“Summer Island Wine Tasting” at Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant Everett, Washington

"Summer Island Wines of Washington" wine and small plates tasting is the second in a series hosted by the wonderful Julie Hillman of Noble Wines Ltd. Featuring red and white varietals from San Juan Vineyards and Whidbey Island Vineyards, and spectacular small plates. Is there a better location? I don’t think so. The wine was great, the food was great, the staff was great, and the company was great….

First
Italian flatbread with goat cheese and bay shrimp*** what flavor
2008 Siegerrebe, San Juan Vineyards*** this wine came alive with food. Full of minerals, showing will balance acids. Siegerrebe is a German and Austrian varietal grown where temperatures are cooler such as the Puget Sound.


Second
Pan seared Diver Scallop over Romesco sauce*** cooked just right.
2008 Madeleing Angevine, San Juan Vineyards** grapefruit, minerals, acid and long lasting. Northern European varietal grown where temperatures are cooler such as the Puget Sound.

Third
Roma Tort***
2008 Dolcetto, Whidbey Island Vineyards*** berry flavors and notes of vanilla. Yakima Valley fruit.

Fourth
Italian Salsa and fresh mozzarella on crostini***
2007 Sangiovese, Whidbey Island Vineyards*** bright rich flavors of black cherry, fruit forwarded.

Fifth
Bake brie in puff pastry with fig compote**** the fig compote was the star of the afternoon.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, San Juan Vineyards**** :-) flavor on the mid palate with cherry finishing nicely with a hint of oak. Kestrel View Estates fruit.

Sixth
Prosciutto wrapped blackened filet** prosciutto rapt anything is good.
2007 Cabernet Franc, San Juan Vineyards*** nice tannins and fruit. Alder Ridge Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills fruit.

Friday June 25th Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars, Everett Washington

Starting with this tasting we will be adding a new feature to our wine tasting notes. If we would buy the wine, based on flavor and cost (value) we will add :-) after the rating.

Lars Sorensen, wines selected from his Cascade Trade portfolio.

Inka Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Leyda Valley, Chile*** crisp with mineral notes, and rasins

Starry Night Chardonnay Russian River 2007 Sonoma County, California****:-) full and rich flavors pear, creamy finish.

Donnadieu Cuvie Camille & Juliette 2007 St. Chinian, France*** well balance, dark berry aromas with plums.

Cana's Feast Bricco 2007 Willamette Valley, Oregon***

Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Milton Park 2008 Barossa Valley, Australia***:-) smooth with a flavorful viscous mouth feel, jammy.

Finca 21 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza, Argentina*** From 50-year old vines southeast of Mendoza.

June 20, 2010 Wine pick up and tasting in Woodinville, Washington

Chateau Ste. Michelle
Woodinville, Washington
425.415.3300
http://www.ste-michelle.com/
Wine pickup time

2007 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon***

2007 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot***

Since we were in Woodinville why not taste more wine? After all several tasting rooms were having a ‘Summer Block Party’ hosted By:Alder Ridge Estate Winery, Airfield Estates, Goose Ridge Estate Winery, Canon De Sol Winery and Irlandes Limited Reserve Winery.

Goose Ridges Estates
Woodinville, Washington
425.488.0200
http://www.gooseridge.com/
We found the wonderful Julie Hillman pouring wine.

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

Canon De Sol Winery/ Irlandes Wines, Wine Experience
Woodinville, Washington
425.489.9463
http://www.woodinvillewineexperience.com/
This was our least favorite tasting experience. It’s very difficult to have the full wine tasting experience with a minus one ounce pour.

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

2005 Canon De Sol Merlot****

2007 Irlandes Reserve Syrah**** jammy

2005 Canon De Sol Syrah***

2005 Canon De Sol Meritage** fruity

2006 Canon De Sol Red Table***

2007 Irlandes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon*** well balance

2007 Irlandes Reserve Karma***

Alder Ridge and Zefina
Woodinville, Washington
425.408.1796
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

June Road Trip to Prosser, Washington

June 11, 2010



Olsen Estates
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7007
http://www.olsenestates.com/
We dropped in to confirm the BBQ schedule for Saturday was still on. Having tasted most of the wines before, we rated the new wines.

