The AGN crew rang in 2009 with a somewhat muted but very enjoyable evening of great food, high end wine, and lots of laughter. Our traditional crab meal was on deck but to supplement the fare we also had Filet Mignon done in a new recipe discovered by one of the leading Grape chef's of the group. They were absolutely superb! The evening’s wine selections included some solid, well known selections as well as a few individualized picks.
2006 Brown Zinfandel magnum - a seriously smooth, fruit-driven zin that actually tasted best at the end of the meal, in my opinion. A couple of the Nuts are on the Brown mailing list and are huge fans of this Napa-based winery.
2004 Cyrus - this is a blend and actually came off as the transition between the cabs and the Brown... it has nice fruit presence but a bit more structure and weight than the zin. This is available in Anchorage.
2002 Silver Oak Alexander Valley and 2003 Silver Oak Napa Valley - a pre-dinner visit to Oaken Keg scored 2 bottles of Silver Oak at 40% savings. This wine is a high end recognizable wine and as one Nut put it, "they've perfected their Cabernet." The wines are smooth and very well balanced. Approachable and drinkable now, they went well before dinner and with dinner. The Napa Valley was definitely the stand out with stronger tannins and a bit more presence; but, the AV was no slouch, either.
2005 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Artist Series - this was a dark horse I pulled out of the cellar for the occasion. It was good, but I think another 5-10 years in the cellar is needed on the rest of my bottles. By itself it was a little too strong, maybe too young. At dinner though it really stood out and complemented the steak beautifully. The tannins in this wine rip through the palate and present a long enjoyable finish. This is a wine that definitely needs meat. I’m not sure this is available in Alaska – it was a mail order selection.
The dinner represented what I love about the wine life... each bite was savored while we sat around the table together, enjoying the wine, the flavors, and each other’s company.
We finished out the night with a little touch of port and some Frank Family sparkling wine. We had a visitor and she held up well for her inaugural AGN event; the true test will be if she ever comes back to an AGN adventure, though! To conclude the evening we were each able to go around and share a thought, hope, or goal for 2009.
Our collective AGN goal for 2009 is to go around the world... next stop, Italy and Chianti. Care to join us?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday, December 19, 2008
Yakima - Alaska's Napa
Driving down I82 on our way to Zillah, I looked at my wife. "Was that you?"
"Not me. Did you?"
"No... there's some funk in the air."
"I guess we're in farm country."
Eastern Washington in primarily agricultural and despite becoming known as a premier wine growing area, it is still got a core of good 'ol farmland. As you drive through the area you see fields of orchards (apple, cherry, etc) as well as crops like hops and of course, vineyards.
We arrived late in the evening and made our way up to Zillah, home of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, where several wineries were having holiday open houses. Each winery is located down gravel roads and past barns and other farm homes. Make a wrong turn and you'll find your headlights shining on a couple mules and a horse looking at you and wondering what city-folk are doing out and about in this area.
Evening one we went to Bonair winery-a family run winery that had great clam chowder and wonderful hospitality; and, Silver Lake - one of the larger WA wine producers. Then we decided to make our way to our B&B.
The Orchard Inn is run by Karen and Henner. Henner makes the wonderful breakfasts and Karen makes sure you feel at home and are well taken care of. We were the only guests in the 4 room B&B so we got special attention and plenty of room to stretch out. They provide wonderful hospitality and we enjoyed several relaxing mornings drinking coffee and talking. They also are well connected and provide lots of recommendations of things to do in the Yakima area.
Day two we went to Prosser, home of the Horse Heaven AVA. In Prosser they have set up more of a Vintner's Village with a planned community of tasting rooms. Some were just opening and we made it to Apex, Thurston Wolfe, and Airfield. I loved the theme of Airfield and they are a growing, young, ambitious group.
Note: we had a Wolfe Primitivo (the Italian version of Zinfandel)after arriving home and it was great - rich but not syrupy, nicely balanced, and confident tannins. It is aged 13 months in American Oak and you certainly can tell. But, it doesn't ruin the wine even though I'd have liked to seen a little less barrel influence.
That evening we headed to the Tasting Room. There is one of these in downtown Seattle, that we've visited, and like the wines they serve - Wildridge, Harlequin, and the latest NHV. The couple that runs the tasting room (which sits at about 1800') lives in a room above the store. They are perfect hosts and provide colorful service while tasting their wines. He recommended a couple Zillah wineries to us, which is where we headed the next day.
Two Mountain is a Zillah winery run by a couple brothers. We showed up right as a bunch of family did and, though we felt we were intruding, they didn't seem to mind. They were preparing for their annual holiday party and we'd have loved to stay. The tasting room is in the middle of their warehouse. The wines are full of sediment and brother 1 described them as elegant and refined. I think they are doing a fabulous job and it is a winery I'll keep an eye on. They have a style they are developing, a desire to produce great wines but not become pretentious - themselves or their wine.
