2009 Mirth Chardonnay, $9.99
Mirth means happiness and this wine is just that. 100% stainless steel fermented, this is a clean, vibrant Chardonnay. Flavors of golden delicious apples, Meyer lemon and just a hint of ripe tropical fruit marry together beautifully while a balanced acidity gives it a bright clean finish. Pair this refreshing Chardonnay with a chanterelle herb frittata, lemon roasted chicken, or a mango avocado and smoked salmon salad.

2004 Ch. La Caussade Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, 375 ml.,  $18.99
La Caussade is one of the oldest and most renowned estates of the Cotes de Bordeaux. For more than a century, the Armand family has worked in the vineyard of Sainte-Croix du Mont, adjacent to world famous estates such as Chateaux d’Yquem. The chalky soil deriving from fossilized oyster shells, is perfect for enhancing the flavors of Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc, particularly in late harvest and noble wine styles. For this reason they make an outstanding wine that competes with any Sauternes. Yves Armand has made the most of this estate and his wines have all the character of well-known chateau of the region.

2008 Villata Valpolicella Ripasso, $14.99
This Valpolicella is made use the unique “Ripasso” technique where the wine is passed over the semi-dried grapes used to produce Amarone, thereby inducing a secondary fermentation. Made from indigenous Italian grape varieties, the resulting wine is ripe and concentrated, wonderfully smooth and elegant with aromas of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. An excellent partner to roasted red meats, game, stew and full-flavored mature cheeses.

2007 Trisagio by Benvenuto de la Serna Red Blend, $23.00
Benvenuto de la Serna is located in premier wine region of Valle de Uco, Mendoza, where their single-estate Vista Flores vineyard stands 3400 feet above seal level, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This high elevation and exposure to hot desert sun, develops fruits with ripe, rich flavors and deep colors, yet maintains a balanced acidity. Their winemaker is renowned enologist Angel Mendoza (of Trapiche for 25 years). A blend of 34 percent Malbec, 33% Petit Verdo and 33% Tannnat, the Trisagio is a powerful wine that stands out for its elegance and finesse.

2006 Ch. Haute Selve Graves, $23.00
Chateau Haut Selve, located in the northern part of the Graves in a unique terroir consisting of three different soil types: deep stony, limestone stony and clay stony. The estate consists of some 80 acres and yields are kept low. This blend of 50 percent Cabernet and 50 percent Merlot spent 14 months in new oak. The result is a complex, well-balance wine with and elegant roundness, ripe fruit and nicely integrated tannins. Drinking great now, but will continue to improve with age.

Drop by the Wine Shop this Friday, February 3 between 4:30 and 6:30 pm, or Saturday, February 4 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm for a free taste of these six wines.

The cost of admission for each class is $20 per person, or $50 for the group of three. Call the Wine Shop at 472-4519 for reservations
I — General overview, Saturday, February 4
II — Focus on white, rosé and sparkling wines, Saturday, February 18
III — Focus on red wine, Saturday, March 3

Melissa studied wine chemistry and sensory science in grad school at Washington State University and now applies it to winemaking. Mike, a self-proclaimed engineering geek, enjoys designing both winery and vineyard systems. The grapes and wine now receive their full attention, which shows in both the beauty of the vineyard and the quality of the wine.

Not many know, but the Clearwater River Valley was once home to a prosperous grape and wine industry. In 1872, vies were planted near Lewiston, Idaho. Throughout the following 40 years up to 40 varieties of grapes covered the slopes of the Clearwater River canyon and its tributaries. The region is distinguished by its fertile soil, steep slopes, and long, hot growing season. The industry thrived until Prohibition. In the past 10 years, new vineyards have been established, with their fruit being turned into premium Idaho wine. There is little doubt that this region will once again stand out as one of the great wine regions of the world.

2010 Estate Riesling, $8.99
The little vines that produced this Riesling are some of the oldest in the state of Idaho. These vines are naturally cooled by the river, resulting in a crisp, flavorful wine. Slight hints of apricot and honey compliment its subtle sweetness.

2009 Syrah, $10.99
Sourced from the Dallas Vineyard on Candy Mountain near Richland, Washington, this 100% Syrah was aged in new American oak. It is a rich, full-bodied wine, with a nose of black pepper and vanilla, and flavors of black cherry and plum.

2009 Koos-Koos-Kia, $18.99
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Well balanced with aromas of plum, sage, current, and leather, this blend finishes with a slight minerality characteristic of our soils and clear water.