2007 Pinot Gris *** flavors of melon, Refreshing

2008 Rose** taste of strawberry’s

2008 Blank des Coteaux***

2007 Riesling*** flavors of stone fruit

2007 Estate Merlot

2007 Syrah

2007 Heritage

Wine O’ Clock Wine Bar***
Prosser, Washington
509.786.2197
http://www.wineoclockwinebar.com/
Located in Vintner's Village, Wine o'clock Wine Bar is the tasting room for Bunnell Family Cellar and RiverAerie. On weekends it offers roasted gourmet pizza, salads, cheese assortments, and soup. So for us it was time for lunch.

Asparagus, mascarpone and herb butter ***

Anti pasta***

2004 Bunnell Family Cellars Boushey-McPherson Vineyard Syrah*** berry and dark spice flavors

Gamache Vintners
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7800
http://www.gamachevintners.com/

2006 Estate Boulder Red**** a nice, easy drinking wine, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 12% Syrah

2006 Estate Merlot*** black cherries

2006 Estate Malbec*** rose on the nose and spice

2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon** light on the finish

2005 Gamache-Champoux Reserve Cabernet***

2005 Estate Syrah**** spice on the palate. 91 Points - Wine Spectator

Milbrandt Vineyards
Prosser, Washington
509.788.0030
http://www.milbrandtvineyards.com/

2007 Estate Viognier*** full bodied

2009 Traditions Rose*** Strawberries

2006 Estate Petite Sirah*** jammy

2007 Estate Tasting Room Red*** soft

2006 Estates Merlot*** sophisticated

2007 Estates Malbec**** jammy, rich, silky, velvety. Just rated best Washington wine per Northwest Wine Summit

2006 Estates Cabernet Sauvignon*** deep fruit and generous mouth-feel

Coyote Canyon - H/H Estate Reserve
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7686
http://www.coyotecanyonwinery.com/

2006 Sangiovese***

2006 Tres Cruces***

2006 Robert Andrews H/H Estate Red Reserve**

2007 Syrah***

2006 Syrah H/H Estate***

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon***

Bozak H/H Estate Red Reserve**

Martinez & Martinez Winery
Prosser, Washington
509-786-2424
http://www.m2-wine.com/

2009 Viognier**

2006 Cesir Red** pencil shavings and cardboard

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon**

2009 Roussanne**

Alexandria Nicole
Prosser, Washington
509.786.3497
http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/
We did not taste any new wines.

Whistran Brew Company
Prosser, Washington
509-786-4922
http://www.whitstranbrewing.com/
This was a good way to end the day of wine tasting at Prosser’s only, so finest Micro Brewery.

Deep fried Asparagus*** so why deep fry wonderful asparagus?

Tri tips and mash potatoes***

Hamburger with bacon***

Horse Heaven Hefe*** a Bavarian-style hefeweizen

June 12, 2010

We started the day with a short trip to the Red Mountain area. Were our plan was to visit wineries we have not visited in the pass.

Tapleil Wine
Benton City, Washington
509.588.4460
http://www.tapteil.com/

2007 Syrah ***

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon *** pepper on the nose

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon***

Hightower Cellars
Benton City, Washington
509.588.2867
http://www.hightowercellars.com/

2007 Murray Cuvee*** smooth, light bodied

2008 Murray Syrah**

2007 Pepper Bridge Red Wine**

2006 Merlot**

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon***

2006 Red Mountain Red Wine*** good structure, mellowness

Col Solare
Benton City, Washington
509.588.2200
http://www.colsolare.com/
Lunch time and were better to go than the newly open to the public what is called ‘Saturday Sole.’

