September 2010, Woodinville Wine Country Wine Review

We thought this was a good time to compile a list of Washington State wines we have tasted and reviewed from all the Woodinville, Washington wineries, tasting rooms we have visited and wines we have tasted in the last six months. Enjoy!

Airfield Estate Winery
http://airfieldwines.com/

2008 Mustang** 53% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 8% Cinsault, 2% Counoise, 2% Mourvèdre

2008 Bombshell*** dark fruit

2008 Spitfire*** Deep garnet color, medium-bodied

2008 Hellcat** better paired with food, 88% Tempranillo, 6% Grenache, 6% Syrah

2008 Zinfandel*** jammy fruit flavors, maybe allspice

Alder Ridge and Zefina
http://www.corusestates.com/

2006 Zefina Tempranillo*** dried fruit

2005 Zefina Sangiovese** Cherry nose

2005 Zefina Zinfandel***

2005 Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon***

2006 Zefina Mourvedre** peppery

Alexandria Nicole
http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/

2008 Sauvignon Blanc**

2008 Shephards Mark***

2008 Viognier***

2007 Quarry Butte***

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon****

2009 Marsanne*** peach, with great mouth feel

2008 Grenache*** warm overtones and balance

2008 Primitivo*** black cherry. Washington’s Zins are starting to come on.

2007 Rock Star Red*** jam and spice

2008 Merlot*** Needs more time to develop.

Anton Ville Winery
http://www.antonvillewinery.com/

2005 Merlot*** Try this with chocolate.

Brian Carter Cellars
http://www.briancartercellars.com/

2006 Tuttorosso** A super-Tuscan style blend.

Canon De Sol Winery Wine Experience
http://www.woodinvillewineexperience.com/

2005 Canon De Sol Merlot****

2005 Canon De Sol Syrah***

2005 Canon De Sol Meritage** fruity

2006 Canon De Sol Red Table***

Chateau Ste Michelle
http://www.ste-michelle.com/

2007 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon***

2007 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot***

2007 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon***

Columbia Winery
http://www.columbiawinery.com/

2004 Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon***

Covington Cellars
http://www.covingtoncellars.com/

2007 Sangiovese**

2006 Rough House Red***

Cuillin Hills Winery
http://cuillinhills.com/

2007 The Dungeon, Syrah**** wonderfully peppery

2008 Riff-Raff, Red Blend***

Darby Winery
http://darbywinery.com/

2009 Viognier Le Deuce*** Melon, pineapple, great moth feel, a blend of 52% Viognier and 48% Roussanne.

2008 Purple Haze*** wild berries, smooth texture, 52% cab, 33% Malbec, 10% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc.

2007 Chaos*** Smoky, dark cherries, 40% Cab, 40% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc, 8% Petite Verdot

2007 Dark Side Syrah*** pepper, light smooth Tannins

2008 Grenache***

DeLille Cellars and Doyenne
http://www.delillecellars.com/

2007 Doyenne Syrah**** the mouth feel is quite large and though still elegant.

Edmonds Winery
http://www.edmondswinery.com/

2009 Sauvignon Blanc***

2008 Gerwurztraminer*** waiting for summer.

2007 Syrah***

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon** 93%, Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec

2007 Slide Ridge** 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 53% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot

2007 Bentley**

2007 Robt D*** 60% Cabernet Franc, 20% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Delorious*** Great nose of black cherry with an elegant long and smooth finish

