Lummi Island Wine Tasting June 18 ’11
Seattle, a Tasting Menu
Here’s a link to yet another NY Times food article featuring our neighbors at the Willows Inn. This one talks up the Seattle food scene as a context for what’s going on at the Willows: fresh, local, creative. Few, however, are as dedicated to those three pillars as Willows chef Blaine Wetzel, who continues to pull in people from all over for the local food experience here on Lummi Island. (see pictures)
(new world!)
Wine Tasting Classes with Ryan Wildstar
The first two Sunday afternoon classes have been a huge hit! The next class is June 19 and will focus on comparing Old World and New World wines: California chardonnay vs. white Burgundy, California pinot noir vs. red Burgundy, and Australian Shiraz vs. southern Rhone. We have one or two spots open, so call now 758.2959. The next class will be July 10 ( I think we are skipping the 3rd..?), and will pair wines with art, music, and poetry. I have NO idea what that is going to look like, but I am Totally looking forward to it!
I kinda lost track of orders and spending the last week or two, so we have a Ton of wine, way more than we have room to display. All you need to know is that we are a virtual Tsunami of good stuff to drink at the moment, so be sure to come on by this weekend. We have the regular tasting on Saturday, French class at noon on Sunday (mais ouI, avec M. Ryan!) followed by the Old World/New World tasting class at 2.
Feedback was mixed last week about the ‘new layout.’ I suppose really it’s not that big a deal, but it is a struggle between aesthetics and function to move out the bistro table we have had in the front end the last couple of years. As usual on Thursday nights while I am doing this blog, Pat is out with the weekly mah jong game, which rotates among the group. Tonight they are in the wine shop, but alas, the bistro table is out on the deck wondering what will become of it in the unfolding remodel. Being a long-time hoarder of anything that might come in handy sometime, I have some challenges letting go of this table, which has added elements of comfort, function, and visual interest to the shop. I find myself reluctant to give up pleasing ambience for any sort of commercial pragmatism. The new challenge is to improve circulation without having our little space losing any of its warmth and charm. The goal is to make it even better (yah, like that’s even POSSIBLE…!)
New Theo’s chocolate shipment!
We have a new shipment of Theo’s chocolate bars (to tide you over between periodicTruffle Occasions), and there are a couple of new flavors that are completely Irresistible: milk chocolate with salted almonds and dark chocolate with toasted coconut…MMMMmmmmmm!
they have no idea Ryan’s light box (by his left ear) is recording their every move…!
Craig and Kelly, with high hopes for their Canucks in the Stanley Cup playoff…kinda reminds you of those dear, sweet, Chicago Cubs fans…”against all odds our team could, you know, conceivably prevail every million years or so,,,”This week’s tasting:
Perazzeta Sara Rosado di Montalcino ’10 Italy $12
From the same grape as Brunello (sangiovese grosso), this beautiful rose has it all: rich, bold, flinty, and summery. Only one case, this won’t last long!
La Coterie Cotes du Rhone ’10 (organic) France $10
Dark velvety purple black in colour to rim. Very young. Very primary aromas, Floral scents, blue berry fruit, hints of smoke and garrigue with a sprinkle of liqorice. Nice flow in the mouth, youthful exuberance, slightly jammy with a touch of cocoa. Has a very good heartiness with gives promise for the future.
Waterbrook Reserve Merlot 07 Washington $20 WS92pts
Ripe, pure, focused and beguiling for its balance, offering blueberry, raspberry and plum fruit at the core, layered with hints of red pepper, clove and peach fuzz as the finish extends extraordinarily well.
Piaggia Carmignano Riserva ’02 Italy $20
Got a few of these on a closeout, no rating available for this vintage. Opened a bottle, but it was seriously corked…even at that it was so good I drank a fair amount. This usually sells for $45, come see what you think!
Lummi Island Wine Tasting June 11 ’11
this first line I am supposed to say something that will impress Google’s robot so it will list us with the Stars. But the fact is that it is again late (a lot of wine over the gums), and it just doesn’t feel very creative to play the Google game right now. Not that there is a lot of creativity going on.
We are rearranging the furniture at the moment. At a “meeting” (tasting sponsored by Judy, and you locals know what THAT means) yesterday afternoon with Judy and Ryan, we are exploring some new furniture arrangements for this weekend as a way of trying to address several issues.
First, the way our space is set up tends to bottleneck people around the bar, and there are a couple of problems with that. First, a lot of people never go further into the space, so they don’t look at the art and rarely buy wine from the nine wine displays out front by the windows, and that is kind of a problem, because that’s where the Spanish wines, the Australian wines, the South American wines, the French wines, and the Italian wines are located, and we have a really awesome selection of each, so you are being seriously cheated if you don’t ever go there and check it out (I’m just saying…!).
Second, we want to open up the space by the front windows and make it more navigable, available, and accessible; right now it is tight quarters.
Third, we want to develop some other niches where people can take their glasses and put their heads together, so we are exploring various ideas from little cafe tables to pubby sideboards.
