On the lookout for local wines

OK, I have the next 12 months to make and break promises on my wine resolutions for 2005.

I am already figuring out ways that I will likely break them, and in doing so, I hope to be more proactive in keeping them.

My first resolution is to try more Northwest wines. Washington State is second in the nation in wine production, and while I have tried many of the wines from the tried-and-true wineries, I have been lax about delving into the new wineries, waiting for them to have a few vintages under their belts.

The best way to gauge the growth of new winemakers is to sample their wines while they are infants in the industry and watch their progression. I urge others to do this as well. In particular, I want to support the new wineries in the Lake Chelan, Wenatchee and even further north. That includes our Canadian neighbors who are making terrific wines in the Okanogan Valley. I want to do the same for Oregon wines from the southern part of the state and for Northern Idaho.

My second resolution is to quit turning more rooms in my house into wine storage/cellars. I was recently eyeballing a bathroom in my house that is only used when we have company, wondering if I could keep it cold enough. My husband, who is digging a wine cellar by hand, (his hole to China, as we call it) figured out what I was contemplating.

“You already have two rooms – I don’t want to see a cellar in the bathroom,” he protested loudly.

He is right, so I will be more careful in 2005 and not buy in large lots or “specials” offered to me from wine companies on the Internet.

And, that goes to my next resolution – I am a sucker for wine promotions. Each day I open my e-mails and discover 25 wineries and 10 to 20 wine brokers offering me “the deal of the century.”

The problem with collecting so much wine is that I don’t get to it, and a few years later discover that some wines did not age well. Most wine is consumed within 24 hours of purchase. At my house, it could be much longer – a year or so, at least. So, my caution to those who buy wine is, pick your wines carefully if you want to cellar them, and drink the wines that you purchase on sale when retailers discount them.

My last resolution (for the column, at least) is to continue to spread the word that wine tasting parties, where you blind taste wine. It will be one of the best learning experiences you will ever have. Your wine knowledge increases three fold.

Blind tasting wine puts everyone on the same level to begin with because no one will see the label. Thus, many less expensive wines that ordinarily would be shunned have the same chance of influencing the consumer as a more expensive wine. And, surprisingly, some of the value wines score higher.

Some of My Favorite Wines of 2004

There are many new releases and I apologize for those I am leaving out. The truth is, there are many new wines on the market and I can’t possibly list them all. But here are some of the highlights:

Fidelitas 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon: The fruit comes from the Walla Walla Valley, featuring a layer of earthiness, sweet vanilla and cedar in the nose, but expands to huge, ripe plum, cherry, leather and black currant in the mouth – all beautifully integrated in the glass. This is a wine that will stand tall with Washington’s premiere wines. What I love about this wine is that it is so drinkable now, but will age well for the next five years or so. Same goes for his ‘02 Fidelitas Cabernet “Champoux” Vineyard offering.

Doyenne 2002 Syrah: I recently tasted this with Spokane’s premiere mushroom authority, Kelly Chadwick, and found it to be a huge wine. This isn’t for the faint-of-heart-wine – it is a hedonistic syrah of immense proportions.

2000 Dionysus, Arbor Crest: This is a complex blend of Arbor Crest’s best vineyards and wine lots. This wine is drinkable now, but also a wine to cellar over the next 10 years.

Walla Walla Vintners: These two guys are producing such exquisite wines that are true to the varietals for Washington that I would recommend every one of their wines.

Mountain Dome: Anything this sparkling wine house produces is a great value, from the non-Brut to the superb vintages from 1990 to 1997 and beyond. I consider Mountain Dome one of the best gems in Washington State, and a perfect New Year’s beverage to begin 2005. Forget the Champagne houses from France – go local!

Hedges 2002 Three Vineyards: A blend of 48 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 49 percent Merlot and 3 percent Cabernet Franc, from three different vineyards is also a great wine with prime rib and other hearty meals during winter.

Andrew Rich 2003 Sauvignon Blanc Les Vigneaux Croft Vineyard: This wine has signature notes of pineapple, guava, passion fruit, citrus, and just a hint of gooseberry. It is rich, round, with complex notes of mineral and fresh spring water in the finish. It is just scrumptious.

Chehalem Pinot Blanc 2002: This was such a stellar vintage for Oregon, and the Pinot Blanc is a rich, complete wine and an excellent example of the optimum quality obtained from the region’s best winemakers. It is beautifully balanced, true to the varietal, and just lovely.

Abaja 2003 Chardonnay: This wine has such elegance and richness, with white peach notes, wood and spice in the finish – one of the better Chardonnays produced in Washington and Walla Walla. It contains great acidity to work well with many foods.

There are so many more tasty wines from the Northwest that it is impossible to list them here. My thanks to the winemakers who have come through Spokane and allowed me to taste with them.

Washington State – The Perfect Climate for Wine

The Washington State Wine Commission launched a new campaign last month, trying to end some of the conventional wisdom about the state – that it’s Washington, D.C. and that it rains all the time.

According to Jane Baxter Lynn, the new executive director for the commission, the campaign has fared well nationally.

“People have understood the message that growth of the Washington State wine industry is also good for the state’s regional and local economies,” Baxter Lynn said. “When the state launched campaigns about Washington wines in the past – nationally – there is some confusion. And, there is a preconceived notion that it rains all the time here, so we can’t grow grapes.

“This campaign is to end those preconceived notions.”

Condolences to Spring Valley Vineyards

On Dec. 14th, Devin C. Derby lost his life after suffering injuries he sustained from a vehicle crash a week earlier. He was 47-years-old.

Spring Valley Vineyards was most recently selected for the Wine Spectator Magazine’s top 100 wineries of the year. A memorial fund has been established in Walla Walla at the Baker Boyer Bank (509) 525-2000.