5/28/2010 and 5/29/2010 Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars

Wicked Cellars

Friday the 28th, a Tasting Tour of Down Under

Stanley-Lambert 2005 Pristine Chardonnay*** unoaked with a crisp clean finish.

Torbreck 2008 Woodcutters Semillon***

Torbreck 2008 Woodcutter's Shiraz**** a very find wine.

Torbreck 2006 The Steading*** will age for many years.

Stanley-Lambert 2006 Three's Company GSM 2006, Barossa Valley*** lightly scented characters of the Grenache grape when blended Shiraz and Mouvedre.

Stanley-Lambert Silent Partner 2005*** Aged in American oak for 18 months.

Saturday the 29th, Frenchman Hills Winery Tasting with Norman Myrick. All wines from this winery are high in alcohol, do to one of the longest growing seasons in the state. All would go wonderfully with red meat.

2005 Estate Grown Frenchman Hills Merlot**

2005 Estate Grown Frenchman Hills Red Wine** 51% merlot, 34% cabernet sauvignon, and 15% syrah.

2005 Estate Grown Frenchman Hills Cabernet Sauvignon**

2005 Estate Grown Frenchman Hills Syrah*** the palate is clean and soft yet showcases the loveliness of Syrah.

Estate Grown Frenchman Hills Tier I Syrah*** this is a true barrel selected wine.

5/21/2010 Wine Tasting

Olsen Estates Wines Tasting at Wicked Cellars with Ray Bloom from Vinum Wines.

2008 Olsen Estates Blanc des Coteaux** blend of 70% Roussanne, 23% Viognier and 7% Marsanne.

Olsen Estates 2007 Chardonnay*** big, bright and lively.

Olsen Estates 2007 Rouge des Coteaux*** blend of 60% Grenache, 26% Cinsault and 23% Syrah

Olsen Estates 2007 Merlot*** barrel aged for 16 months in 75% new French oak.

Olsen Estates 2006 Syrah*** aromas of dark fruit.

Olsen Estates 2007 Heritage Series*** hand Selected Syrah. Grown on a south-facing slope at the base of Rattle Snake Mountain.

5/18/2010 to 5/21/2010 Road Trip to Long Beach, Washington

Welcome to Long Beach

Long Beach is around a four hour drive. We are lucky enough to drive through Seattle, Tacoma and just past the Capital in Olympia, so timing is every thing.

The weather for the few days we are here has been showing rain and wind warnings. Yuk, but what can you do? We saw bikers (the peddle kind) with camping gear in the rain on highway 101. So I thought we don’t have it so bad.

5/18/2010

Long Beach Lightship Restaurant and Columbia Bar

The Long Beach Lightship Restaurant and Columbia Bar **
Long Beach, Washington
360.642.3252
http://www.longbeachlightship.com/

View from the restaurant

Oyster Rockefeller*** Fresh Oysters with spinach.

Seafood Portofino (Fettuccini)*** Shrimp, Manila Clams, Mussels, Mushrooms and Spinach served with a Garlic Herb Butter Sauce.

Seafood Portofino (Linguini)*** Shrimp, Manila Clams, Mussels, Mushrooms and Spinach served with a Garlic Herb Butter Sauce.

5/19/2010

Harbor Lights Motel-Restaurant

Stormy and Windy Day

Harbor Lights Motel-Restaurant & Lounge**
Ilwaco, Washington
360.642.3196
http://www.harbor-lights-ilwaco.com/



Clam chowder**



Fish & Chips** cornmeal batter with great chips.



Clam Strips & Chips** chewy clams while still tasty

Shelburne Inn Restaurant and Pub (from their web site)

Shelburne Inn Restaurant & Pub****
Seaview, Washington
360.642.2442
http://www.theshelburneinn.com/
This is the first time back since January 2009. The restaurant was being remodeled during our last visit. The restaurant shows old-world ambiance, showcasing fresh and local ingredients.



Innkeepers Mussel Chowder** Creamy Tomato Mussel Broth with Vegetables and Potatoes. I found the taste of mussels lost in the tomato broth. The tomato broth offers lots of flavors.



The Shelburne Inn Turf and Surf**** Beef Tenderloin, with Garlic Sautéed Black Tiger Prawns, served with a Green Peppercorn Demi Glace, Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Sautéed Vegetables. Nicely prepared, savory, done to perfection for me. Janet fond it was a little rare for her liking.