For this weekend, all you regulars should know that as an experiment we are moving the “bargain rack” to the other end of the shop, to the little alcove at the North end of the space. All of this is intended to make more efficient use of the space..feedback will be very much appreciated.
All YOU need to know is that these ideas have come to us from our friends and advisors, Judy and Ryan, who grow Oh So Roll Our Eyes Weary of dealing with our deeply ingrained ‘Morons from Outer Space Open a Wine Shop” limitations, because we always think of this place as an Art Project, not as a ‘Business,’ whatever that means. Our trusted followers should know that our priority is to maintain the spirit and energy we have come to love about this bizarre little operation, and your thoughts and opinions would be most appreciated as we explore a few changes in our layout. So drop in and check out the changing floorplan, and let us know what you think.
Wine Tasting Classes with Ryan
The next class is June 19 and will focus on comparing Old World and New World wines. We are very close to full, so be sure to call soon!
NIcole from the Automatic Earth takes a wine time out from blogging to save the Planet…
Brian trying to turn Mark into Mini-Me…
We couldn’t tell these lovely ladies that no, Lummi Island is not actually on the Mediterranean…
Sean, Elizabeth, and Leigh drop in from their time-trip to 1958…
Okay, so this penguin walks into a bar…
Ryan’s tasting class brings everyone to Wine Satori… even better than the Rapture…!
This week’s wines:
La Cana Albarino 09 Spain 90pts $14
Light gold-colored with an unusually fragrant nose of mineral, lemon zest, and spring flowers that jumps from the glass, on the palate it exhibits a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a lengthy, refreshing finish.
Haystack Needle ‘the Eye” 07 Washington $10
The Haystack wines are assembled by Washington negociant Bob Bullock from juice purchased from various Washington wineries: Graceful and gutsy, this blend includes Merlot, Cab, Malbec, and Syrah with notes of raspberry, plum, & blueberry.
Velobra Cesanese di Piglio ’04 Italy
Fresh, intense and captivating aromas of cherry and
plum; in the mouth it is meaty, lively, fruity, and balanced. Ruby red color with dramatic shades of violet and intense aromas of prunes and mature cherries with a pleasing undertone of spice. A wine of great body, intense and persistent; serve with red meat, roasts and aged cheeses.
Pomum Red 08 Washington $19
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Syrah, 10% Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec from an array of top vineyards in the Yakima Valley including DuBrul, Upland and Dineen . The wine is brick-red in color with noticeable exotic spice and dried herb aromas. On the palate, the wine expresses tart red cranberries and cherries. The finish, long and smooth.
Lummi Island Wine Tasting June 4 ’11
Last weekend was of course Memorial Day Studio Tour. Weather was pretty good, the crowds were out, and we had celebrated the opening of Ryan Wildstar’s show (and the continuation of Mary Beth’s photos) Friday night to a small but festive group of friends and family.
REMINDER: This Sunday is the second in our series of wine tastings with Ryan: A Nose is a Nose is a Nose Component Tasting, Sunday, June 5th, 2-4pm $20 (filling quickly, register now!)
A look at how wine and wine-making is influenced by terroir (soil composition) and typicity (the degree to which a wine reflects its varietal origins). To enhance the experience, we will assess a variety of wines side-by-side with an assortment of herbs, spices, rock composites, fruits, etc. that exemplify the components often reflected in the nose and on the palate. We will also talk about the basics of Biodynamic and Organic wine-making. Enjoyed with: 2 Whites, 3 Reds, and a dessert wine of different varietals from various wine regions. Surprise pairings with each wine (one pairing MIGHT be a new batch of truffles….!)
Interesting lighting on the trunk of one of the alders outside the shop in last weekend’s sunshine…yellow moss…??
Great wines for the tour last weekend. Still have some of the great bargains from Black Oak, the pinot noir from Italy and the Chardonnay from Lodi for $7, both entirely drinkable, wines to put away by the caseload for a rainy day. Or a sunny day. Or even better, a summer evening on the deck. Actually all of the wines last weekend were chosen from our “Best Buys” of the year so far, so the one thing they all had in common was overdelivering for their humble prices. Which is a Good Thing.
Well, it’s late, and time to turn in. The evening started tonight with the presentation at the Grange (Lummi Island’s unofficial Town Hall) by Nicole Foss from the website Automatic Earth. She talked nonstop for 90 minutes barely pausing for breath, and it was all very interesting (despite the unpleasant hissing and popping microphone). Check out the website for further info on how you can be ready for the BIG part of the financial collapse, which she says is yet to happen, and a lot of other really interesting ideas about energy and finance.
two more couples drawn to our shores by the Willows!
are these guys cute or what? This week’s wines:
Overstone sauvignon blanc ’10 New Zealand $10 vibrant aromas of gooseberry, citrus and melon notes with flavors of guava and passion fruit followed through with crisp, vibrant acidity.
Castle Rock pinot noir ’09 California $10 Bright aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry, tea, and herbal spice; on the palate smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins, with flavors of black cherry, plum and spice.