Assorted Mediterranean Olives*** mild, unpitted country style

Bison Carpaccio**** garnished with Mache’ and Cyprus Salt

Cavatappi con Oro del Puma*** imbued with truffle oil and bacon

Winemaker’s Flight*** 2004, 2005 and 2006 Col Solare

Back to the Prosser area

Heaven’s Cave Cellars
Prosser, Washington
509.788.0008
http://www.heavenscave.com/

2007 Two Degrees Barbera**** plum jam and earthy

2007 The Dweller Syrah*** Spicy, black pepper

2007 “Amethyst” Malbec*** velvety mouth-feel

2007 Merlot**

2007 “Innkeeper” Cabernet Sauvignon***

2005 Angel’s Blend*** Bordeaux blend, fruity

Olsen Estates 2010 Winemakers Barbeque
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7007
http://www.olsenestates.com/
This was the reason for the trip. To pick up our club wine and to enjoy the Winemakers Barbeque. The event was catered by ‘Tuscany’ a new restaurant in town. The menu included, skewered chicken, roasted pork, salmon with tapenade, cheese plate, and sliced potato salad. We started the afternoon by tasting what they called Futures (wine bottled but not released). Were possible these futures were compared to the existing releases.

2008 (Futures) Grenache**** All I can say about this is “Wow”

2007 Estates Petit Verdot*** Black cherry, and long finish

2008 (Futures) Estates Petit Verdot*** laid back, cherries

2007 Heritage

2008 (Futures) Heritage**** cooler conditions will make this drinkable early on.

June 13, 2010

Tasawik Vineyards
Prosser, Washington
509-786-2565
http://www.tasawikvineyards.com/

2005 Tasawik Merlot** nice nose

2005 Tasawik Cabernet Sauvignon** taste of berries

2007 Tasawik Sangiovese** 100% Sangiovese

2007 Tasawik Mistura** light

Maison Bleue Winery
Prosser, Washington
509.786.2307
https://www.mbwinery.com/

2008 La Vie Douce Roussanne*** off-dry, nose of wild flower honey.

2008 La Montagnette Grenache*** light rated 92, dark plum

2008 La Rogue Syrah*** rated 91

Milbrandt Vineyard for lunch
Prosser, Washington
509.788.0030
http://www.milbrandtvineyards.com/

Milbrandt Club*** layers of various kinds of ham and salamis with tapenade and melted provolone.

Airfield Estates
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7401
http://www.airfieldwines.com/

2008 Bombshell*** dark fruit, 41% Syrah, 35% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Sangiovese, 4% Malbec, 3% Cab Franc

2008 Spitfire*** Deep garnet color, medium-bodied, 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 5% Petite Verdot

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

2008 Zinfandel*** jammy fruit flavors, maybe allspice

Willow Crest
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7999
http://www.willowcrestwinery.com/
We almost did not stop by this trip. Last visit there was not one of the best. I’m glad we did, the wines were good and their menu has greatly improved.

2007 Cabernet Franc*** berries

2007 Merlot***

2006 Syrah*** jammy

2006 Grenache*** fruity and peppery

2007 Malbec*** fruit mid palate with a peppery finish

2008 Collina Bella*** needs age to tame

Thurston Wolfe
Prosser, Washington
509.786.3313
http://www.thurstonwolfe.com/

2008 Dr. Wolfes Family Red*** spicy and fruity

2008 Burgess Vineyard Syrah***

2008 Zinfandel***

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon the Teacher*** full flavor

2007 Petite Sirah** smooth


“Pool Time” Back to our Hotel

Time for dinner!

