Archive for March 2012

Columbia Valley, Washington State

The 2008 Gilbert Cellars Left Bank is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Left Bank refers to the similarity of the blend that is common in the regions on the left bank of the Gironde River in Bordeaux. The Columbia Valley has been producing notable wines since the 60's and the region is an ideal growing area for grapes. The vineyards are East of the Cascade Mountains in a semi-dessert area. The warm days make for great sugar and flavour development and cool nights help keep acidity levels high; these two elements combined make for complex and balanced wines.

Gilbert Cellars is a fantastic winery and restaurant located in the town of Yakima with family history dating back to the 19th century. The winery produces a number of wines and has some outstanding vineyards such as the Doc Stewart Vineyard that was planted in the 1970s. The fruit for the Left Bank is sourced from the Doc Steward vineyard which is a designated AVA called Whaluke Slope.

Tasting notes: this is a full rich robust wine with black cherry, crushed herb and vanilla characters backed by a palate cleansing acidity and ripe tannins.

Food + Wine Pairing: Medium cheeses, Lamb or beef. Consider a Roast Leg of Lamb

Enjoy!

Cellar Door Price $36.95

Columbia Valley, Washington State

The 2010 Gilbert Cellars Chardonnay comes from the same area and vineyard as the Red Left Bank offering. The Columbia Valley is equally as good for producing a variety of white grapes as it is red and Chardonnay grows ideally with the cool nights that help develop some mouth puckering acidity.

The fruit for the 2010 Chardonnay is sourced from the Doc Steward vineyard which is a designated AVA called Whaluke Slope. This Chardonnay from the Doc Stewart Vineyard was aged for 10 months sur lie in 100% French oak, of which only 15% was new. Every two weeks winemaker Justin Neufeld stirred the lees in the traditional process known as battonage, which adds soft texture to the palate.

Tasting notes: Bright aromas of lemongrass, vanilla, sweet melon and lilac lead into fresh, concentrated flavors of Bosc pear, Braeburn apple and rosewater followed by a light yet lingering lemon cake finish.

Food + Wine Pairing: creamy cow milk cheeses such as Camembert or Brie. White fish or rich shellfish such as crab or scallops. Consider Poached Halibut with Tomato and Fennel

Enjoy!

Cellar Door Price $36.95

Navarra, Spain

The 2008 Castillo Crianza is produced in the Aragon Region of Northern Spain and comes from the Navarra Appellation. Crianza refers to the quality designation and length of aging for the wine. Crianza wines are aged a minimum of six months in barrels and are released in their third year from vintage. The Navarra DO (Denominación de Origen) is an important wine-producing region located north of Rioja with vineyards located on the rolling lower slopes of the Pyrenees. A number of different climatic conditions affect Navarra's vines. The region's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean in the north-west helps to moderate temperatures created by the effects of the Mediterranean and the continental climate.

The 2008 Vega del Castillo is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Tempranillo brings acidity to the wine while the Cabernet adds structure and the merlot gives round and juicy fruit.

Tasting notes: A medium bodied red that shows a mix of red licorice, wild strawberry and blackberry fruit. The wine finishes with light tannins and a tea-tinged finish.

Food + Wine Pairing: slow cooked meat and game in the crock pot would be delicious and you could consider a cassoulet 

Enjoy!

Cellar Door Price $21.95