Boomtown delivers

Putting aside my concerns that people will think I get commission from Dusted Valley, I have yet another comment to make on one of their wines. Boomtown is Dusted Valley’s second label of sorts, the lower price-point everyday wine. (The reincarnation of STOMP, for those of you familiar with it.) Because it’s not sold locally, I was glad to have the opportunity to try the 2006 Boomtown Chardonnay on Friday.

First, I have to say that I’m not much of a chardonnay fan. It’s not because it has a reputation for being a bit of a generational (read old-person) favorite, but I have never been crazy about the buttery, oaky chards. While it may seem faddish, I was pleased to see that Boomtown was unoaked.

This white wine was a pleasant surprise. It delivers, especially for $11-12 a bottle! It’s well structured, crisp, has a decent finish, and is acidic enough to pair well with food. Though I am spoiled with wonderful reds here in Walla Walla Valley, and a few good whites (like Stephenson Cellars 2006 Viognier with a dizzyingly wonderful nose and anything but disappointing taste) I was glad to find this great value Chardonnay that I could drink with ease. I enjoyed it. If only I could find a way to get this locally…

On another note, the Boomtown labels were designed by Daymon Bruck. Daymon is fast becoming a local star. An urban transplant, he has been influential in redesigning the feel of downtown Walla Walla. Perhaps not intentional. But some people make a difference whether they’re trying to or not. Daymon and his mother, Ceil Blaine, opened Luscious by Nature, one of my favorite local hangouts. I’m sure there will be more mention of Luscious in the future. You can check see more of Daymon’s work at bridge-creative.com.