EFESTE Wines
http://www.efeste.com/

2009 Evergreen Riesling*** A nice dry style.

2009 Feral Sauvignon Blanc**

2009 Babbitt Rose’*** great summertime drink

2007 Ceidleigh Syrah**** dried cherries, currant, with smooth tannins

2007 Jolie Bouche Syrah***

2007 Final-Final*** Cab/Syrah always nice with food.

2007 Big Papa Cab**** cherries, raspberries, big wine

Gifford Hirlinger Winery
http://www.giffordhirlinger.com/

2006 Estate Merlot***

2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon***

Goose Ridges Estates
http://www.gooseridge.com/

2005 Estate Syrah***

2006 Estate Merlot*** black cherry

2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon**

2006 Vireo** light on the finish

2006 Sol DUC Meritage** still young

2007 Reserve Malbec*** hint of resins

2005 Reserve Syrah** bacon notes

2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon** plums

Irlandes Wines, Wine Experience
http://www.woodinvillewineexperience.com/

2007 Irlandes Reserve Merlot**** jammy, star of the days tasting

2007 Irlandes Reserve Syrah**** jammy

2007 Irlandes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon*** well balance

2007 Irlandes Reserve Karma***

JM Cellars
http://www.jmcellars.com/

2007 Tre Fanciulli*** 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 14% Syrah

2007 Bramble Bump Red*** 33% Cabernet Sauvignon; 31% Merlot; 15% Syrah; 13% Mourvedre, 8% Petit Verdot

Matthews Estate Winery
http://www.matthewsestate.com/

2005 Columbia Valley Red Wine**

2006 Columbia Valley Claret**

Michael Florentino Cellars
New to Woodinville
2007 Sangiovese Gecko Cellars**

2007 Merlot***

2007 Primitivo***

Northwest Totem Cellars
http://www.nwtotemcellars.com/

2007 Qo-né** a blend of Cab Franc (64.4%), Cabernet Sauvignon (26.2%), Syrah (8.4%) and Petit Verdot (1%)

O Wines
http://www.owines.com/

2007 Red Blend** Their first Red Wine which is a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese.

Page Cellars
http://www.pagecellars.com/

2008 Sauvignon Blanc***

2009 Nouveau Merlot*** A nice fresh tasting wine. I wonder about the price.

2005 Libra***

2005 Syrah*** Klipsun Vineyard

2005 Preface***

2007 Lick My Lips Syrah***

Patterson Cellars
http://www.pattersoncellars.com/

Patterson Cellars 2009 Chardonnay** Aroma of pineapple on the nose, depth and balance with a hint of toasty oak and a crisp fruit finish, yum.

2007 Woodslake Chardonnay*** no oak, refreshing, with a soft mouth feel.

Patterson Cellars 2009 Rosi*** off dry, with cherry and strawberry.

Patterson Cellars 2006 Malbec*** 32 months of aging in French oak tells it all.

NV WoodsLake NV Due Anni** made for summer, drink cooled. Made with 2007 and 2008 juice. Not sure about the price.

Patterson Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon*** this is a well balanced Washington Cab.

Pomum Cellars
http://www.pomumcellars.com/

Pomum Cellars 2008 Riesling*** apricot, nice minerality, with a nice finish, nether dry nor sweet.

Pomum Cellars 2007 Tinto*** cider, medium body and mild tannins. Because the vines are young 16% Cabernet Sauvignon was added for structure and 12% Merlot for acid balance.

Pomum Cellars 2007 Red Wine*** tart red berries, finish was smooth.

Pomum Cellars 2006 Syrah*** slate, well structured, with well rounded tannins.

Pomum Cellars 2006 Shya Red*** perfume, full body, well structured, fruty.

Red Sky Winery
http://www.redskywinery.com/

2006 Semillon***

2005 Syrah***

2006 Sunrise Blend***

2002 Bordeaux Blend***

2006 Serendipity****

Sparkman Cellars
http://www.sparkmancellars.com/

2007 Ruby Leigh*** 65% Hedges North Block and Klipsun Merlot, 17% Kiona Cabernet Franc, 9% Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Kiona Petit Verdot

2007 Outlaw Merlot*** rich and silky on the tongue

2007 Stella Mae*** 62% Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon 21% Klipsun and Hedges Merlot, 17% Stillwater Creek Petit Verdot

2007 Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon*** 85% Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Klipsun Merlot, 11% Snipes Canyon Petit Verdot. 92 points Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection.

2007 Wilderness Red Blend*** 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 29% Syrah, 12% Petite Syrah, 18% Petit Verdot

Stevens Winery
http://www.stevenswinery.com/

2009 Stevens divio Viognier**** great acid, orange blossoms

2007 Stevens Merlot*** floral nose, allspice

2007 Stevens 424 Red Blend*** nice mid palette, light tannins

2007 Stevens Black Tongue Syrah*** mineral and earthy

Trouvaille Winery
New to Woodinville

2007 Merlot, Red Mountain*** cherries, fruit forward

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley** cinnamon, smooth tannins

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain*** dark red fruit, currant, blackberries

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley** blackberry, fine tannins

William Church Winery
http://www.williamchurchwinery.com/

2007 Sur La Mer**** This classic Bordeaux blend consists of 40% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot. Very well balanced, this was the star of the tasting.

2007 Syrah***

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon***

2007 Malbec***

XSV
http://www.xsvwine.com/index.asp

2003 Chardonnay ****

2004 Syrah****

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon****

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon**** Pair this one with chocolate.