2009 Cabernet Franc, $28.00
Normally only available at their tasting room, 2009 provided perfect conditions at Colter’s Creek for this 100% Estate Cabernet Franc. They aged this delicate wine in French oak for 10 months. A nose of plum, raspberry, and a hint of clove are followed by cranberry and cherry flavors with a mineral finish. Pairs nicely with light pastas, seafood and white meats, or soft cheese such as brie.

Beat those Wintertime Blues

The white on the ground has been conspicuous by its absence, but those inevitable inversions just keep on coming, generating hazy days that contribute to an oppressive malaise. If you’ve got a case of the wintertime blues and can’t cure it with a day on the slopes, may we suggest a little springtime in a bottle. We’re talking our Winter White Sale. Instead of pouring another glass of a heavy red, fix yourself a dish of light pasta, fresh fish or grilled chicken and pop the cork on a refreshing white. It couldn’t hurt.

Here’s a list of delicious white wines (all on sale) designed to help you beat the Winter Blues, and if you buy six or more, you’ll save an additional 10%!

	Was	Now
Berger 2010 Grüner Veltliner, 1 liter	$12.99	$11.99
Chateau Coustaut 2009 Bordeaux	$8.99	$7.99
Domaine de Pouy 2010	$7.99	$6.99
Hiedler 2010 Grüner Veltliner	$15.99	$12.99
Le Bois Martin 2010 Sauvignon Blanc	$14.99	$12.99
Leitz 2010 Dragonstone Riesling	$16.99	$14.99
Raphael 2010 Verdicchio	$9.99	$8.99
Rayun 2009 Chardonnay	$7.99	$6.99
Selbach 2010 Riesling Kabinett	$12.99	$11.99
Sydney Ann 2010 Pinot Grigio	$8.99	$7.99
Tariquet 2009 Sauvignon	$8.99	$7.99

“The perfect grape-growing climate, the best viticultural practices, and a people committed to crafting the best bottle of wine vintage after vintage is what Columbia Crest’s winemaking is all about.” – Juan Muñoz Oca, Head Winemaker

2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Gewurztraminer, $6.49
With over 42 “Best Buy” / “Best Value” designations in the last five years, Two Vines delivers a style that exhibits richer flavors, brighter color and an expression of fruit that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment. This wine offers the typical Gewϋrztraminer aromas of rose water, spice and lychee fuse with notes of fragrant orange peel. Upfront, candied fruit flavors give way to a pink grapefruit essence, finishing with bright acidity that balances the wine’s subtle sweetness.

2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc, $6.49
This fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of lemon zest, honeydew melon, dried herbs and a hint of freshly cut grass which are typical notes of the variety. Juicy fl avors of melon, gooseberry and kiwi end with a lengthy, bright citrus-like finish.

2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot, $9.99
Aromas of vanilla bean, coffee bean, and mocha introduce this classic Merlot. Dark chocolate covered cherries, caramel and nutmeg flavors meld with silky tannins and create a long and elegant finish. Five percent each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in this wine add structure and depth.

2009 Columbia Crest H3 Le Chevaux Red Blend, $12.99
From Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (H3), “Les Chevaux” is French for “the horses,” a reference to the wild horses that once roamed this region. “Aromas of fresh blueberries, anise and earth lead to firm and supple tannins on the palate. This red wine blend presents incredible depth, with layered flavors of candied nuts, licorice and dark chocolate that lead to a mocha finish featuring ample, sweet tannins.” Juan Munoz Oca

2006 Columbia Crest Walter Clore Red, $24.00
The Walter Clore Private Reserve is a unique blend of traditional Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and represents the pinnacle of winemaking mastery at Columbia Crest. Aged in the finest French and American oak barrels and blended to express the terroir of the most premium vineyard sites, the Walter Clore is a wine that is easily worthy of aging for 10+ years.

“…what has been proven beyond a doubt is that anyone who values tradition, continuity, and a track record of excellence, will eventually find their way to L’Ecole’s wines. A lot of wineries succeed at making a few barrels of something good in their first or second vintage. The real challenge is to make consistently fine wine, over many years and vintages, across a wide number of varietals and blends.” -Paul Gregutt,  Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Today they are at the forefront of sustainable farming in the Walla Walla Valley, notably with their Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, but all of the Walla Walla Valley wines are made from grapes sourced from vineyards which are certified sustainable and Salmon Safe. Here’s a rundown of just a few of the wines from their outstanding portfolio:

2010 Chenin Blanc, $11.99
This fresh, tart and delightfully fruity Chenin Blanc shows Asian pear, perfumed honeysuckle and orange blossom aromas with flavors of apple, apricot, and grapefruit on a crisp mineral, lightly sweet finish.