Wineglass Cellars, home of Capizimo, one of our favorite Washington wines. Their tasting room wasn't open but we set up a private appointment with Linda and got a tour of their production facilities. They are a small producer, about 2000 cases, of some great wines from small vineyards. In talking to her I understood more completely the life and challenges of a family vineyard - how to make the transition, how many cases to produce, and what some of the limitations are unless you want to go big time.
We also made it to Portteus. If you're here in Alaska you may have had their Rattlesnake Red. They produce about 9000 cases a year and have been in the area 20+ years. We had a wonderful visit with the owner/winemaker while we tasted some of their wines.
Visiting in the off-season is highly recommended. Sure, the weather isn't great... we got hit with a snowstorm. But, the people of Yakima are wonderful and when they don't have the crowds to deal with you get the time to sit, talk to them, learn about life their, and appreciate wine at its orgin. It may not be Napa, but Alaskans will like the relaxed, friendly style of the area, the slow pace, and of course, the lower costs. Alaska Grape Nuts will really appreciate the great wines coming from the area.
"Not me. Did you?"
"No... there's some funk in the air."
"I guess we're in farm country."
Eastern Washington in primarily agricultural and despite becoming known as a premier wine growing area, it is still got a core of good 'ol farmland. As you drive through the area you see fields of orchards (apple, cherry, etc) as well as crops like hops and of course, vineyards.
We arrived late in the evening and made our way up to Zillah, home of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, where several wineries were having holiday open houses. Each winery is located down gravel roads and past barns and other farm homes. Make a wrong turn and you'll find your headlights shining on a couple mules and a horse looking at you and wondering what city-folk are doing out and about in this area.
Evening one we went to Bonair winery-a family run winery that had great clam chowder and wonderful hospitality; and, Silver Lake - one of the larger WA wine producers. Then we decided to make our way to our B&B.
The Orchard Inn is run by Karen and Henner. Henner makes the wonderful breakfasts and Karen makes sure you feel at home and are well taken care of. We were the only guests in the 4 room B&B so we got special attention and plenty of room to stretch out. They provide wonderful hospitality and we enjoyed several relaxing mornings drinking coffee and talking. They also are well connected and provide lots of recommendations of things to do in the Yakima area.
Day two we went to Prosser, home of the Horse Heaven AVA. In Prosser they have set up more of a Vintner's Village with a planned community of tasting rooms. Some were just opening and we made it to Apex, Thurston Wolfe, and Airfield. I loved the theme of Airfield and they are a growing, young, ambitious group.
Note: we had a Wolfe Primitivo (the Italian version of Zinfandel)after arriving home and it was great - rich but not syrupy, nicely balanced, and confident tannins. It is aged 13 months in American Oak and you certainly can tell. But, it doesn't ruin the wine even though I'd have liked to seen a little less barrel influence.
That evening we headed to the Tasting Room. There is one of these in downtown Seattle, that we've visited, and like the wines they serve - Wildridge, Harlequin, and the latest NHV. The couple that runs the tasting room (which sits at about 1800') lives in a room above the store. They are perfect hosts and provide colorful service while tasting their wines. He recommended a couple Zillah wineries to us, which is where we headed the next day.
Two Mountain is a Zillah winery run by a couple brothers. We showed up right as a bunch of family did and, though we felt we were intruding, they didn't seem to mind. They were preparing for their annual holiday party and we'd have loved to stay. The tasting room is in the middle of their warehouse. The wines are full of sediment and brother 1 described them as elegant and refined. I think they are doing a fabulous job and it is a winery I'll keep an eye on. They have a style they are developing, a desire to produce great wines but not become pretentious - themselves or their wine.
Wineglass Cellars, home of Capizimo, one of our favorite Washington wines. Their tasting room wasn't open but we set up a private appointment with Linda and got a tour of their production facilities. They are a small producer, about 2000 cases, of some great wines from small vineyards. In talking to her I understood more completely the life and challenges of a family vineyard - how to make the transition, how many cases to produce, and what some of the limitations are unless you want to go big time.
We also made it to Portteus. If you're here in Alaska you may have had their Rattlesnake Red. They produce about 9000 cases a year and have been in the area 20+ years. We had a wonderful visit with the owner/winemaker while we tasted some of their wines.
Visiting in the off-season is highly recommended. Sure, the weather isn't great... we got hit with a snowstorm. But, the people of Yakima are wonderful and when they don't have the crowds to deal with you get the time to sit, talk to them, learn about life their, and appreciate wine at its orgin. It may not be Napa, but Alaskans will like the relaxed, friendly style of the area, the slow pace, and of course, the lower costs. Alaska Grape Nuts will really appreciate the great wines coming from the area.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
2005 Baer Winery Ursa
Gotta love the posting activity of these grape nuts!