Weekend Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars, Everett Washington

Friday, August 27, 2010 “Staff Favorites: Part One”

Chateau Calabre 2007*** light grapefruit, lingers on finish

Domaine Saint Nabor 2009 Gris de Nabor*** honeysuckle, red fruit, quench your thirst

2007 Treana Red*** allspice, I wonder about the price

Guardian Cellars 2007 "The Wanted"**** black currants, berries, big. I also wonder about the price on this one.

Ridge 2006 Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel** we had this back in February were the taste was right on. Today it was weak and offered nothing. May have been blown away by the Treana and Guardian.

Saturday, August 28, 2010 “Staff Favorites: Part Two”

2009 Patton Valley Rosi of Pinot Noir** berries, fruity sweeness

Luna Vineyards 2007 Napa Valley Sangiovese** raspberries, currants

B.R. Cohn 2007 North Coast Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon** berries, black cherries

Porto Rocha Lagrima White Port*** :-) good acidity, citrus, lemon, medium sweet, not over powering.

Another wine tasting trip to Woodinville, Washington

August 23, 2010, Sunday was another trip tasting Washington State Wines in Woodinville. Woodinville has over 60 wineries and tasting rooms, we managed to visit only 4.

EFESTE
http://efeste.com/


2009 Evergreen Riesling*** A nice dry style.


2009 Babbitt Rose’*** great summertime drink


2007 Ceidleigh Syrah**** dried cherries, currant, with smooth tannins


2007 Final-Final*** Cab/Syrah always nice with food.


2007 Big Papa Cab**** cherries, raspberries, big wine

Stevens Winery
http://www.stevenswinery.com/


• 2009 Stevens divio Viognier**** great acid, orange blossoms


• 2007 Stevens Merlot*** floral nose, allspice

• 2007 Stevens 424 Red Blend*** nice mid palette, light tannins


• 2007 Stevens Black Tongue Syrah*** mineral and earthy


Goose Ridges Estates
http://www.gooseridge.com/
Wine tasting notes from a earlier visit.


2005 Estate Syrah***


2006 Estate Merlot*** black cherry


2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon**


2006 Vireo** light on the finish


2006 Sol DUC Meritage** still young


2007 Reserve Malbec*** hint of resins


2005 Reserve Syrah** bacon notes


2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon** plums

Darby Winery
http://www.darbywinery.com/


2009 Viognier Le Deuce*** Melon, pineapple, great moth feel.


2008 Grenache***


2008 Purple Haze*** wild berries, smooth texture


2007 Chaos*** Smoky, dark cherries


2007 Dark Side Syrah*** pepper, light smooth Tannins


So ends another wine tasting day in Woodinville.

Friday Wine Tasting, Appetizers and Music

Friday, August 20th, Mollydooker's Down Under Tasting at Wicked Cellars, Everett Washington.

Three of the wines that provide the foundation for this Friday’s tasting are Mollydooker wines: The 2009 The Boxer Shiraz, the 2009 Two Left Feet Blend and the 2009 The Maitre D'

Yalumba 2009 Y Series Viognier*** ginger, good mouth feel

Nobilo Icon 2009, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc*** :-) melon, pineapple smooth mouth feel and long

Mollydooker 2009 "The Boxer" Shiraz*** cider, peppery, with smooth tannins

Mollydooker 2009 "Two Left Feet"*** :-) 68% Shiraz, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot. Plum, spice, with smooth tannins

2009 "The Maitre D" Cabernet Sauvignon*** :-) spicy, slightly dry
Now a little appetizer

Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian – Everett***
Everett Washington
425-252-1886
http://www.lombardiscucina.com/MainPages/Locations/Everett.html

We thought we would share some items off of Lombardi’s appetizers and small plate menu.

Roasted garlic and Olive Oil*** what’s not to like?

Seared Ahi Tuna Carpaccio**** with a small bed of arugula and olive oil. Seared perfectly, my favorite.

Peel and Eat Shrimp*** always fresh tasting

BBQ Ribs*** nice presentation, wonderful flavors

Salmon spread*** new to their menu. Creamy with a light back ground of lemon and was that a hint of horseradish? Served with toasted beget.
Time for some music


Sojen Cellars***
Everett, Washington
425.876.2396
http://www.sojencellars.com/

When the winery was founded, it was called Griffins Crossing. A cease-and-desist letter for trademark infringement from an attorney working for Willamette Valley Vineyards brand called Griffin Creek. So a name change was needed.