2005 Mercer Merlot*** This pared nicly with the beef tenderloin

5/20/2010

Castaway Restaurant

Castaway Restaurant***
Long Beach, WA
360.642.4745
http://castawaysseafoodgrille.com/



Golden Fried Calamari*** lightly breaded. Finely we were able to try Calamari that did not feel like rubber bands in your mouth. With that being said we never need to have Calamari again, just not to our liking.



Clam chowder***



Grilled Salmon** grilled and dusted with their own seafood seasoning. The Salmon was little on the dry side.

5/21/2010

OleBob’s Market and Galley Restaurant

OleBob’s Market and Galley Restaurant**
Ilwaco, Washington
360.642.4332
http://www.olebobs.com/

Clam chowder** real homemade chowder, just like mom use to make.



Salmon and chips*** panko breaded, good flavour.

5/17/2010 Wine and Pizza at Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Luca’s Ristorante & Pizzeria***
Lake Stevens Washington425.334.2066
http://www.lucasitalian.com/1.html


Regina Margherita Pizza*** Great happy hour value. Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano cheese, olive oil, basil.

2007 Zenato Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore*** This is the same wine we tasted Saturday at Lombardi’s. Remember half prices wines on Tuesday.

Saturday 5/15/2010 Wine Tasting and Appetizers

Lombardi’s “Wines on the Waterfront” with wine aficionado Julie Hilman. Tasted 6 wines from the Veneto region of Italy. These wines will be paired with 6 appetizer bites created by Everett’s Chef Christian Turner.

Lombardi’s “Wines on the Waterfront” with wine aficionado Julie Hilman.

White Course
Citrus Prawns***
Adami Garbel Prosecco 13** slightly sweet

Brie and fig compote***
Lugana San Benedetto*** crisp and fruity

Italian flat bread and pesto and goat cheese***
Inama Vin Soave** pleasant on the palate

Lombardi’s “Wines on the Waterfront” with wine aficionado Julie Hilman.

Red Course
Italian salsa with fresh Mozzarella on a crostini***
Zenato Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore*** elegant bouquet

Wild Boar with horseradish mascarpone on a crostni***
2006 Palazzo della Torre**** Floral nose, complex and well balance.

Chocolate Mousse** would have liked to have had the wine match with a read meat.
2006 Amorone Della Valpolceele, Campo Dei Gigli, Tenuta San Antonio**** very intensive, complex and fine bodied

Lombardi’s neighborhood Italian restaurant Everett Marina 

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Friday 5/14/2010 Wine Tasting

Wine tasting Tommasi Viticoltori*** at Wicked Cellars****

Tommasi 2008 Pinot Grigio*** Dry with intense flavors.

Tommasi 2008 Soave "Le Volpare"***

Tommasi 2007 Valpolicella Classico Rafael** medium-bodied.

Tommasi 2007 Valpolicella Ripasso Supreriore** Ripasso" Tommasi is the unique result of refermenting Tommasi Valpolicella, Classico Superiore, on the warm dried grape skins from which TOMMASI Amarone has been already pressed.

Tommasi 2005 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico**** inky garnet in color, full-bodied.

May 2010 Trip to Leavenworth Washington

Munchen Haus
Leavenworth Washington
509.548.1158
http://www.munchenhaus.com/
This is a must stop on every visit. Bratwurst, beer and out side sitting rain, sun and snow!

BIG “BOB” Bratwurst***

Visconti's of Leavenworth****
Leavenworth, Washington
509.548.1213
http://www.viscontis.com/
This was our second visit this year. Our plan was to have two bottles of Col Solare, a 1997 and 1998. We had the 1996 (their last bottle) on our last visit.

A small meat and chesses platter*** with two meats, two cheeses and apples.

Grilled asparagus**** Grilled to perfection with a little crunch.

COL SOLARE Red Table Wine, Columbia Valley 1998*** Still tasting nice. We decided to drink a 1998 rather than the 1998. Saving the 1997 for next time.

Saturday 5/8/2010 “Wings and Wine” Wine Tasting and Light appetizers

This was a Boeing Management Association (BMA) wine tasting event. With Woodinville Wine Country wineries, located at the Flying Heritage Collection, Paine Field, Everett.

