Petit Verdot as a Single Varietal

Image is courtesy of 'For a Song'

  Even before I knew much about wine, I knew that if a red blend had Petit Verdot in it, I loved it.  Petit Verdot originates from France and is most commonly used in Bordeaux blends to add structure, color and balance.  Its' berries are black in color and it is a thick-skinned grape with solid tannins.  In my experience, having Petit Verdot in blends adds depth, complexity and leather notes which are common as the varietal ages.  Having it on its' own--that is an entirely different and lovely experience!

  So here it is, 2009--For A Song Petit Verdot, (the 2009 Petit Verdot isn't on the wineries website yet, but look out for a label of a neat drum set and you will know that is the wine you want). ' For a Song' is a winery located in Prosser, Wa one of our distibutors, Vinum Importing and Distributing bottles their wine.  This wine isn't in Greenlake Wines or Seattle Wine Outlet yet, but I am confident that we will try to get our hands on some of their unique wines.  I should also mention that writing about this wine has been quite difficult as I have been completely enticed by the nose.  The color is also so dark, I am certain my teeth look closer to black than purple!  Blackberries, leather, nutmeg and toasted oak are prevalent on the nose and continue to open up the longer you let it breathe.  More of those dark and dense blackberries play nicely with soft leather and tobacco notes amidst a solid tannin structure.  Leather seems to be a theme through out this wine and it gets more pronounced on the finish alongside vanilla and cracked peppercorns--a true gem.

  'For a Song' would pair perfectly with semi-hard cheeses, olives and filet mignon, but do yourself a favor and try it on its' own first, because you may just want to savor it without food.  If you get a chance, feel free to stop by and visit myself at Greenlake Wines and try this and many other delicious wines today!


Ciao!
Erin

(I try to list all the images I source and if possible, the photographers who take these lovely photos.  If I have a photo of yours, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it from the blog.  Thank you).

Why Washington Loves Syrah

  Image is courtesy of 509 Wine Company
 
  There are days that are just plain awful--it rains, you run late to everything, your day is stressful and to make matters worse, it seems unending.  That is my day today.  However, one small thing can turn your world upside down--a smile, a friendly gesture, a phone call, etc.  Today, that one small thing for me happens to be a taste of a lovely Walla Walla Syrah which inevitably puts a smile on my face. 

  So here it is, 2008--509 Syrah Walla Walla Valley.  Dark cherries, ripe blackberries, toasted oak and sweet figs produce aromas that may leave you smelling this one for much time before proceeding to the palate.  When you do decide to move onto the palate, you notice great mouthfeel in this rich and robust Syrah.  More of those dark cherries, floral vanilla, sweet figs and toasted oak flavors blend together well.  Spicy pepper and sweet figs make for the ultimate spicy and sweet sensation on the finish and will most likely leave you wanting more!  This wine will open up more with time so be sure to decant and taste through out the different stages to see how it changes.

  Like I said before, this is a wine to enjoy after a long day of work.  Kick your shoes off, find a comfy seat and pour yourself a generous glass of this fabulous Syrah--no food necessary.  If you must though, triple cream, semi-hard cheeses and fresh bread would pair perfectly with this wine.  509 Syrah is available here at Seattle Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines so feel free to come visit myself and the rest of our lovely staff while it's still here!


Ciao!
Erin

(I try to list all the images I use and if possible, the photographers who take these lovely photos.  If I have a photo of yours, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it from the blog.  Thank you).

100% Cabernet Sauvignon Forever

  In my opinion, most serious Washington wine drinkers love Cabernet Sauvignon.  There are always varietals that become popular including Syrah and possibly even the comeback of Merlot, but for the most part, Cab is king.  What makes it so special?  It has a rather complex flavor profile, strong tannin structure and while perfect on its' own, can hold up to the richest of foods.  If you didn't already catch it, Cab, by nickname is my favorite varietal, hands down.

  Today, here at Greenlake Wines, there are several bottles of wine on the counter waiting for me to try.  One of them is 2009--Bigelow Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.  What I love already about this wine is that they wrote on the label, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  You only have to have 75% of a certain varietal to call it that.  For example, if I make a Cab and it has 75% Cab, 15% Merlot, 5% Syrah and 5% Malbec, I can still call it Cab.  There are so many lovely Bordeaux style blends across the board that sometimes it is very refreshing to try a single varietal on its' own.  With that said, the nose is full of tobacco, black raspberries and present, yet balanced oak.  Black raspberries fill the palate well alongside notes of dark chocolate and creamy oak.  The palate also has great mouthfeel and a robust, solid tannin structure that you will most likely want to sip slowly.  Tobacco and dark chocolate continue for a lengthy amount of time on the finish and you may hold your glass up for another splash.

  Triple cream cheeses. olives and filet mignon are just some of the foods that would pair beautifully with this Cab.  If you don't want any food to get in the way, I understand, it's great on its' own!  If this wine sounds exciting to you, please feel free to come visit myself and the rest of our lovely staff here at Greenlake Wines!


Ciao!
Erin

Save the Birds, Drink the Wine!

