative ions (the good kind!) that got stirred up by all that water churning through the slough each time the tide changed. And in case you are not from around here, or for some other reason have not ventured to Skagit Valley this time of year to see the tulips, then I highly encourage you to do so! more info
Baer Winery
About the time we were getting into the wine business in the mid ‘ots’ we visited Woodinville with friends who took us along to the first or second release party (’02 vintage I think) for Baer Winery in Woodinville. As I recall, it was a wintry day in February, with cold rain and some snow on the ground, and the release event was in a couple of big tents put up for the occasion. We had a lovely chat with the young winemaker, Lance Baer, about his vision and passion for wine, and admired some of the few hand-etched magnums he had commissioned. Sadly, Lance passed away quite suddenly in 2007, and the family took over the task of making the vision a reality.
In the last few years Baer has achieved global recognition as one of Washington State’s rising stars of the wine world. Their 2008 Ursa earned an extraordinary 95 point score from Wine Spectator, which also rated it #6 in its “Top 100 Wines of 2011.”
As it turns out, we drank a bottle of the 2009 Ursa (there are a very few left) last night, and it was absolutely delicious! I haven’t tasted the 2010, and there are no reviews out yet, but our annual case of it arrived today, so we will offer a little taste of it for you with our tasting this weekend. Judging from the trend of the past several years, it should be pretty tasty, despite its youth. This wine is becoming something of a Washington “cult” wine, so if you like it, don’t expect it to wait for you to make your move!
Graciano
So, it’s important for you youngsters not to confuse this grape (graciano) with the charismatic middleweight boxer of the 1940’s, Rocky Graziano, himself not to be confused with the somewhat more famous heavyweight champ of the era, Rocky Marciano, later even further immortalized by his national chain of Red Lobster restaurants! But those are several other stories, which you can explore on your own. What I can tell you is that back in the fifties, Rocky G followed up on his noteworthy boxing career with a modest acting career, with regular appearance on many variety shows of the era (WAY before talk shows!). All in all, a pretty likable guy (but watch out for that right hand!)
More to the point, graciano is one of the lesser known grapes of Rioja (no, it’s not all tempranillo!) Graciano is thought to be native to Rioja, where it has long been used to provide color, density, and aroma to blended Rioja red wines (much as Petit Verdot is used to deepen the color of cab blends in California). Typically, it makes up less than 15% of Rioja blends when it is used at all. Graciano is both low-yielding and susceptible to mildew, making it a risky investment, so acres in production have been declining. Fortunately, it is considered by some to be the most interesting and complex of Rioja grapes, showing lots of dark fruit, deep inky-red/black color, and rustic, sturdy tannins. In short, it can be quite intense! This week we will be tasting a very inexpensive version that serves as a nice introduction to the varietal.
Mt. Baker Vineyards Mountain White
From time to time we taste through the current releases from Mt. Baker Vineyards, our only really well-established neighborhood winery. Located in Deming, a short drive east of Bellingham on (hello, where else?) Mt. Baker Highway, MBV owner/winemaker Randy Finlay has been making wine for over 30 years. There’s hardly a varietal he hasn’t explored. And although most of the fruit for Mt. Baker wines comes from Eastern Washington, estate vines right here in Whatcom County produce small quantities of several light-bodied, aromatic, and flavorful grape varietals like muller thurgau, siegerrebe, chasselas, and madeleine angevine.
With a bit of chardonnay from Eastern Washington vineyards, Mountain White is the perfect wine for Early Spring. Slightly sweet, fragrant, and crisp, and only $7 a bottle it is an incredible bargain…come by and taste it this weekend!
Wine club special: Get six or more for only $6 each!!!
This week’s wines:
Mt. Baker Mountain White ’10 Washington $7
A blend of several varietals grown just up the road in Deming, this fragrant, off-dry, light wine is easy to swallow…and a perfect toast for Spring!
Ventisquero Carmenere ’10 Chile $10
Glass-staining purple. Smoke-accented aromas of black and blue fruits and violet, with a peppery topnote. Juicy and light on its feet, with a seamless texture and good clarity to the fresh blackberry and blueberry flavors.
Casarena ‘505’ Malbec ’10 Chile $12
Bright medium ruby-red. Subtly complex aromas of dark berries, plum, lavender, pepper and flinty minerality. Seductively smooth in texture, with a restrained sweetness and good vinosity to the middle palate. Nicely rich, firmly structured malbec with broad, dusty tannins and very good length.
Rio Madre Rioja ’11 Spain 90pts $10
Inky ruby. Spice-accented aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits and cola, with notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, with a spicy note building with air. Intense licorice, blackcurrant and bitter cherry notes linger on the spicy, youthfully tannic finish. Outstanding value here; there are very few all-graciano Riojas made, and they all cost a lot more than this one.
Baer Ursa ’10 Washington $35
42% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Once again delivers with generous ripe fruit flavors – notes of fresh plum, red cherry, and blackberry, with hints of vanilla and savory roasted thyme. Well-integrated and balanced, with a polished, lifted finish.
