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

Thanks to some good friends for sharing a bottle of this tasty Spanish red. I was even more excited when I priced it. I was completely fooled. I honestly assumed it cost three times as much.

Black cherry, blackberries, orange peel, spice. Fermented in stainless steel. Both smooth and bright. Excellent choice. As Eric Davis says, “very quaffable.”

Borsao 2007 Campo de Borja. Retails for about $8 a bottle. Robert Parker says Agricola de Borja is “one of the world’s greatest-priced wineries.”

Now, where to buy.

Aside from the cold temperatures keeping us inside, once we venture out for wine tasting, we find that there are a lot of tasting rooms that close down in January. It’s the “slow season” here in Walla Walla. Go figure.

But there are some places that stay open. And there are a few that I recommend.

1. Reininger, 5858 W Highway 12 — I know, I know. They always get mentioned. But there’s a reason for that, folks. I was out there earlier this week and I can assure you that they have a great line-up in the tasting room. Especially check out the Helix Stillwater Creek Merlot. Open Daily 10 – 5 (Winter Hours)
2. Bergevin Lane, 1215 W Poplar St — I haven’t been by here in a few months. (Yes, I missed barrel tasting weekend at this winery.) But this is a solid place to check out. I always leave with a bottle and a smile.
3. Balboa, 7 South 4th — New tasting room downtown. Open 11-4 on Fridays and Saturdays. I always enjoy the Cat’s Meow.
4. Nicholas Cole Cellars, 229 E Main St — Beautiful. And the wines just get better too. It cheers me just to see the space.

And there are so many more. This is, however, a start. After a long week, I look forward to a glass or two of excellent wine. Always a pleasure to find a new local treasure… like the Mannina Cellars 2005 Pepper Bridge Merlot. Sadly Mannina isn’t open for tasting until April; thankfully I’ve stored a some away in the cellar.

Wild Falafel? No, Alfalfa. You know, the green stuff in the fields, not the stuff for pita sandwiches.

This syrah is killer! Brett Isenhower says it’s his favorite syrah that he’s ever made. And now I understand why.

We recently filmed another episode of “Roots & Vines” and tasted only ONE wine… and this was it, the Isenhower Wild Alfalfa. Weighing in at 14.7% I wasn’t sure how it would be. In fact, although I trust Brett a great deal, I was wary of a big, overpowering red. Boy, was I wrong. This wine is a winner.

On the nose I found blackberries, marionberries, hints of slate and herbs, and white pepper after it had opened up a bit. The mouthfeel was full, rich, and surprisingly smooth given it’s tannins and stone fruit. Milk chocolate, blueberries, a hint of gaminess–in a good way–and somehow I can’t quite get out of my head the image of the Bering Sea Coast, beautiful mountain ranges in the background, tundra and alder brush for miles as I stand with the sea at my back. We used to collect glass balls, fallen from old Japanese fishing nets, where they washed up along the coastline.

For as full of Washington as the Wild Alfalfa might be, I am surprisingly transported to Alaska by its taste and smell.

This young, tart and tannic blend of grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain appellations will please those who like a tight, herbal, snappy, peppery, Washington take on syrah. I believe this will age quite nicely for six to eight years. –Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times and Wine Enthusiast, April 2007

There is something magical about this wine. And it’s not just the homage to Winston, the family’s dear departed dog, on the label. It is special, worth sharing, and certainly worth mentioning. It was lovely to find the words above from Paul Gregutt to see that I wasn’t alone in my positive assessment of the Wild Alfalfa.

I prefer this any day to the actual alfalfa I used to munch on as a small child with the neighbors in the fields.

Keep your eyes–and taste buds–open for this treat from Brett and Denise Isenhower. If you can’t find it in your local shop, check Walla Walla Wine Cellar where I think we may have a few bottles that have not yet been spoken for.

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!

Sobra, as Ryan Raber tells me, actually means “leftovers.” But this is the kind of magic my mom makes of the leftovers, turning it into a fabulous meal. I shot the Roots & Vines show on Thursday and tasted this wine. It improves with a little breathing. It opens up and its uniqueness shows even more strongly.

I was reticent to speak of the eucalyptus, having seen it in the winery tasting notes. But it’s undeniable in my experience. Fascinating. Wet rocks. Eucalyptus. Dark cherry and cassis. Nothing wimpy about this blend. Beautiful color.

Here is a Bordeaux blend with a whopping 7% Petit Verdot! So you know it’s got some kick. But the tannins don’t overpower it.

I find this table wine fun and worth the 20+ bones.

The bottles empty, it’s after midnight, and I’ve got to get to a musical tomorrow…

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.

Yes, I have read all the advice saying that simply posting tasting notes is ridiculous and a waste of blog readers’ time. Make what you will of this.

I had a meeting this evening at The Marc (sometimes called the Vineyard Lounge) in downtown Walla Walla. While my associate chose to have a raspberry whiskey sour, I stuck to wine. Delicious red wine. Walla Walla wine. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the last time I ordered this by the glass was actually… wait. I always order it by the bottle. Except tonight.

Balboa 2006 Sangiovese (Columbia Valley). At the Marc right now it is also served with the Trio Vintners 2006 Mourvedre (Yakima Valley) as their “unique varietal” flight. $14 for the flight, or $8 each by the glass. I asked for the flight, but ended up with a glass of the Sangiovese and a taste of the Mourvedre. Thankfully the Mourvedre had been open for two days. Perfect. It was tarry and piney. Actually reminded me of chewing pine sap as a kid, trying desperately to turn it into gum. Of course, I wasn’t chewing the wine. I was sniff-swirl-swallowing. But all these strange memories for early childhood in the Methow Valley came flooding back. Sage, dirt, mountains, pine. And lots of orchards. Rocks by the Carlton swimming hole. And spicy like the forest fires that terrified me as a child. Grab the photo albums, turn on the sprinklers, and wait while the entire fire crew camps out in your back field. Who know a Mourvedre could be all that?

The Balboa I savored. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Mourvedre (even if the boys won’t recommend it). I love trying something new. Even so, the Balboa was something so connected, connecting. One of the things I love about Tom Glase’s wines is the minimalist approach to the process. The fruit is showcased. And I don’t mean they’re fruit bombs. Not by any means. It’s just that what you taste is what was created in the vineyard. Almost. Tom’s work is important. He takes it from the vineyard to the glass in such a manner that I can imagine that I’ve crawled right inside that bunch of grapes at just the right temperature, at just the right position on that near hyperbola curve of sugar/acid ratios during the growth process. Here I am, on the vine, basking in the truth of the Sangiovese berries. Wow.

Have I lost it? Am I crazy? Detached from reality? Un-constricted.

Does it matter when I enjoy an $8 glass of wine this much? This is an excellent reminder of why I usually do Balboa by the bottle. Thank you, Tom.

Wine. Deep, red, rich, tantalizing, delicious wine.
Chocolate. Deep, dark, rich, tantalizing, delicious chocolate.

I love chocolate! And I love wine. So, naturally, I love the two together. While I’m in the early stages of organizing a wine and chocolate pairing party (what could be more decadent?) I thought I’d share some of the amazing resources in the Walla Walla wine valley.

First of all, over at Walla Walla Wine Cellar, we are soon to feature Tertulia Cellars 2005 Les Collines Syrah. I bring this up because Petits Noirs, a company that everyone in this valley with any taste buds should know about, is working on chocolate to pair with Tertulia Cellars Syrahs. Oh wow! My mouth is actually watering now.

According to Petits Noirs, they are working on

[...] the debut of a Mole chocolate. I have been talking with Ryan at Tertulia cellars for some time about this one. It is going to be incredible. Deep. Dark. Nutty. Smoky. Spicy. Intense. MMMMMMole! Lan bought me some cool new ganache frames, so i may try and use those for this one. So it should look really different than most of our other chocolates.

To read the rest of their blog post, visit Petits Noirs: Chocolate Chat. They have many great ideas and I look forward to tasting new creations.

There’s nothing quite like a good pairing to transform my day. In fact, I think I’ll go visit Petits Noirs this week–meaning today.