Image is courtesy of winesnw.com
 
  Some of my favorite wineries produce wines that you may never see.  Many of these wines are produced for private events, charities and auctions.  What makes these wines so special is that often, after being used for whatever event, are not poured in the tasting room, but sit well in the bottle until someone smart finds them.
 
  When I mention 'Raptor House Project' people shake their heads in confusion.  It sounds like just another new Washington winery, but alas, it is a side project for the very famous, Kestrel Vintners which is based out of Prosser, Wa and has tasting rooms in both Leavenworth, Wa and right across from me in Woodinville, Wa.  The Raptor House Rehabilitation Center is a place that cares for sick, injured or even orphaned birds to full recovery and then returns them back to the wild.  A portion of the proceeds from this wine go to support the Raptor House Rehabilitation Center since they rely purely on donations.

  So here it is, 2005--Raptor House Syrah.  Looking at the vintage you can tell this wine has had ample bottle aging so it is definitely a wine to decant for hours before enjoying.  Sweet figs, spicy peppercorns, vanilla and black raspberries are just some of the notes I get on the nose. Moving on to the palate, super soft tannins  balance well with more of those black raspberries, toasty oak and sweet figs.  The finish is truly unique with loads of tobacco and peppercorns that are reminiscent of smoking a fine cigar.  To make things more interesting, try this wine half an hour after it has been open and then again another hour or so later and observe how it changes.

  This wine would truly be divine with roasted leg of lamb, root vegetables and hard cheeses.  Come check out this wine for only fifteen dollars here at Seattle Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines and visit myself and the rest of our lovely staff!

  Ciao!
  Erin

(I try to list all the images I use and if possible, the photographers who take these lovely photos.  If I have a photo of yours, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it from the blog.  Thank you).

O is for Obelisco!

Image is courtesy of Obelisco-Estate

  One of the best things about working in the Warehouse District at Robert Ramsay Cellars is that I am surrounded by nearly forty other unique and small scale wineries.  Every week, I try to visit a winery that I have never been to so I familiarize myself with what everyone is doing and what sets each winery apart.

  Just a couple doors up from me is Obelisco Estate which is a tasting room for their 30-acre vineyard which sits on the southwest slope of Red Mountain.  Known for its' lush fruit and great climate, Red Mountain is producing some of the most sought after grapes and most of my favorite wineries in Washington have worked hard to get accounts with this "hot spot" vineyard.  The wine I am trying from them today is a reserve wine.  When you hear reserve, what do you think?  To me, reserve means the best and typically the best is usually a bit spendy for good reason.

  Today I am trying 2009--Obelisco Estate Reserve Merlot and I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty, it's reserve worthy.  Ripe blackberries and toasted oak notes pair perfectly with hints of smoky tobacco and almond on the nose.  The longer you let it aerate, the more complex it becomes--pour yourself a splash and go through the normal nose, palate and finish technique and then come back in half an hour and see how it has changed.  The palate reminds me of my favorite rich blackberry jam with dark chocolate nibs, a solid, yet soft tannin structure and earthy notes all the way.  It gets even more fun when you get to the finish--this dry Merlot sucks all the moisture out of your mouth and leaves you with the taste of freshly ground pepper and more creamy dark chocolate.  For forty-five dollars this wine is a steal--buy it, drink it now, set it down for years or pull it out for any special occasion and I'm sure you will please whoever you pour it for.

  As for food, this Merlot would pair well with filet mignon, salumi and cheese or my personal favorite, smoked salt caramels.  Come by Greenlake Wines or visit Obelisco Estate in Woodinville, Wa and get yourself some of this delicious Merlot!


Ciao!
Erin

(I try to list all the images I use and if possible, the photographers who take these lovely photos.  If I have a photo of yours, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it from the blog.  Thank you).

Dry Mouth Merlot

 
  I find that when you ask people about Merlot they either cringe or they smile.  To the experienced taster, Merlot may seem second rate to Cab, but to the new comer, Merlot is very easy to fall in love with.  I think great Merlots can rival any Cab, but many have a tendency to be quite fruit driven and one note.  In other words, boring.

  So, I give you my review of my new favorite, 2008-Trout Trilogy Merlot.  For those who are unfamiliar with this name, it's a side project from Canoe Ridge Vineyard which makes great wines including a few reserve ones.  Dense dried figs and bright cherries pair nicely with balanced pepper notes on the nose.  You can tell just by smelling it, that this wine has much complexity.  On the palate, more of those dried figs and bright cherries marry well with great acidity giving you nice mouthfeel.  This is one of those Merlots that sucks the moisture right out of your mouth and I personally love that.  Earthy and herbaceous flavors lead to the finish which is built upon more layers of pepper and dried currants.  Once you've finished the small taste, you will most likely want hold up your glass for another pour!

  This wine would pair perfectly with duck confit, goat cheese and even dark chocolate truffles.  If you get a chance, please come visit myself and the rest of our lovely staff here at Seattle Wine Outlet (Sodo), where we are currently pouring this Merlot!


Ciao!
Erin