The Flying Heritage Collection**** is operated by a non-profit organization committed to educating the public about rare, historic aircraft. Main emphases of the collection are combat aircraft from World War II, including the Spitfire, Hurricane, P-51, P-47, Hellcat, and a Me-109. This year the collection has added the most famous artillery weapon of WWII—the Flax 37.

Airfield Estate Winery
http://airfieldwines.com/
2008 Mustang** 53% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 8% Cinsault, 2% Counoise, 2% Mourvèdre

Alexandria Nicole
http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/lexandrianicolecellars.com/
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon****

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.

Chateau Ste Michelle
http://www.ste-michelle.com/
2007 Canoe Ridge Estate 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/
2007 Dark Side Syrah***
2008 Purple Haze***

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/
2007 Delorious Red**** 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec. Great nose with a long and smooth finish.

EFESTE Wines
http://www.efeste.com/
2007 Final-Final***

2007 Ceidleigh**** made entirely from Red Mountain grapes.

Gifford Hirlinger Winery
http://www.giffordhirlinger.com/
2006 Estate Merlot***
2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon***

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**

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.

Red Sky Winery
http://www.redskywinery.com/
2005 Red*** Bordeaux blend
2006 Serendipity****

Sparkman Cellars
http://www.sparkmancellars.com/
2007 Stella Mae*** made of Cabernet Sauvignon from Klipsun Vineyards, Merlot from Hedges North Block and Klipsun, and Petit Verdot from Stillwater Creek Vineyard.

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
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon****

Saturday 5/8/2010 Wine Tasting

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars**** with Scott Southard, owner and winemaker of Southard Winery***. Southard Winery is a new Washington State winery located in Selah, Washington.
http://www.southardwinery.com/

2008 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Viognier*** chewy texture and long finish.

2008 Riesling*** bright and dry with a rich mouthfeel.

2007 Lawrence Vineyard Syrah*** from the Columbia Valley's Royal Slope. Needs some are to open up. My top wine of the tasting.

2007 Whipping Boy*** Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lawrence Vineyard. Janet’s favorite wine.

Friday 5/7/2010 Wine Tasting

Wine tasting at Wicked Cellars**** was hosted by Lars Sorensen of Cascade Trade***. Lars is always on a mission to find the best quality, small production wines that offer loads of flavor and tons of value. This tasting was no exception. While there were no wines with a ‘wow’ factor, they were all drinkable.
http://www.cascadetrade.com/about.html

Enotria Cortese 2008 Mendocino County, California** Cortese is the grape that makes Gavi, and Gavi is a white wine from northern Italy.

Anne Amie Cuvie Amrita 2008 Willamette Valley, Oregon*** It is dry, crisp and fruity consisting of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, a splash of Gewurztraminer and a pinch of Chardonnay.

Coto de Hayas Tinto 2009 Campo de Borja, Spain*** Good value. Old vine Garnacha is blended with Tempranillo, Syrah and a little bit of Cabernet.

Enotria Dolcetto 2007 Mendocino County, California*** Fruity and light on the palate, bring on the summer!

Cortenova Primitivo 2008 Puglia, Italy** Concentrated, dark fruit flavors and spice.

Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, Australia*** Jam packed with flavors, my favorite of the tasting.

Saturday 5/1/2010 Wine Tasting

Ward Johnson Winery*** with Charlie Johnson Co-winemaker and Owner at Wicked Cellars****
Ward Johnson is an urban family winery located at the foot of Seattle's Queen Anne Hill.
http://www.wardjohnsonwinery.com/home

Ward Johnson 2008 Counterbalance Chardonnay, Columbia Valley and Sun River Valley**

Ward Johnson 2007 Merlot, Hedges Vineyard, Red Mountain*** food-friendly and medium-bodied.

Ward Johnson 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain*** 10% Cab Franc.

Ward Johnson 2007 Syrah, Red Mountain***

Friday 4/30/2010 Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars**** with Lars Ryssdal from Tranche Cellars***
http://www.tranchecellars.com/tranchecellars.com/

Tranche Cellars 2006 Pinot Gris** Sorry, not into sweet Pinot Gris.

Tranche Cellars 2007 Roussanne/Viognier, Columbia Valley**

Tranche Cellars 2005 Chardonnay**

Tranche Cellars 2005 Barbera, Columbia Valley*** Rather high alcohol, drink at a cool room temperature.

The Tranche Cellars 2005 "Slice of Pape"*** a Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Blend Style.

Tranche Cellars 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon***