Last night was glorious. It had been a beautiful day, including a trip to Studio Opal where I drooled over clothes and jewelry, a motorcycle ride, coffee from the Patisserie, and I even threw in a few hours of yard work. The rial kicker came at Whitehouse-Crawford where a friend and I met for dinner. Gourmet burgers. Oh how I love those burgers. Before the food arrived I had a glass ofTres Ojos 2007 Old Vines Garnacha. It was bright, pure, with a youthful feel and delightful briskness that matched the sudden onset of Spring in the valley.

Then the burgers arrived. Beautiful burgers with bacon, cheddar, mustard aioli, and fried sweet onions. I don’t eat red meat very often. And this time was anything but a disappointment. Juicy, but not fatty. Of course, the bacon put me a little over the edge… and I’ll be craving it for a few days now. The Garnacha went nicely with the burger. And then Avel–one of my all-time favorite bartenders–poured me a glass of the Walla Walla Vinters 2007 Merlot. That did it. I was in love.

83% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. This wine was smooth, chocolate, sexy, brought out the wild side of the burger, and reminded me why I love Walla Walla. Where else could you sit at the bar next to world class winemakers (L’Ecole No. 41), have a burger made from local meat (Thundering Hooves), drink the local wine (Walla Walla Vintners), then walk a couple blocks to downtown–bumping into the Walla Walla Vinters winemaker, Gordy Venneri on the way–where streets are blocked off and there are crowds watching the Tour of Walla Walla bike races until after 10pm on a Saturday night?

It’s Spring; all is in bloom, including my appreciation for this town.

Now I need to get back out there and watch some more of the bike races! Awesome.

photos: kysela.com, www.wallawallavintners.com

As you may have read, I’m a great fan of the Balboa Candy Mountain Sangiovese. I bought all I could find. And in an uncharacteristically generous holiday spirit, I took some to our office Christmas party. Of course, surrounded in this community by winemakers and wine lovers, there was quite a collection of bottles on the counter already.

The Balboa was soon finished off, but there were more joys in the evening than I thought possible. A taste of the 2006 Va Piano Cabernet Sauvignon. Justin Wylie (owner/winemaker) hand delivered a bottle and stuck around for a few moments to chat. I look forward to trying this wine in 2010. This is one that is set up to age beautifully, so keep a few bottles around. Don’t sip it all down right now.

Several California reds were sampled. Of these the Lucas & Lewellen 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Barbara County was the hit of the party. I actually overheard one of the doctors say it might be his favorite wine… ever. So props to Stacy from American Winery who brought the California wines.

The last of the reds opened was a Colvin 2002 Allegresse. The last bottle. Elegant nose, rich and full mouthfeel with some coffee, lots of berries and just enough spice. Good finish. Since Colvin Vineyards closed its doors there won’t be any more of this beautiful blend. It will be missed.

So the party went well, a good time was had by all, and we look forward to Christmas and the New Year. In the meantime, we’ll keep trying new wines… and sharing.

Jeremy Gonzales did a fun feature on winner of Bravo TV’s Top Chef Season 4, Stephanie Izard, and her time in Walla Walla for Barrel Tasting Weekend. She served up a mouthwatering menu for guests of Saviah Cellars, food paired with wine, of course. She said she enjoyed her time in Walla Walla, partaking in the barrel tasting festivities. Jeremy followed her to several local wineries and tasting rooms, including Sleight of Hand Cellars, one of my personal favorites.

All in all it appears that a good time was had by all. And in the end, Chef Stephanie compared Walla Walla to Vegas. Say what?! Yes, Vegas. For anyone who hasn’t experienced the marathon tastings of our big weekends, you don’t know what you’re missing.

You can view the video at the UB site by clicking on the image or link below.

UBVideo » Blog Archive » Bravo TV’s Top Chef visits Walla Walla

Final question: Is it true that what happens in Walla Walla stays in Walla Walla?

While there are an overwhelming number of events to chose from, I will be starting out with some of the new tasting rooms that have recently opened downtown. Balboa, Yellow Hawk, and a few others.

The night is young, and although I would love to dive in to those barrels, I have to save some fuel for tomorrow. Updates to follow. And I’ll be out filming early Saturday, so don’t be shy. Please say hello and tell me about your barrel tasting highlights.

It’s going to be a great weekend. I feel it in my bones.

So all you wine lovers, stop reading this post and get out there to do some serious tasting!

Lodmell Cellars
Adamant Cellars
Trio Vintners
Stephenson Cellars
Dunham Cellars
Trust Cellars
Chateau Rollat Winery

That’s quite a line-up for a Saturday afternoon. While friends and I planned on visiting Trio, invited by Steve Michener (one of the three), we had not accounted for the crowds brought into town for a Whitman College event weekend. So rather than wait outside Trio, we ventured next door to Lodmell.

