American Wine- Washington, Oregon and California
This week we will sample a variety of American wine; six altogether including three from Washington State, two from California and one from Oregon. There will be two whites and four reds from the following well-known producers: La Crema, Sokol Blosser, Frei Brothers, Columbia Crest and Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Our vendor extended great prices for this week’s ‘friendly’ line-up- we hope you will join us Thursday night!
La Crema Pinot Gris 2012– Monterey, California. Fermented in stainless steel. “Bright and balanced, this wine opens with aromas of fresh white peach, Meyer lemon and subtle floral hints. The lush palate is layered with flavors of ripe pear, yellow plum, baking spice and exotic tropical notes. Mineral undertones are evident in the lengthy finish, further defining this wine as classic Monterey.” -Elizabeth Grant-Douglas,Winemaker. Jen’s note- Melon and tropical fruits are present on the aromatic nose. Bright acidity. Friendly, peachy finish. Good texture. $16.99
Sokol Blosser Evolution White Blend 16th Edition (NV)– Dundee, Oregon. A blend of nine varieties: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, Semillon, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Chardonnay. “As luck would have it, a random number of varietals took a liking to each other and decided to become a lush, off-dry, somewhat tropical wine with flavors of nectarine and citrus and a crisp finish.” Jen’s note- Mild aroma, fruity and approachable. Fruity and soft on the palate. Ripe apple flavors. Juicy. Good for the price. $13.99
Frei Brothers Reserve Zinfandel 2011– Dry Creek Valley, California. “Located in the heart of Northern Sonoma, the Dry Creek Valley is characterized by warm days, cool nights and a long, balanced growing season. In the evening, cool maritime influences enter from the southern portion of the valley where the Dry Creek flows into the Russian River.” The Zinfandel “displays red jam aromas with spicy notes of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Concentrated flavors of mixed berry compote and plum meld with hints of jam and toasty oak, framed by rustic tannins and a lingering finish.” Jen’s note- Sweet berry fruit and spice on the nose. Full and ripe with generous flavors that remind me of cherry cola. Good balance of acid and fruit. $14.99
Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux Red Blend 2010– Horse Heaven Hills, Washington. 80% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Syrah that aged in French and American oak for 18 months (33% new). “Les Chevaux, (French for “the horses”) is named for the wild horses that once roamed the Horse Heaven Hills. This lively red blend presents aromas and flavors of dark fruit and currant, followed by smooth tannins that lead in to a vibrant finish.” 90 Wine Spectator– “Supple and spicy, with a plush-textured, dark-hued, blackberry-rich mouthful lingering against creamy oak notes on the long and polished finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.” Jen’s note- Merlot/Cab/Syrah aged in French and American oak for 18 months. Sweet and soft, ripe fruit on the palate (with hints of coconut/oak). Dry finish. $13.99
Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011– Horse Heaven Hills, Washington. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc that aged in 40% new and 60% older French oak for 18 months. “This bold medium-bodied wine delivers aromas of cherry blossoms and rose petals, with a perfect balance of earth, mineral and deep berry flavors leading to a soft tannin cocoa finish.” “Polished and distinctive, offering chocolate and espresso accents around a supple core of cherry and fresh currant fruit. The finish is well-defined, with a silky feel.” Jen’s note- Ruby red in color with garnet edges. Cab/Merlot/Cab Franc. Black fruit on nose, some oak/spice. Mouthfilling, ripe and rich. $13.99
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2011– Columbia Valley, Washington. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah that aged for 14-16 months in 33% new American and 19% new French oak. “The Indian Wells Cabernet is our warm climate ripe, jammy “New World” style of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine typifies the Wahluke Slope region with up front, dark fruit aromas and flavors with hints of vanilla. Vineyards in the area are more than a decade old and showing character and complexity.” “This deftly balanced red shows dark plum and blueberry flavors on a soft texture. Supple finish.” Jen’s note- Sweet cedar, ripe coconut and toasty oak aromas. Silky mouthfeel. Not overly heavy or sweet on the palate. Good value. $16.99