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Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety usually employed in a blending role to uplift, with floral scents, the wines made from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. It also is the sole variety allowed in the classified red wines from the Chinon region of the Loire Valley in France. In this wine the forward flavors of the Cabernet Franc are complemented by the softer, more lush flavors of Merlot, a better-known Bordeaux variety. Paired foods can range from lightly herbed and spiced dishes to those with much bolder flavors. This wine is a grand accompaniment for nearly all foods. Santé!

One of the best-known grape varieties world-wide, Cabernet Sauvignon defines elegance and structure in winemaking. Vintage 2004 was challenging due to an early-January freeze that resulted in the loss of grapes from many of the vineyards in eastern Washington. Nevertheless, this premium wine embodies the world-class character of Washington vineyards as manifested in the noble Cabernet Sauvignon. While approachable early, this wine will age under favorable storage conditions for several years. Accompanying foods should be boldly spiced, herbed, and peppered. Santé!

One of the best-known grape varieties world-wide, Cabernet Sauvignon defines elegance and power in winemaking. Wines from this variety exhibit flavors that are significantly driven by the vineyard terroir from which the wines are made. Grapes from 13 different vineyards, including grape varieties Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot, comprise this wine, incorporating the broad diversity of flavors available from the vast Columbia Valley AVA. While approachable early, this wine will age under favorable storage conditions for several years. Accompanying foods should be boldly spiced, herbed, and peppered. Santé!

Dolcetto is a major grape variety in the Piedmont region of Italy. Very little of this variety is grown in Washington State, and only one barrel of this boldly flavored wine was made from this vintage. Initial Bing cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors carry through on the lingering finish. This wine is structured to pair well with foods or to be consumed without accompaniment. Foods paired with this wine should be moderately herbed, spiced, and/or peppered. Best poured at a temperature of about 62°F, this wine needs no decanting. Santé!

UPDATE - RATED 87 BY STEVE TANZER IN HIS NOV./DEC. 2006 INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR NEWSLETTER --- While usually produced as a dry wine, Viognier also lends itself to being crafted into a sweeter wine. Residual sugar enhances the perception of concentrated flavors of tropical fruits and stone fruits. This wine pairs superbly with lightly-to-moderately sweet desserts prepared with peaches, pears, apricots, or tropical fruits, or it can be consumed as a dessert by itself. It should be served well-chilled. In order not to strip this wine of flavor, it has not been cold-stabilized. Therefore, over time it may produce harmless crystalline tartrates, known as “wine diamonds,” in the bottom of the bottle, especially if chilled to cold temperatures for a long period of time. Pour the last glass carefully to avoid including the crystals. Santé!

UPDATE - AWARDED A GOLD MEDAL AT THE 2006 WEST COAST WINE COMPETITION --- UPDATE - AWARDED A GOLD MEDAL IN THE 2006 LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION --- UPDATE - AWARDED A SILVER MEDAL IN THE 2006 RIVERSIDE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION --- UPDATE - AWARDED A SILVER MEDAL AT THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL EASTERN WINE COMPETITION --- UPDATE - AWARDED A SILVER MEDAL AT THE 2006 INDY INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION --- UPDATE - DESCRIBED BY NORTHWEST PALATE AS A "MERLOT OF MERIT!" --- UPDATE - AWARDED OUTSTANDING RATING BY WINE PRESS NORTHWEST --- Merlot is one of the better-known grape varieties allowed in the classified red blends from the great Bordeaux region of France. Merlot also is the mainstay variety of red wine production in Chile. Merlot grapes, while prone to expressing the terroir of the vineyards where grown, typically produce wines with bright, forward cherry flavors and smooth mouth-feels. Plantings of Merlot in Washington are vast, making it perhaps the best-known red wine from the state. This wine is a blend from 13 vineyards that includes the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot. Accompanying foods should be moderately herbed and spiced. Santé!

Merlot is one of the better-known grape varieties allowed in the classified red blends from the great Bordeaux region of France. Plantings of Merlot in Washington are vast, making perhaps the best-known red wine from the state. Merlot grapes, while prone to expressing the terroir of the vineyards where grown, typically produce wines with bright, forward-cherry flavors and smooth mouth-feels. Vintage 2004 was challenging due to an early-January freeze that resulted in the loss of grapes from many of the vineyards in eastern Washington. Nevertheless, this premium wine embodies the world-class character of Washington vineyards as manifested in the noble Merlot. Accompanying foods should be moderately herbed and spiced. Santé!