We were treated with Leah Stillwell's amazing Jazz talent backed by Ed Webber on piano and Larry Holloway on bass. We have not been disappointed by any of the talent playing at Sojen Cellars this summer.


Red E4 Red Blend** a nice wine, design for folks who love white wines, but want to enjoy a red. Light, black cherries, with a slight fizz, serve chilled.

Brew night at Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse, Snohomish Washington

Fred's Rivertown Alehouse
Snohomish, Washington
360.568.5820
http://www.myspace.com/fredsrivertownalehouse

Once a month Brewery Nights, great selection of rotating brews. For the month of August we were treated with several beers from Alaskan Brewing Company. T-shirts and glassware were given away thought the evening, what fun!

Chicken Tamales*** off their ‘Featured Items’ menu. Stone ground corn mesa filled with chicken and red sauce wrapped in corn husk. Served with black beans and Mexican rice. Very tasty, the best meal we have had a Fred’s…

Weekend Wine Tasting - August 14, 2010

This Saturday tasting at Wicked Cellars from Noon to 5:00 P.M. was a quick trip bouncing between France, Italy, Spain and Germany's Moselle Valley.

2009 Domaine Saint Nabor Gris de Nabor Rosi*** a blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Cinsault. Wild strawberries, light peach.

2006 Bourgogne Vieilles Vighes* taste of bitters. The staff soon replaced this wine with Domaine d’Eole.

2007 Domaine d’Eole Coteaux D”Aix EN Provence*** :-) Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Smooth, light spice

2005 Icardi "Suri' Di Mu" Barbera D'Alba*** nutty, dried fruit

Olivares Altos de la Hoya, Jumilla*** dark berries, light pepper, with a light finnish

2007 S.A. Prum Blue Slate Riesling*** citrus fruit, tangy

August Trip to Eastern Washington

Our plan for this trip is to travel to Mosses Lake, Washington and stay at Mardon Resort located on Potholes Reservoir. Then travel to Leavenworth, Washington (like we have never been there before) to meet up with members of our family.

MarDon Resort*** Potholes Reservoir

Othello, Washington

509.346.2651

http://www.mardonresort.com/index.html

Mardon Resort has been located on the shores of Potholes Reservoir since the 50’s. The Meseberg family has been the owners for over 30 years. We have been enjoying Mardon with our family since 1982. We stayed in the old hotel, which have been used by fishermen and hunters for years. When I say rustic, I mean rustic… Still our stay was relaxing and enjoyable.

“MarDon Resort, on the sunny shores of Potholes Reservoir, is your recreational destination that provides an RV Park, Motel, Luxury Park Cottages, Tent Sites, Marina, Tackle and Gift Shop and a Bar and Grill - all in a rural setting. The lake is famous for trophy bass, walleye and rainbow trout as well as providing a perfect destination for water enthusiasts.” - mardonresort.com

The Beach Bar & Grill**

Othello, Washington

509.346.9688

http://www.mardonresort.com/index5.html

This is the third time we have eaten here since the changed owners. The first time they had a very limited start-up menu, so they could be forgiven. This time was once again like eating a over price TV diner… I will say the person who waited on us was very friendly and gave wonderful services. We also have had only one item off the menu, unfortunately we will like not eat there again.

 

Chicken Fried Steak* the mash potatoes and country gravy were like badly made instant, and the gravy was over sage for my taste. The steak was like it came from an inexpensive TV diner.

So why not just stay in our room and grill our own?

After spending four days ‘in the sun’, we were off to Leavenworth, Washington

South***

Leavenworth Washington

509.888.4328

http://www.southleavenworth.com/SOUTH/Welcome.html

This is the second report from South

 

Carnitas Taco*** the original “happy hour” taco anytime, chunks of pork, caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside. Very taste

Tomatillo Chicken Taco*** all-natural chicken simmered in roasted tangy tomatillo sauce

Vegetarian Taco*** Sautéed seasoned vegetables

 

King Ludwig’s Restaurant****

Leavenworth, Washington

http://www.kingludwigs.com/

 

Schweinshax’n**** with had it served with Spätzle and Rotkraut (Red Cabbage). I believe King Ludwig’s has the best and most authentic hax’n in Leavenworth. Crispy were it needs to be, and with the meat cooked perfectly.