Wine tasting preview Saturday July 25
Got a late start last weekend. Thought we would make a quick stop at the Annual Chili Cookoff at Otto Preserve beforehand, but by the time we had walked the dogs, visited, and tasted all 17 chili recipes, it was 2pm before we opened the door. DOH! Apologies to any early arrivals! All the chilis were very tasty; it was a stunningly beautiful day, and there was a great turnout, must have been half the island out there!
This was our first all-Italian tasting, with the new arrivals that had been on order since early spring. The verdicchio and nero d’avola-syrah blend were the stars, the montepulciano and the “rosecco” also drew appreciative “yums.” The Erio “super-Tuscan” was a bit disappointing from how I remembered it, so it might need some more bottle time before we pour it again.
This weekend we can look forward to these gems:
Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino 2006 (Italy-Sardinia)–Supple aromas of citrus, pineapple, tropical fruits and honey are wonderfully supported by a zesty acidity. Delicate and pleasantly refreshing on the palate…(I love this wine!) $18
Viñas de Vila Tinto Fundación (Argentina): A blend of 50% Bonarda and 25% each Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is cropped at 4 1/2 tons per acre and aged in a combination of cuves with innerstaves and 2 – 5 year old barrels. It is rich for the price and surprisingly polished…$10
Mt. Baker Malbec (Washington): A well balanced, well-crafted, fruit-forward wine that is a wonderful accompaniment to hearty summer fare and a nice comparison with the next wine…$20
Catena Malbec (Argentina): On the nose is the sweet scent of black cherry, currant and cocoa, medium to full bodied, with flavors of dark berries, cranberries, chocolate and caramel. The tannins are smooth and well submerged and help offset the bold acidity. The finish is smooth and lingering…$21
Wedding rehearsal wine tasting Friday July 17
For our first catered wine tasting event outside the shop, we catered a tasting on the deck at Scenic Estates clubhouse. The event was the wedding rehearsal dinner for Heather Larsen, whose dad lives on the island, and who has visited Artisan Gallery a few times on recent visits from Arkansas. It was a spectacular evening. Only got a couple of photos, one of Heather in a pensive moment, and a nice shot of Mount Baker in the distance. Congrats to Heather and John, and thanks for including us in the planning!
Wines included Casal Garcia vinho verde, Marchetti montepulciano, Legoe Bay syrah, and Alberti malbec before dinner, and Legoe Bay Reefnet White and Reefnet Red with dinner…all showing very well in the splendid setting!
Weekly Wine tasting July 11
Every Fourth of July I like to remind people to “Watch out for Elephants!” That’s because of a limerick that was popular in our neighborhood when I was a kid. It goes like this:
“I asked my mother for fifty cents
To see the elephant jump the fence;
He jumped so high he touched the sky, and
Didn’t come down till the Fourth of July.”
Well, fortunately no elephants appeared, always a big relief. However we did have some kind of record-breaking crowd, reminiscent of Studio Tour weekends…Janice was handling the chocolate tasting, I poured wine till my wrist hurt, and Pat did the ten thousand other things, while the revelers danced on.
This Saturday we will be back at it again with:
- Montinore Borealis White Oregon
grapefruit, pineapple, peach, and quince with aromas of fresh flowers - Santa Digna Carmenere ’07 Chile
Chalky notes of toasty plums, blueberries, and raisins - Terre Rouge Cote de L’Ouest Syrah ’03 California
Soft, rich flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, and chocolate - Pend D’oreille Cabernet Sauvignon ’03 WashingtonRichly textured layers of dark fruits that whisper “baarrbecuuuue….faaaat…”
July 4th wine tasting 1-5
Yes, we WILL be open for the 4th. In addition to the regular wine tasting, we will also have a TRUFFLE TASTING!.
Today’s confectatory delights include ($1 each):
Anise honey
Chili spice
Fresh lemon
Traditional dark/dark
Mendiants (medallions) with fruit and nuts
And today’s wines…as usual 5 wines, $5
- Legoe Bay Reefnet White Washington $10
Refreshing blend of viognier and chardonnay
- Cristalino cava brut Spain $10
Lovely, festive, and refreshing traditional Spanish sparkling rose
- Durigutti Bonarda Argentina $9.
Juicy notes of blackberry and blueberry flavors
- Campo Viejo Rioja Spain $12
Deep flavors of stewed plums and leather
- Robert Karl merlot Washington $22
Silky notes of dark fruit, coffee, chocolate, leather, and vanilla make a great match for barbecued meats and rich sauces
2072 Granger Way