Nebbiolo is a major grape variety in the Piedmont region of Italy. Very little of this variety is grown in Washington State. Only one barrel of this food-friendly wine was made from this vintage. Delicate initial bright cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors carry through on the finish. This wine is structured to pair well with foods, particularly those containing an oil base, such as olive oil. Foods paired with this wine should be lightly herbed or spiced. Serving at a temperature of around 60°F will best showcase the wine’s flavors. Santé!

Murto Vineyard, near Dundee, OR, is a renowned grower of world-class Pinot Noir. This wine was made entirely from Dijon Clone 115 Pinot Noir grapes from the vineyard’s Terrace Block. Only one barrel of this beautifully balanced, pretty wine was made from this vintage. Bright cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors give way to pepper and earth tones on the lingering finish. Foods paired with this wine should be moderately herbed and spiced so as not to overwhelm the wine’s delicate nuances. Pouring at a temperature of about 62°F will yield optimum enjoyment. Santé!

Roussanne, a white grape variety heretofore relatively unknown outside its native region of the Rhône Valley in France, is being embraced in the new world as a terrific alternative to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Like it’s sister variety, Viognier, Roussanne’s medium-to-full body and mouth-feel, along with it’s flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes, pears, peaches, and herb tea make it the perfect wine to pair with salads, sliced fruits, a variety of cheeses, and many hors d’oeuvres, as well as moderately seasoned fish, fowl, or vegetable entrèes. Serve this wine chilled, but not cold, for best flavors. Santé!

Sangiovese is a major grape variety in the Tuscany region of Italy. Though increasing in popularity, very little of this variety is grown in Washington State, and only one barrel of this delicately flavored wine was made from this vintage. Initial bright cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors carry through and join spicy notes on the lingering finish. This complex wine is structured to pair well with foods or to be consumed without accompaniment. Foods paired with this wine should be lightly herbed, spiced, and/or peppered. Santé!

In ancient Greece, people would gather in the evenings to discuss politics and social events of the day while imbibing wines. Symposium was the name given to such a gathering. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a gathering of your friends this evening just to share camaraderie and to talk about the events of the day? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a flavorful wine to accompany your gathering? Look no farther. This is that wine! A special blend of flavorful grape varieties, this food-friendly wine can be served with a number of snacks, hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, and light food courses. Or you can just sip it on its own. Above all, it’s best when shared with friends. This wine is best when served at cool room temperature. Santé!

Syrah, originally from the northern Rhône Valley in France, is making its presence felt on the world stage. One of its most recent growing areas, Washington State has begun producing world-class wines from this variety. The hot days and cool nights of the region, along with the distinctive terroir of its renowned vineyards, combine to create perfect growing conditions for Syrah. Full-bodied, structured, flavorful wines result, winning acclaim and providing immense satisfaction in their savoring. This premium wine will reward being paired with foods with equally flavorful herbing and spicing as well as some basis in oil or fat. Serve at cool room temperature for best enjoyment. Santé!

Crawford Vineyard, near Prosser, WA, has a distinctive terroir. Syrahs from this vineyard are dense, complex wines with intense blueberry aromas and flavors that carry through to a lingering finish. These wines are superb when consumed young, but have the ability to age into wonderful, structured wines. This premium wine is best when paired with foods that have bold flavors, are substantially herbed and spiced, and have some basis of oil or fat. This wine will continue to please your senses to the last drop in your glass. Serve at cool room temperature for best flavors. Santé!

UPDATE - RATED 89 BY STEVE TANZER IN HIS NOV./DEC. 2006 INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR NEWSLETTER (2nd HIGHEST RATED VIOGNIER IN WASHINGTON) --- Viognier (pronounced vee-own-yay), a white grape variety heretofore relatively unknown outside its native region of the northern Rhône Valley in France, is being embraced in the new world as a terrific alternative to Chardonnay. It’s full body and mouth-feel, along with it’s intense flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes, pears, and peaches, make it the perfect wine to pair with salads, sliced fruits, a variety of cheeses, and many hors d’oeuvres, as well as moderately seasoned fish, fowl, or vegetable entrées. It also serves as a good aperitif. Serve this wine chilled, but not cold, for best flavors. Santé!