Lodmell is new; their first release was in May 2008. Planning on staying at or below (currently well below) 1,000 cases, they are a small lot winery to watch. They have a 2006 Sauvignon Blanc ($22), 2006 Chardonnay ($22), and 2005 Estate Merlot ($43) on the table. All fairly small lots. All able to age more before consumption. The whites each have a beautiful nose, bright and citrusy. High acidity. The merlot is tight. I’d like to try it in a year. Everything seems to be present; it just needs to loosen up. It could learn something from the blonde three-year-old running about the winery in her tiny blue dress and training pants, laughing no matter what.

Trio was still packed so we moved another door down to Adamant. The first thing to catch my eye at Adamant was the art on the walls. Appearing like sketches on canvas, there are images of hands and birds. Birds taking flight from an outstretched hand, or perhaps dancing a flirtatious routine in relation to the hand. I have always loved the aesthetic of sketches and these pieces are no exception, extended marvelously to canvas. Hanging against the blue wall they are expansive. Broadening. Creating a feeling of space, breath, grace.

What about the wine, you say? The wine, of course, is related to the art. As we discover, Debra, the owner who was pouring for us, is the artist as well. She’s working on a new show for Barrel Tasting: “naked men… and umbrellas.” Got my attention!

The first wine was a red blend, Columbia Valley, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Good solid blend. But the 2006 Winemaker’s Select ($30), a 50/50 Cab/Merlot Walla Walla Valley blend took my fancy. And it wasn’t just the gold patina-finish label. It was elegant (yes, I used that word). It was slightly less tannic than the first blend and had a more balanced mouth feel. The syrah was lively and lovely, but my top vote was for the 50/50 blend.
They’re selling wax top magnums of the Winemaker’s Select for $61. Classic good looks. I do still recommend their 2006 Syrah, on which you can find more press. And keep an eye out for their next Rosé – Ruby Ruth No. 2. The 2007 was a doozy and sold out fast, so be ready for the 2008.

Speaking of rosés… We did eventually make it to Trio Vintners, where I spoke with Denise Slattery and Steve Michener (who had invited me to come tasting in the first place). More on that to come, but I would be remiss if I did not announce immediately that Trio Vintners has opted to increase their donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation from 10% to 20% for all 2007 Trés Rosé sales. Fantastic! Pink wine with a pink ribbon. I never knew I could love the color pink so much.

Seriously, folks. Did you catch that?! You can buy this rosé, drink this rosé, and help cure cancer! You better believe I bought the wine.

(Images from lodmellcellars.com, adamantcellars.com, triovintners.com)

I’ve been asked to write an interview with a cappuccino. But where to start?

Amy: How do you feel about the weather here in Walla Walla? This morning it rained for 63 seconds and has been overcast the rest of the day.

Cap: Perfect day for me.

A: What makes it perfect?

C: Why wouldn’t it be perfect? I’m a cappuccino.

A: Do you think Earl Hooker “Simply the Best” on the radio adds to the appreciation of the drinks here at the Walla Walla Roastery?

C: I’d always prefer live music. But it certainly sets a mood better than jet engines.

A: What are your thoughts on Sarah Palin as we prepare for the debate this evening?

C: Are you kidding me? We haven’t met. Maybe you should ask Tang.

A: Will you be watching the debate?

C: Only if you are.

A: How much longer are you planning to stick around?

C: To be honest, that’s kind of up to you. But I’m really wanting to meet a nice Syrah. Any thoughts on that? See, who is the interviewer now?

A: Well, I’ve got a lovely K Vintners MCK I’d like you to meet this evening. But back to you, how is your self esteem in this valley flooded with wine?

C: Couldn’t be better. Have you seen me? Seriously, why wouldn’t I feel great? Wine and cappuccino. Great match. Why do you think I’m so excited about your MCK friend?

A: Anything else you’d like to say today?

C: Yes. This is my favorite art show the Roastery has ever had. Sarah Stanley has done these fascinating multi-media pieces that I could spend an entire afternoon pondering. Come check it out.

A: Thank you for sharing with us today. I hope to see you again very soon.

C: My pleasure.

I’ve little by little become a fan of Rieslings. Haven’t always been, but now I’d swear by them. Especially Washington Rieslings! It seems, in this area, Washington seriously pounds the competition.

On this holiday I wanted to extend the invitation to check out a couple of my favorites.

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling (2006 or the 2007!)

This is a delightful, minerally, spectacular example of a Washington State Riesling. I adore it and keep on hand several bottles for dinners on the patio, drinks with friends, gifts, and for the occasionally necessary personal affirmation that girls ROCK!

Another outstanding case in point of girl power is the DaMa 2006 Riesling.

Delicious, proper Riesling, with another label showing the joys of being female. As winery notes say, it has “bright acidity”. Bright, smart, and fun. It is an experience. (Check out our tasting notes.)