2010 Chardonnay, $17.99
Some of the best Chardonnays in Washington State are grown in the slightly cooler growing conditions of Yakima Valley and in the northern latitudes of the Columbia Valley. The Schmitt Vineyard (Yakima Valley) provides nice tropical fruit, while Evergreen (latitude 47 on the Columbia River) contributes crisp acidity and minerality.

2008 Merlot, $23.50
Rich with pretty aromatic aromas of nutmeg, clove and spice, this dark and brooding Merlot shows black cherry, blackberry, and earthy dark fruit flavors encased in a peppery, cocoa, toasty finish.

2008 Syrah, $22.00
This luscious and exquisitely balanced Syrah shows aromas of ripe blackberry, alluring spice and earth. With dense mineral and oxblood tones, this rich and expressive wine shows opulent black cherry and black plum with peppercorn and olive tapenade on a finely textured and lengthy finish.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, $32.00
With an elegant, old world structure, this sophisticated Cabernet shows aromas of dark fruit, earth, and fresh herbs. A seamless core of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry mingle with notes of earth and leather on a smooth, lushly structured finish.

Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling, $11.99
Dr. L Sparkling Riesling is 100% pure Riesling — the crisp, fruity grape that has made German wine famous for centuries. It is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation is done in a pressurized tank to keep the bubbles in the wine. This method produces bright, clean sparkling wines in a more affordable way, which makes it possible to offer this charming bubbler at a very nice everyday price.

2009 Writer’s Block Pinot Noir, $16.49
A small project begun at Steele Wines in 2002 by Jed and his son Quincy Steele, Writer’s Block has blossomed into an acclaimed line of wines. Aromas of candied bing cherries, brown sugar and spice suggests that this wine is all Pinot Noir, but on the pallet the Writer’s Block has more body and texture than the typical Pinot. This wine offers up juicy cherry and raspberry flavors with hints of cinnamon and tobacco. The mouth feel is round and supple, and finishes with soft tannins.

Fleur de Lyeth Red Blend
Fleur de Lyeth is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec that remains true to Lyeth’s roots of exceptional Bordeaux-style blends. Perfectly balanced, the wine opens with luscious flavors of Bing cherry and plum, accented by graceful notes of strawberry and cherry cordial. Very smooth and easy drinking

2009 Carchelo C, Jumilla Red, $13.99
Bodegas Carchelo was founded in the early 1980s in one of the earliest efforts to bring Jumilla into the age of modern wine. In addition to the indigenous Monastrell (Mourvèdre) variety, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are grown to enhance structure. Achieving a fresh and balanced style, by the early 1990s Carchelo’s rich young red had put Jumilla on the road to international respectability. “This starts with a smooth impression of ripe fig before fresher red fruit scents reveal the wine’s tension. If you open it now, you’ll need lamb to tame its rustic young tannins. But the sweet fruit and crunchy acidity will sustain it as those tannins mature in the cellar-probably at its best in four or five years.” Wine & Spirits

2009 Paringa Shiraz, $9.99
“Supple, polished and appealing for its dark, brooding, licorice-accented boysenberry pie flavors, complete with baked dough notes on the enticing finish. Drink now through 2014.”  89 points, Wine Spectator

2010 Chicken Dinner Red
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, exhibiting dark cherry color and blackberry aromas. Fruit forward in taste, it displays flavors of black current and clove, with an earthy, well-structured finish. No doubt, it’s an unlikely pairing with a chicken dinner.

2009 Private Reserve Red
Huston Vineyards 2009 Private Reserve Red is truly like no other. This blend was orchestrated from six Snake River Valley Vineyard sites including the first harvest of Merlot and Syrah from Huston Vineyards. This Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blend is aged in new French oak barrels over 18 months creating a bold, fruit forward wine with structure and soft tannins. Opens with aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate, coupled with the flavor of cherry, cedar and plum, finishing with a spicy peppery finish that lingers. Huston Vineyards 2009 Private Reserve Red pairs well with Pepper-Crusted Rib Eye, Braised Lamb Shank, Truffled Risotto or Bacon Wrapped Elk Steak

2010 Gewurztraminer, $7.49
Married aromatics and flavors of clover honey and spice followed by juicy pineapple upside down cake. The finish is clean and balanced with a hint of residual sugar. Serve with shellfish, spicy dishes, light meats, pasta with cream sauce or slightly sweet desserts.

