Washington and California

This week we will sample three wines from Washington State and three from California. Altogether there will be three whites and three reds including a Pinot Gris, white blend, unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel. All of the wines for this week are new to the Spirits selection. We hope you will join us this Thursday night!

“Waterbrook Winery was established in 1984, is the fourth founding winery in Walla Walla.” Robert Parker says of Waterbrook: “Waterbrook was a Walla Walla pioneer, one of four existing wineries when I made my first tasting trip in 1990. They have since morphed into a relatively large brand after being purchased by Precept Brands and moving into a new winery on the outskirts of Walla Walla. It appears that over the past 2-3 years quality has been steadily improving and this batch of new releases, particularly the whites, should make many friends for the winery.”

Waterbrook Pinot Gris 2011– Columbia Valley, Washington. Willow Crest Vineyard. 100% Pinot Gris; fermented and aged in stainless steel for 7 months. “Fragrant mango, white peach and Asian pear notes swirl in the glass. A refined Pinot Gris with vanilla bean, green apple and minerality. The crisp citrus finish is clean and shows balanced acidity. Pairing suggestions: Oysters, Shellfish, Stuffed Peppers, Roasted Pork Loin.” 2,042 cases produced. Jen’s note- Citrus nose, fresh and ripe. Stone fruit and green apple undertones. Lime and mineral notes on entry, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. Lean palate with juicy acidity. $14.99

Waterbrook Melange Blanc 2010– Columbia Valley, Washington. Vineyards: Canyon Ranch, Bosma, Willow Crest, Den Hoed, Oasis, Carpenter. A blend of 39% Riesling, 18% Pinot Gris, 14% Gewürztraminer,  10% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, and 9% Viognier. Aged for 7 months in 8% neutral barrels and 92% stainless steel. “An absolutely beautiful nose with aromatic mango, peach and nectarine followed by floral notes of honeysuckle and jasmine. Tropical notes continue on the flavorful palate married with golden delicious apple notes. The bright finish is filled with an array of citrus, ruby red grapefruit and honey tangerines. Pairing suggestions: Grilled Shrimp, Roast Chicken,  Thai Food, Cheeses.” 7,195 cases produced. Jen’s note- Candied nose is floral and honeyed. Juicy, ripe and friendly. Lightly sweet on the palate with subtle acid.” $15.99

Waterbrook Merlot 2010– Columbia Valley, Washington. Vineyards: Canyon Ranch, Canoe Ridge Vineyards, Oasis. 100% Merlot; aged for 18 months in 21% new American oak, the balance in to 2-5 year-old mixed oak. “ Bright aromatics of black raspberry, clove and nutmeg swirl in the glass. The soft, juicy and plush palate presents interwoven layers of dark fruit. This easy to drink Merlot leaves you with a hint of star anise on the finish. Pairing suggestions: Grilled Steak with Portabella Mushrooms,  Rosemary Pork Chops, Pasta with Red Sauce.” 8,500 cases produced. Jen’s note- Attractive nose of briary berry fruits with sweet toasty oak and coconut. The medium-bodied palate is gentle and approachable. $14.99

“Headed by general partner Mike Richmond and winemaker Larry Brooks, Acacia debuted in 1979 and quickly distinguished itself as one of the first California wineries to offer vineyard-designate Pinot Noir. Fruit was sourced locally from Carneros growers until the mid-1990s, when Acacia began acquiring properties surrounding the winery. Today these holdings comprise the 150-acre estate that produces Acacia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”

A by Acacia Unoaked Chardonnay 2011– California. “With its bright, fruit-focused flavors, our 2011 unoaked Chardonnay reveals the pure varietal character of the grape, without the influence of oak aging. We selected cool-climate vineyards that yield exceptionally well-balanced grapes and then cold-fermented the juice to preserve every delicious Chardonnay flavor. Aromatic and inviting, this vibrant Chardonnay offers fresh citrus, pear and apple notes, with hints of orange blossom and mineral. The clean, fruity palate culminates in a crisp finish, inviting you back for another sip.” $10.99

“When British financier Peter Newton selected the site for the Sterling Vineyards winery, he chose a hilltop at the northernmost end of the Napa Valley. Even then, he was thinking about the visitors who would someday come to taste his exceptional wines. He wanted to create an ideal environment to help them truly appreciate the beauty of the Napa Valley and learn more about how wines are made.”

Sterling Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir 2011– Carneros, California. “From a legendary growing region, our 2011 Carneros Pinot Noir offers a dark red fruit profule graced with toasty oak complexity. Black cherry and rich toffee aromas open the nose, followed by a brambly berry flavors. The sweet scent of forest floor and rich cherry cobbler weave through the smooth and supple palate. The finish is long and satisfying, with a spicy fruit intensity that extends toward a rewarding finale. Roasted duck and other game meats will pair well with the inviting personality of this Pinot Noir.” $22.99

“At Rosenblum, we’re famous for being all about Zinfandel – Old Vine Zin, High Altitude Zin, Single Vineyard Zin, BIG Attitude Zin. We love Zinfandel so much, we make over 20 different types. Rosenblum Cellars has some of the highest rated, most-awarded Zins from California’s most highly regarded vineyards. Not just Napa and Sonoma, but all over the state. And while we are a founding member of the Zinfandel Advocates & Producers group (ZAP!), we do make other amazing wines, including Rhône-style red wines like Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, as well as Rhône-style white wines and dessert wines. We’re like a collection of 30 small wineries rolled into one large hangar in Alameda, California.”

Rosenblum Sonoma County Zinfandel 2010– Sonoma County, California. “The Sonoma County Zinfandel boasts big varietal character and rich, regional style. The nose is precise, opening with bright red fruit that flares around a rich, brambly berry core touched by toasted oak and cloves. Generous and smooth, the intensity of fruit carries through the midpalate, supported with a dollop of spice. Dark fruit lingers with a nice grip on the finish, leaving a lasting impression that beckons another sip.” $15.99