If these wines could talk… and they do… they’d say: Hell, yes, I’m a girl. And I can kick ass just as easily in a halter-dress as I can in my kung fu gear. So brace yourselves, people. Life is meant to be enjoyed, lived in fullness, and everyone deserves some pampering along with their empowerment.

While we celebrate “Independence Day” let’s enjoy being women (and men, take this opportunity to enjoy, appreciate, and celebrate the good women in your lives). I am proud to be a girl, a kick ass girl. And I am thrilled to have these wines in my life.

Happy 4th of July!

Desperately trying to figure out what my big birthday surprise was, I guessed all sorts of random things. Camping, midnight sea kayaking, a simple night out of town, dinner and drinks in the city, aerobic cooking, wine tasting (Pinot country perhaps?). What I never seriously considered was the reality.

The night before (Saturday night), Niki and I had enjoyed dinner at Saucebox, one of my favorite spots in downtown Portland. We’d had amazing cocktails, like the Green Dragon and Crush. This was followed by a leisurely walk through a city suffering somewhat from heat stroke. Thankfully, the Green Dragon carried me through with ease.

At some point during dinner, Niki had finally filled me in on the adventure. We were booked to SKYDIVE the next morning. Oh, that’s why she said I couldn’t be hungover… I thought maybe she just didn’t like me being cranky.

When we arrived on site Sunday morning, about 45-50 minutes south of Portland in Molalla, I began going through the paperwork. Death. Death. Death. May cause injury and death. Death. Dying.

Well, it’s good to put things in perspective, I suppose. I was still ready to go. Then I got to the part about not having alcohol for the last 12 hours and I had to look at my watch and think carefully. Phew. Just made it. It sure was a good think Niki told me as early as she did or I might have been asked to push back my jump a few hours.

Finally it was our turn: Load 12. Up we went in the Caravan. I was so happy just to be in the plane, let alone to have the opportunity to jump out. Does that sound crazy? Probably. But Niki, Kevin (our friend who had helped Niki plot the whole thing), and the rest of the crew in the plane were all about the jump.

We climbed steadily to 13,000 feet. The door opened. People started jumping out the door and disappearing from view. There went Kevin. There went Niki. Then it was my turn. I was going tandem too. Kirk, my jumpmaster, said we’d sit at the edge of the door and he would count to three and we would jump. The thing is, when we got to the door, Kirk may have been sitting in the plane, but the only thing keeping me from anywhere near the plane was the fact that I was strapped to Kirk. There was nothing of my body touching the plane. I was hanging out in limbo waiting for him to jump. Indescribable. Finally we were out.

And the freefall was spectacular.

Niki was having a blast too.

Amazing! For anyone in the Northwest interested in going, I highly recommend Skydive Oregon. They run a first class operation and I would do it again in a heartbeat–even the really fast heartbeat moments.

I am so glad I wasn’t hungover, that I was totally fresh and alert, awake to every moment. It was beautiful and breathtaking and exhilarating. Of course there was adrenaline. There was also a lot of love.

I could actually make out vineyards below (though not really in this photo). Although I must confess I wasn’t particularly focused on vineyards. I was soaking it all in. The grandness of it. The patterns on the ground were fascinating. The perspective on the Earth, on life, and even on gravity, were a wonderful addition to my life experience.

We got the death part out of the way with the initial paperwork. After that it was all about big living. Life is seriously fun! What a way to celebrate.

This is my thank you post for the best birthday present I’ve ever received. And someday I’ll do it again — and do it all by myself. Perhaps someday I’ll also be able to return the favor.

Load 12

Originally uploaded by arootvik

Waiting is the hard part. I knew what the birthday “surprise” was by this point, but now we had to wait to get to 13,000 feet.

What a long way up. So I checked out the scenery, taking note of the patchwork style earth below, trying to keep track of the landing zone.

Every day should be this much fun!

[image from www.chihulyatthedeyoung.org/]

What do Dale Chihuly and Walla Walla wine have in common? Well, besides the obvious “glass” connection–wine is bottled in glass, usually drunk out of glass, Chihuly makes art out of glass. And now… the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is the official wine sponser of “Chihuly at the de Young” in San Francisco.

[www.chihuly.com]

Chihuly was the featured artist at the 2000 Napa Valley Wine Auction where he was asked to represent “Kaleidoscope 2000.” The theme was to reflect the role of glass in winemaking. The work he did for this event only served to further establish Chihuly’s place as a National Living Treasure.

I am always amazed by his work. Unearthly and yet entirely organic. Paradoxical.

So I’m proud that Walla Walla wine is supporting this awe inspiring exhibit, and I encourage anyone who can to go see it. From Idaho to London to Israel, Chihuly is not to be missed. And while you’re at it, check out the wine from Walla Walla.

Chihuly’s work with the wine industry continues as he works on some projects with local winemakers, including Dunham Cellars, meaning there’s more to come.

Enjoy.