Lummi Island Wine Tasting March 16 ’13 St. Patrick’s Weekend
Annual Nod to St. Pattie
“The first known St. Patrick’s Day celebration was held in 1762, when Irish soldiers enrolled in the British army marched down Broadway in a display of ethnic pride. Some stayed when their enlistments expired, and New York, then as now, became a center of Irish immigration to America. In later years, New York Irish would organize parades on March 17, a different one for each neighborhood, church, and fraternal order. They would eventually come together in one parade in the 1850s, and New York has held a big St. Patrick’s Day parade ever since.” read more
Or, most obvious to all of us these days, “what the day has become is a day to express Irish American identity.” Hey, THAT sounds right! And not to mention, another very fine excuse to get drunk– traditionally, mind you: Catholics with Jameson, and Protestants with Bushmill.” Well, sez I, bein’ as I am 100% Irish on me mother’s side, whatever floats yer boat, eh…? Whatever yer ancestry, Happy St. Pattie’s Day to all; and hey, ferget the whiskey, ‘n’ come fer the wine!
Special Second Tasting: Two New Betz Wines
This past Sunday I drove down to Woodinville for the annual release of the Betz “Bordeaux blends.” As I have mentioned before, Bob Betz models each of his wines after his favorite French wine regions. Because Bordeaux is divided into Right Bank (east bank of the Gironde, predominantly merlot) and Left Bank wines (predominantly cabernet sauvignon), he makes one of each. “Clos de Betz” is his merlot-based wine, and “Pere de Famille” is his cab-based wine. As a special treat, we will be pouring the new “Clos de Betz” as part of a second tasting this weekend. watch video
Back in September we picked up the Betz 2010 “Rhone blends.” One, Besoleil, predominantly grenache, is modeled after Chateauneuf-du-Pape; one (syrah-based la Serenne) modeled after the rich Southern Rhone style, and one (syrah-based Cotes Rousse) modeled after the brooding Northern Rhone style. So this weekend along with the new “Clos” we will also be pouring the 2010 Besoleil as part of our optional second tasting.
Come by and check it out!
Wine Club Update
Hmm. The way this blog thing works is that I like to have a picture to anchor each paragraph. Since we have a LOT of photos accumulated over the years, sometimes it is hard to remember what is going on, not to mention WHO is going on! This photo is from last May; the wine is a perfect color, and I LOVE the hats, especially the one on the left. It reminds me that a couple of years ago the Talls came in with a festive group (as they often do!) including a young man with a great hat, a lot like the one in this pic. I liked it so much I ordered one online that looked about right, and it was Oh, SO Wrong I sent it back. Sigh. In any case, this photo does a nice job illustrating the raison d’etre of our wine shop and our wine club…it’s about sharing and belonging!
Response so far to the wine club has been enthusiastic! Most of our regulars are joining or have joined, and I am hoping that before this weekend is over I can get all of our members’ personal pages updated with your purchases to date this year…wish me luck! And thanks for bearing with us during this time of turmoilic transitions. (if that’s not a word, it oughta be!)
Online Store Update
All I can say about this is: “Oh, man, what a Project! You can monitor our progress at the new online store website. Since last week I have activated some of the links, posted our own photos instead of the generic ones, added some new behind the scenes software (payment gateways for Paypal and your favorite credit/debit cards), and added a few actual products, including the Betz wines mentioned above (with more detailed notes below). So progress is slow, but sure. And while it continues to be challenging, I think we have rounded a corner of sorts, now feeling pretty confident that this is going to work…and that’s pretty exciting. Now…remind me again about why we are doing this…??!
Looking forward to seeing you!
This Week: TWO Tastings!
#1: five good wines for $10 ($5 for members!)
La Font du Vent Rosé “Les Promesses” ’11 France 88pts $10
Very pure and showing nice drive, this delivers a range of plum, cherry and strawberry fruit. A lingering cherry pit edge provides contrast on the finish.
La Pepiere Muscadet Sur-Lie ’10 France 89pts $13
Scented with green apple, lime, quarry dust, and a hint of elder flower. Low-key, soft to the touch for Muscadet, but highly refreshing; and tinged with citrus rind, crushed stone, and iodine, it finishes with mouth-watering persistence.
Pend d’Oreille Bistro Rouge 08 Washington $14
Garnet black color. Aromas of black raspberries and plum chutney with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tangy green apple, nut, and peach skin accented finish. A fun, flavorful wine for the table.
Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha ’10 Spain 92pts $15
Deep notes of roasted herbs, sweet black cherries and raspberries, peppers and spice soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Full-bodied, rich, ripe, silky textured, pure and long
#2: two more outstanding wines for another $5
Betz Besoleil Columbia Valley ’10 Washington $43
93pts (Tanzer): (65% grenache, 18% mourvedre, 11% cinsault and 6% syrah): Bright red. Captivating nose offers strawberry, animal fur, garrigue, black and white pepper and flowers. Wonderfully aromatic and smooth in the mouth, with excellent sappy lift to the raspberry and cherry flavors complicated by wild herbs and pepper. Finishes structured and long, with suave, slowly building tannins. Very Old World in style (and specifically southern French) but with distinctly Washington red fruit flavors.
2010 Betz “Clos de Betz” Red Wine ’10 Washington $50
94pts (Tanzer): 58% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon, 7% petit verdot): Bright, full red. Spicy high notes to the aromas of raspberry, graphite, sandalwood and cocoa powder. Juicy, perfumed and precise; not a fleshy style but elegant, vibrant and extremely young. Today the wine’s mid-palate flavors and texture are still a bit suppressed by the bottling, but this long, firm-edged wine has the structure and inherent material to be outstanding. In fact, I retasted the 2009 next to it, and while that wine was silkier and plusher, it is not likely to match the 2010 for complexity a few years down the road.
2072 Granger Way