Apex Wine and Food Pairing
Tuscany Rustic Italian Bistro
Prosser, Washington
509.786.7600
http://www.eattuscany.com/
This was a real treat. Our plan was to try this new Restaurant in Prosser. They also were the folks who catered the Olsen Estates 2010 Winemakers Barbeque. When we arrived restaurant we found a close sign, yet there were people inside. It was an Apex Cellars wine and food pairing hosted by Master Sommelier Angelo Tavernaro. We were invited in and asked to join the event, lucky us. Angelo is one of only a 150 or so Master Sommelier in the world, what a treat.



Assorted fruits and cheeses
Covet sparkling red**
Covet sparkling white brut**

Smoked salmon canape’ with olive tapenade***
2008 Apex II Pinot Gris***

Gnocchi Puttanesca***
2008 Apex Chardonnay***

Pork Osso Bucco***
2006 Apex Merlot***

Chocolate Ganache over chocolate cake***
1992 Apex Tawny Vintage Port

June 14, 2010

Our trip to Prosser was over. Our next stop before home was Leavenworth! Then on home.

6/07/2010 Wine Tasting Woodinville, Washington

This was one of those “Lets go to Woodinville” days. No plans except let’s stop in places we have not been to yet. With the exception of Efeste we did just that. We wanted one more bottle of the 2007 ‘Ceidleigh’ Syrah, before it’s gone. We just missed the Wine Advocate folks. They were doing a tasting, so stay tune.



Patterson Cellars
Woodinville, Washington
425.483.8600
http://www.pattersoncellars.com/
We tasted most of these wines before. In most cases the wines have a higher rating than the last taste. This was probably do to not being professional tasters and the environment.

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

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

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

NV Patterson Cellars Woodslake Due Anni*** made for summer, drink cooled. Made with 2007 and 2008 juice.

2006 Patterson Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon*** 87% Cab, 9% Cab Franc and 4% Syrah.

Edmonds Winery
Woodinville, Washington
425.774.8959
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

Darby Winery
Woodinville, Washington
206.954.4700
http://www.darbywinery.com/
Nicest stemware used by any tasting room.

2009 Viognier Le Deuce*** a blend of 52% Viognier and 48% Roussanne. A palate of pineapple juice.

2008 Purple Haze*** 52% cab, 33% Malbec, 10% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc

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

2007 Dark Side Syrah***

Michael Florentino Cellars
New to Woodinville

2007 Sangiovese Gecko Cellars**

2007 Merlot***

2007 Primitivo***

Sparkman Cellars
Woodinville, Washington
425.398.1045
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

6/04/2010 and 6/05/2010 Wine Tasting at Wicked Cellars

Friday, June 4th Swede Hill Cellars tasting with David Ott and Eric Murphy.

Swede Hill Cellars 2009 Rosi** dry and full-bodied blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre with lots of spice.

Swede Hill Cellars 2009 Viognier** this is a blend of 76% Viognier, 18% Roussanne and a splash of Chardonnay. Nice nose and flavors of what I call “fruit pit”, the taste of a peach or apricot close to the pit.

Swede Hill Cellars 2007 Tempranillo** light on the palate.

Swede Hill Cellars 2008 Compendium*** blend of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre with a splash of Viognier. Nice nose, with notes of pepper.

Swede Hill Cellars 2007 Syrah*** this is a blend of 91% Syrah and 9% Grenache.

Swede Hill Cellars 2007 Mystique Red*** blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Swede Hill Cellars 2007 L'Entente** blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and co-fermented Viognier.

Saturday, June 5th with Chateau St. Martin

Chateau Lestrille Blanc 2009** a Bordeaux White. A blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle, and 5% Simillon with the taste of heavy grapefruit.

Chateau Lestrille Rose 2009*** a Bordeaux Rose made from 100% Merlot.

Calabre Rose 2009*** a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is well balance and elegant.

Domaine de la Saint Jeante 2006** this is a blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre.

Chateau Guibot la Fourvieille 2005*** on the palate red berry fruit, a little earth and ripe tannins. This was the hit of the tasting.

Chateau La Sergue 2002*** a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. An easy-going wine.