Baer Winery (www.baerwinery.com) is located in Washington and according to their website have recently moved to the Woodinville area. If you haven't been to Woodinville, you should. It is just a bit north of Seattle and home to some big name wine rooms like Chateu St. Michelle, Columbia Winery, etc. They are putting a lot of money into community development and making it a wine destination... perfect for aspiring Alaska Grape Nuts.
Anyway, we stopped in at a nice little wine store and tried a few of the daily pours. I had a great Aussie Cab that was full bodied but nicely restrained compared to what you typically expect. The woman behind the counter was leaving for a visit to Alaska in a few days so was very interested in talking to us. We had a nice visit and she recommended this wine.
Tragically, I believe the owner or winemaker had passed away before the wine was completed. A few friends got together to finish off this vintage. It is a nice wine - good structure and nice acidity with fine tannins. It isn't a heavy fruit wine but well balanced. This would be a good dinner wine and would go with a wide variety of dishes.
Baer Winery (www.baerwinery.com) is located in Washington and according to their website have recently moved to the Woodinville area. If you haven't been to Woodinville, you should. It is just a bit north of Seattle and home to some big name wine rooms like Chateu St. Michelle, Columbia Winery, etc. They are putting a lot of money into community development and making it a wine destination... perfect for aspiring Alaska Grape Nuts.
Anyway, we stopped in at a nice little wine store and tried a few of the daily pours. I had a great Aussie Cab that was full bodied but nicely restrained compared to what you typically expect. The woman behind the counter was leaving for a visit to Alaska in a few days so was very interested in talking to us. We had a nice visit and she recommended this wine.
Tragically, I believe the owner or winemaker had passed away before the wine was completed. A few friends got together to finish off this vintage. It is a nice wine - good structure and nice acidity with fine tannins. It isn't a heavy fruit wine but well balanced. This would be a good dinner wine and would go with a wide variety of dishes.
A NEW WINE FROM LA BODEGA WITH SOME NEW GRAPES
Thursday Nov 13th
Tuesday Nov 11th we spent a fair amount of coin and over an hour at Vino Volo. I agree with Jim, the Washington Syrah's were very good!! WE also had a Oregon Pinot Blanc... cannot remember the name, but it was very good.
Went by La Bodega this afternoon and bought two red blends that I have never tried. One Calif, the other Aussie. Tonight with Pizza we had the California 2004 Adelaida.
34% Mourvedre, 22% Syrah, 18% Grenache, 14% Counoise, 12% Cinsault
Sandy and I both enjoyed it. Cost is around 18 or $19. The Rioja Vega Spanish wine had a Mourvedre grape in it. GOOGLE on the COUNOISE GRAPE, "Yet the grape is a key component of many Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, and comprises 10% of the Beaucastel Rouge. Its moderate alcohol and tannins, combined with good fruit and aromatics, balances the characteristic intense spice, strong tannins, and high alcohol of Syrah. "
The precise origin of Counoise (pronounced "Coon-wahz")
Cinsault (or Cinsaut) is one of the oldest south of France variety. Even nowadays it is impossible to determinate its origins, between Provence and Languedoc.The Cinsault is a hill-side grape-variety. It is the reason for which it is always associated to other varieties: Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah. Cinsault produces large grains, very sweet and juicy
RS
Tuesday Nov 11th we spent a fair amount of coin and over an hour at Vino Volo. I agree with Jim, the Washington Syrah's were very good!! WE also had a Oregon Pinot Blanc... cannot remember the name, but it was very good.
Went by La Bodega this afternoon and bought two red blends that I have never tried. One Calif, the other Aussie. Tonight with Pizza we had the California 2004 Adelaida.
34% Mourvedre, 22% Syrah, 18% Grenache, 14% Counoise, 12% Cinsault
Sandy and I both enjoyed it. Cost is around 18 or $19. The Rioja Vega Spanish wine had a Mourvedre grape in it. GOOGLE on the COUNOISE GRAPE, "Yet the grape is a key component of many Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, and comprises 10% of the Beaucastel Rouge. Its moderate alcohol and tannins, combined with good fruit and aromatics, balances the characteristic intense spice, strong tannins, and high alcohol of Syrah. "
The precise origin of Counoise (pronounced "Coon-wahz")
Cinsault (or Cinsaut) is one of the oldest south of France variety. Even nowadays it is impossible to determinate its origins, between Provence and Languedoc.The Cinsault is a hill-side grape-variety. It is the reason for which it is always associated to other varieties: Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah. Cinsault produces large grains, very sweet and juicy
RS
Thursday, November 6, 2008
HOMEWORK + EXTRA CREDIT
You all know how diligent I am at doing my homework, especially when it includes drinking wine. I had a really good spanish wine the other night but after the pitiful results of the elections we opened 2 more bottles and now I completely forgot the name and everything about the great spanish wine I had at Little Italy. Enough talk about politics though on to the important things in life, WINE! Sooo, I decided I would open a bottle of 2005 Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo that came from Wine Styles. I think it was last months club selection. I just opened the bottle and it has a REALLY intense nose just out of the bottle. A little Sniffy Sniff and I am ready to dive into the bottle. So far so good. The label that Wine Styles attaches says "complex flavors", up front I find it very smooth and easy to drink. Very HEAVY or Chewy though. I like it! Nice peppery finish that actually is pretty complex. I think as it breaths it will get even better. Ok, I will tell you more about it as I continue on the quest to see what lies on the bottom of the bottle.
