Back again - working entirely too many hours in the last couple of weeks so my blogging has fallen a little behind. This past Sunday we decided to head out to Woodinville for a afternoon date of wine and trips to the nursery to find anything that isn't a primrose or a pansy. Seriously there must be other annuals that will grow here! To bad the weather insists on remaining cold - we are done with it and absolutely ready for summer. Nothing better than a glass of white wine while reading a book on our new patio (new as in we finished it last fall and haven't christened with a party) in the sunshine. Opened up the '07 Ghost meritage as well this past weekend - not as good as the '06 but still delicious. Mark Ryan and Gorman's reds always feel really big and meaty even if it is a blend - so in retrospect would have been better with a little food vs. on its own at a party. At $14 though - can't beat that Red from Washington - easy to drink and just has a lot going on. Highly recommend (their white is also good - riesling based this year but very dry).
SO back to Sunday - headed out to Woodinville to pop in on the ladies at ANC and pick up our wine shipment. The ladies that work the tasting room there are super knowledgeable and very passionate about making wine approachable for everyone. Tried their newest white release - the Roussanne - some might find it a little overwhelmingly citrusy - but I really enjoyed it. I think in the Shepherd's Mark it is a little more balanced, but it had all the big mouth feel and honeysuckle notes I come to expect with Washington grown white Rhone varietals.
After ANC we wandered over to a new to me winery - Efeste - after we left I wondered seriously how I had never been there before. Every pour was super approachable, easy to drink, and VERY reasonable. Both their Syrahs were smooth, elegant, and definitely purchase worthy at $34 a bottle (especially considering ANC charges nearly $50 for a bottle that is good but not as amazing as the two at Efeste). The riesling they served was dry, crisp, and made me think of sitting on my patio in the sunshine again - loved it enough to purchase a bottle or two and consider joining their wine club. The owner was pouring and he was incredibly charming and also really made the wine feel very approachable (vs overwhelming guests with info). Highly recommend a stop in there if you are out and about tasting wine. Their Final Final Cab ($25) is also AMAZING and would be a perfect bottle to open after a long day at work. Very easy to drink and well balanced. LOVE IT!
Last stop pre-nursery was Brian Carter - and have to say they were very packed and it was a less than amazing tasting experience. Wine was incredibly as always but they were so busy we ended up leaving before they had a chance to pour the Corrida or Solece. Staff there are always welcoming and friendly - and their wine is pretty out of this world. If you are looking for a well balanced summer white - (I've raved about it before) - their Oriana is smooth and delicious. Little more riesling this time around but it is still very easy to drink and one of my top 5 whites from Washington.
Time for me to sign off for the night - before I go, want to ask one question for the winemakers of the world - why are Washington and California winemakers are avoiding oaking whites? Anyone else noticed this?
Dear winemakers, we don't all want everything neutral, concrete, or stainless fermented!!!
Thank you,
ItsRainyInSeattle
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