2008 Reserve Chardonnay, $15.49
The 2009 Sawtooth Reserve Chardonnay utilizes grapes produced from Dijon & Chard clones. The wine is fermented and aged in American oak for 10 months. Fifty percent of the wine has gone through malolactic fermentation which gives way to smooth buttery flavors. Aromas of lemon, pear, ripe pineapple and green apple with a hint of vanilla and toasty oak. The finish is long and lush. It’s pairs well with just about any dish including poultry, pork, seafood, or recipes that have a heavy cream or butter base.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.49
This wine is loaded with fruit both on the nose and on the palate. Dark fruit, spice, vanilla and oak aromas lead off in this medium bodied wine with light tannins. There’s a nice balance of ripe dark bing cherry fruit and refreshing acidity in the mouth. This is a great wine that pairs well with blue cheese and pork loin.

2008 Tempranillo, $17.49
Tempranillo is the grape of the famous reds of Spain’s Rioja region. Typicallyit’s one of the first varieties harvested in the Sawtooth Estate Vineyard. The grapes are de-stemmed and placed as whole berries into open top fermenters for the purpose of extracting color, flavor compounds and tannins. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels for nine months. Deep plum, strawberry, juniper and cigar aromatics welcome you. The well balanced, medium bodied palate is led by black cherry and tobacco notes, with subtle oak integrated throughout. Tempranillo is one of the most food friendly wines. The obvious food pairing is to go with the Spanish style dishes: tapas, pork, lamb grilled or roasted entrees.

2010 Late Harvest Riesling, $7.49
A seductive wine with honey, nectarine and floral notes on the nose. Refreshing nectarine, guava, tangerine & hints of caramelized pineapple lead to a balanced finish.

The winemaker at Basel Cellars is Ned Morris. Ned has a wealth of knowledge and experience, including extensive sommelier training at Penfold’s McGill Estate in Australia and an integrated Masters Degree from Oregon State University in Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology. He has also worked on the winemaking teams of some very highly regarded Washington State wineries such as Abeja, a’Maurice, and Canoe Ridge Vineyard. Ned’s family is ‘old school’ Walla Walla, where his kid’s are 5th generation, and he and his wife Susie are raising them in a house that has been in their family since it was built in 1930.

Ned’s winemaking philosophy balances old-world traditional techniques with modern science and technology. He is focused on making wines that are big and full-bodied, but with smooth generous tannins and velvety rich textures. He aims to create wines that walk a fine line between having long cellaring potential, yet are very approachable upon release. “My goal is to display the unique fruit profiles of our Estate vineyards, and the special place we have here. I want to show the quality of fruit from Eastern Washington. So the vineyards and fruit should be at the forefront of the wines, with tannin, structure, and oak being the support and backbone that lifts that fruit.”

2008 Earth Series, Volume II, $15.99
Volume II is a red blend containing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah. It starts off with penetrating aromas of ripe, robust fruit. It revives one’s taste buds with a silky smooth mouth feel and complex finish that most palates will enjoy.

2008 Claret, $20.00,
This Walla Walla Claret (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc) is aged for 18 months in mostly neutral oak allowing the high quality of the fruit to shine through. Just like in previous vintages, the 2008 blend has a smooth mouth feel that makes it easy to drink and is accompanied by an intricacy that revives your taste buds.

2008 Pheasant Run Merlot, $27.00
Before they opened Basel Cellars, Greg Basel and his partner Steve Hanson were vineyard owners in Walla Walla. This Merlot is made from grapes from their Pheasant Run Vineyard. Aged 18 months in 37 percent new American and French oak it has a floral essence with a ripe dark fruit center that carries through with a bitter sweet chocolate finish.

2007 Columbia Valley Syrah, $24.00
A blend of fruit from both the Columbia Valley and the Walla Walla Valley. It starts with soft earth tones that turn into a long, dark and robust raspberry and plum finish with excellent persistence.

2007 Estate Merriment, $46.00
Merriment is Basel Cellar’s flagship, high-end blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc). Every vintage, they walk their Estate vineyards and find the best block to blend together in the best barrels. This wine is ripe with a rich and dense mouth feel, with hints of espresso.