Castellare di Tonda Chianti ’08 Italy $10 A pretty good value in Chianti– one that has a lot of fruit and charm for the price. Try this, and ask yourself if you don’t need a case around for quick pasta dinners!
Lost River Nooksack Redd ‘08 Washington $18 Our friends at Lost River make this special blend of cab, merlot, and cab franc to benefit the Nooksack River Salmon Enhancement Administration…a worthy cause, AND it’s DELICIOUS!
Wine Tasting Lummi Island Artists’ Studio Tour May 28-29 ’11
Here it is, another Lummi Island Artists’ Studio Tour, so we will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm. In the “entry gallery” we will be continuing our showing of photos of the Doors of Lyon by Mary Beth Watkins. In the main gallery we will be showing “Constructions” by Ryan Wildstar (who is also leading our current series of Sunday afternoon wine tastings –see below). I think you will enjoy both artists’ work, which will be on display through June.
Last Saturday was Out of Control busy, you’d think it was Studio Tour, WOW! We had a couple of big Waves of visitors, lots of new faces, and lots of conversation. It’s interesting that it does get LOUD sometimes in this little space, and when it does it kind of happens all at once. At somewhere between six and ten visitors there is a quantum leap in the noise level. Like electrons jumping to higher energy levels, the decibel level does not increase gradually, but rather jumps quite suddenly from “normal conversation” to “WHAT DID YOU SAY…??? I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
My working theory is that there is some background noise level below which ordinary conversational tone works just fine. But once the noise exceeds that level, everyone unconsciously realizes it more or less at once, and compensates by talking louder. We are weird like that; for example, I have often seen people trying to explain something to children, or the elderly (OMG, is that ME?), or foreign-language-speaking people, and the natural tendency seems to be that if your idea doesn’t seem to be getting across, then you quite unconsciously start talking LOUDER, as if somehow that will make you understood. In the case of the wine shop, it’s as if one person starts talking louder, and then someone else, and so on, and within a minute or two everyone is struggling to hear and be heard.
I’ve often had similar thoughts about traffic slowdowns. We have all had the experience of driving along at highway speed and running into traffic backup that might crawl, start, and stop for miles before, for some not-at-all obvious reason, traffic returns to a normal speed. Sometimes there is a “cause” like an accident blocking traffic. Sometimes there is something innocuous like a car stopped in the breakdown lane, but often there is no obvious reason, as if maybe suddenly a few hundred cars got Raptured into Oblivion, and the lanes just magically open up. It’s a Mystery, that’s all I’m saying.
Last Sunday was our the first in our series of wine workshops with Ryan Wildstar, and it was GREAT! We had a full house, learned a lot, tasted some delicious wines, and had a great time! The next workshop is weekend after next, Sunday, June 5th, at 2pm:
A Nose is a Nose is a Nose Component Tasting, Sunday, June 5th, 2-4pm $20 (filling quickly, register now!
A look at how wine and wine-making is influenced by terroir (soil composition) and typicity (the degree to which a wine reflects its varietal origins). To enhance the experience, we will assess a variety of wines side-by-side with an assortment of herbs, spices, rock composites, fruits, etc. that exemplify the components often reflected in the nose and on the palate. We will also talk about the basics of Biodynamic and Organic wine-making. Enjoyed with: 3 Whites & 3 Reds of different varietals from various wine regions. Suprise pairings with each wine.
All of last week’s wines were dressed for success and showing well. The Shaya verdejo is a little oasis on a hot afternoon (I am imagining that, cuz, you know, we haven’t had a hot afternoon for a really long time), smooth and citric. The La Quercia aglianico was probably the WOTD for rave reviews, and the Sorenson malbec has evolved to the point where it was some folks’ favorite. But then again, the Urban Ribera tempranillo was still a cut above the others for finesse. All in all, it was a good day for wine!
This weekend’s tasting: Five Wines! (Might vary Saturday to Sunday…)
Peirano “The Other” White ‘07 California $10
Aromas of apples, pears, & tropical fruit, with hints of coconut and vanilla. Lush flavors of fresh ripe pears, apples, tropical fruit and homemade lemon pie lead to a long, seductive, finish. A fantastic buy!
Chateau Donjon Rose ‘09 France $10
Blend of syrah, cinsault, grenache, another element in my fascination with Minervois. Fruity, with berry, melon and red cherry flavors that are bright and refreshing, with mineral and spice on the finish…”Summer in a glass!”
Black Oak Pinot Noir ‘09 Italy $7
Pleasant, red-fruited red with a soft and smooth palate, a terrific buy…no kidding, a pinot from Italy, and and amazing bargain, too!
ALTOS Bonarda Colonia Las Liebres 08 Argentina $8
Shows nice dark, juicy plum, licorice and spice notes with a fleshy, open-knit finish–very easy to drink, and quite possibly the best wine bargain we have ever carried, a delicious wine that seriously over-delivers!
Bodegas Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec ‘08 Argentina WA90pts $10
Opaque purple; spice box, incense, lavender, and black fruit aromas on a lasting underlying structure.
2072 Granger Way