I do however want to tell you about a Phenominal Syrah I recently had. I was passing through the Seattle airport a few weeks ago and stopped at Vino de Volo for a snack and a wine sampler. One of the wines in the sampler were soo good I had to take a bottle with me. It was called K syrah from K vintners. $25. Awesome wine from the Wahluke Slope in Columbia Valley. I have never tried a wine from this winery but this one was outstanding. We had this with grilled filet and it paired really nicely. Great raspberry flavors, smoky, very smooth.
Ooh, we interupt this extra long wine blog to report that the 2nd glass (after it has breathed a bit) of Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo was even better than the first.
I am really liking the Washington Syrah's and look forward to the AGN wine tour in April.
Well, I must sign off but will continue on the quest for some great Spanish wines. This weekend I am taking my Wine Spectator to Brown Jug and Gold Rush to stock up on some great Spanish Wines to taste. Until we blog again. Cheers! !!
I do however want to tell you about a Phenominal Syrah I recently had. I was passing through the Seattle airport a few weeks ago and stopped at Vino de Volo for a snack and a wine sampler. One of the wines in the sampler were soo good I had to take a bottle with me. It was called K syrah from K vintners. $25. Awesome wine from the Wahluke Slope in Columbia Valley. I have never tried a wine from this winery but this one was outstanding. We had this with grilled filet and it paired really nicely. Great raspberry flavors, smoky, very smooth.
Ooh, we interupt this extra long wine blog to report that the 2nd glass (after it has breathed a bit) of Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo was even better than the first.
I am really liking the Washington Syrah's and look forward to the AGN wine tour in April.
Well, I must sign off but will continue on the quest for some great Spanish wines. This weekend I am taking my Wine Spectator to Brown Jug and Gold Rush to stock up on some great Spanish Wines to taste. Until we blog again. Cheers! !!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
TWO GOOD WINES
Election Day 2008
Over the last 3 nights we tried a couple of nice wines. A 2005 Spanish Rioja Vega and a California Cashmere (Blend) from Cline.
Both were very good. The Rioja Vega was smooth with a hint of cherry / berry taste. Initially smelled of must and liquorice until it breathed a little. To me a rich, full bodied wine. For $14 a bottle I thought a great value for a very good wine.
The Cashmere is also a red blend from California Cline Vintners. A little bit lighter than the Rioja Vega with a little stronger hints of fruit. Not overpowering though. We enjoyed this with pasta and found it very nice.
rs
Over the last 3 nights we tried a couple of nice wines. A 2005 Spanish Rioja Vega and a California Cashmere (Blend) from Cline.
Both were very good. The Rioja Vega was smooth with a hint of cherry / berry taste. Initially smelled of must and liquorice until it breathed a little. To me a rich, full bodied wine. For $14 a bottle I thought a great value for a very good wine.
The Cashmere is also a red blend from California Cline Vintners. A little bit lighter than the Rioja Vega with a little stronger hints of fruit. Not overpowering though. We enjoyed this with pasta and found it very nice.
rs
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Assignment 1: Spain
You all thought we'd forgotten about our little Alaska Grape Nuts group, didn't you? But, in reality, we've simply been doing the reverse summer hibernation that all Alaskans do. Now that winter is upon us again, the wine fun also rises.
As our first group assignment, we've decided to tackle Spain. Want to learn more... here are a few available sites:
- http://www.winesfromspainusa.com
- http://www.jrnet.com/vino
Of course, some personal studying is required. Wine Spectator has a list of value Spanish wines. Or, visit your local wine store and ask for some recommendations.
Dive in, do your homework, and share your stories here.
As our first group assignment, we've decided to tackle Spain. Want to learn more... here are a few available sites:
- http://www.winesfromspainusa.com
- http://www.jrnet.com/vino
Of course, some personal studying is required. Wine Spectator has a list of value Spanish wines. Or, visit your local wine store and ask for some recommendations.
Dive in, do your homework, and share your stories here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)