Here and There From the Blogsphere August 8-14 2010

August is Official Washington Wine Month

Washington State wines are showcased in state liquor stores during Washington Wine Month. Each August, state liquor stores broaden and diversify the selection of Washington wines and feature displays surrounding the annual theme. Washington’s liquor stores sell more wine in August than in any other month except December.  A listing of featured Washington Wine Month wines is available here. This year’s theme “Washington Wines…Our Passion, Your Pleasure” celebrates the unique Washington climates producing some of the very best in grapes and wines known around the world. The Washington State wine industry continues to enjoy dramatic growth, approaching 700 wineries statewide. “Our industry continues to draw critical acclaim the world over, and Washington Wine Month is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience the quality and diversity of Washington State wines right here in our own backyard,” said Washington Wine Commission executive director Robin Pollard.  State and contract liquor store and product information is available on the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) website at http://www.liq.wa.gov/.  This year, wine lovers will see price reductions on nearly 200 different wines, with discounts ranging from 5 percent to nearly 50 percent. While many of the wines come from larger producers such as Columbia Crest, Hogue Cellars and Covey Run Winery, there also are several wines from smaller wineries, including Hyatt Vineyards, Randall Harris, Hoodsport Winery and Steppe Cellars.

Garrison Creek Review

Garrison Creek is an excellent winery to visit in Walla Walla if you like luscious red wine. The cab, merlot, and syrah have been reviewed as excellent. They built the winery based off a vintage barn in the area and it is an excellent way to spend some time with friends or wine drinkers eho will be new friends. The Walla Walla winery has gained a reputation as a medal winner and top rated winery.
2006 Zinfandel – Not many Washington wineries making Zin so was interesting to try this one. Eucalyptys, raspberry, and cranberry on the nose. Smells refreshing since it is different than the Zins you might pull from from CA or Europe.

2005 Syrah Estate – Les Collines. Slight earth, blueberry, spice, smoke. Cane berry and velvety texture and smooth finish make this a great syrah with a delicate finish . Les Collines is an excellent vineyard to get fruit from, perhaps the vineyard of 2010.

Quilceda Creek 2007 Cabernet and Red Wine Ratings from Wine Enthusiast Magazine 
 The 2010 August issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine features in its wine rating section the scores for the 2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet and the 2007 Red Wine.  The Cab received a "96" and the Red a "93".
A review from Sean Sullivan of Washington Wine Report said " The 2007 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is quite simply the winery’s finest release since the beginning of its most heralded vintages in 2002. This wine brings everything one would expect from a powerhouse Cabernet – fascinating aromatics, outrageously opulent fruit, and a firm backbone of tannins. It brings both power and finesse.