This week we welcome back Erik Dahle from TASAWIK VINEYARDS. Stop by ask questions, have him sign bottles and, of course, try his wines. The line up will be: ROSE OF SANGIOVESE/CABERNET - $19.99 - This Rosé has a lot to offer. Lots of fruit from the Sangiovese grape while the Cabernet provides structure and backbone to the wine. This is not a byproduct of other winemaking, but rather first quality hand picked grapes crushed together, cold soaked overnight, and pressed the next day when the color was just right. It was then slowly fermented as a finished blend in stainless steel. Finally a Rosé that a red wine lover can drink with pride. (all wine information from the winery website)

2005 CABERNET - $30.99 - Dark color, purple and tannic. Lots of berries. Pronounced and concentrated aromas and flavors. Be sure to let this one get a little air, it will improve the wine tremendously. Decanting or airation recommended. Comments from customers confirm our beliefs—this is a great Cabernet value. It has become a new favorite among Cab lovers across Washington State.

2005 MERLOT - $27.99 - This is not your average merlot. Great nose, deep and firm, fleshy richness. Noticeable velvety texture in the mouth. Lingering finish. The comment we hear again and again at the tasting room is that this is a merlot the way merlot was meant to be. If you liked the powerful merlots 15 years ago, but have moved away from this varitel in recent years (damn you, Sideways!) you owe it to yourself to try it out.

2007 SANGIOVESE - $29.99 - The 2007 Sangiovese is loaded with fruit, and has a beautiful and surprisingly dark color for a Sangiovese. This is 100% unblended Sangio from our 1 acre block in the lower part of the vineyard. We harvested late to get the desired flavors, and it resulted in a fairly high alcohol wine (15.8%) that is sure to be a favorite among food-lovers. But with all the fruit and the natural high acidity of the Sangiovese, this is still a well balanced wine that is a joy to drink by itself. Try this next to your favorite Italian Chianti Classico and see for yourself that Washington is able to compete with wine regions from all over the world. 96 cases produced.

HAILSTORM RED - $41.99 - The 2006 Hailstorm Red is the result of a devastating hailstorm that swept through the vineyard in May 2006. We lost 90% of our crop, and the vines were struggling to keep the rest of the fruit healthy for the remainder of the year. The result was very small berries, and a crop load of less than 0.4 tons/acre. We were debating whether it was worth harvesting at all, but decided to go for it, and found that the fruit was really intense and the color very dark. This vintage is truly unique, and unlike the other years, characterized by stronger tannins and more peppery flavors. This is a wine that already tastes great, but will just get better in the years to come. We co-harvested and co-fermented the grapes and estimate approximately 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot. Primarily aged in new French Oak. The picture on the label was taken by me as I was by the vineyard when the storm came in. I snapped some pictures of what I thought was a really cool looking storm. Turned out it wasn't so cool after all, but at least something good came out if it in the end. 120 cases produced.

This week we will have FRV100 eff-err-vay-san, get it? A fun little name for an extremely fun wine, an amusement park in a glass. You could drink this with a straw. Sweet and closer to demi-sec than brut but still thirst-quenchingly drinkable. Thought it would be fun to try a sparkling Gamay.

We have another wine ordered but want to be sure it arrives before we put in a description.

Swing on by and try something new.

More of our gift show buys have arrived. WINE LOUNGES - stackable bottle rack that you can decide which colors you would like to put together. Tomato, Green Apple or Tangarine. Add some color to your wine corner!

VINOMATIC - this is a rechargable battery operated wine opener that makes it easy for anyone to remove a cork - real or synthetic.

MINI BOTTLE TEA LIGHT HOLDERS - Six colors to use indoors or out. Hang from trees or eaves to create a fun candlelite glow. Or, check out the BOTTLE TOP TEALIGHT HOLDERS. These are tops of bottles that have a black stand to hold a tea light. Fun new ways to add ambiance to any occasion.

MENU SELECTION - A new wine aerator that fits in the bottle. Similar to how a Vinturi works but in a smaller version.

WINE FOR DUMMIES, FRENCH WINE FOR DUMMIES and ITALIAN WINE FOR DUMMIES. There is always something new to learn about wine, no matter if you are just starting or want to increase your knowledge these books are a fun way to go.

POVERTY BAY WINE FESTIVAL - here are some of the food vendors that will have items available for wine-fest attendees: Des Moines own Salty's at Redondo, Charley's on Central Avenue in Kent, Cafe Pacific Catering, Forte Chocolates, Kauzlarich Smoked Products, Panera Bread, Poverty Bay Coffee, Waters to go, Redondo Fred Meyer - Gourmet Cheeses

Here are the wineries that will be participating: Canyon's Edge, Chandler Reach, Covington Cellars (New), Coyote Canyon Winery (New), E.B. Foote Winery, Eaton Hill, Erin Glenn, Fall Line, Five Star Cellars, Fort Walla Walla Cellars (New), Kestrel (New), Knipprath (New), Masset Winery, Otis Kenyon, Page Cellars, Pondera (New), Sleeping Dog, Sodo Vino (New), Stina's Cellar, Two Vintners (New), Vashon Winery, Vin du Lac (New), Waving Tree, Willis Hall, Windy Point

This years festival will be held March 6 & 7 at Landmark Event Center. (Landmark on the Sound) Tickets are still only $20.00 which includes a tasting glass and 10 tokens. Hours are - Saturday, Noon - 7 PM and Sunday - Noon - 5 PM. Free parking and shuttle at the south end of the Des Moines marina.

MUSIC IN DES MOINES ----- The Waterland Music Series features “The Sirens Trio” from the Oregon Chamber Players at 7 pm. Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Highline Community College (2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, WA) in the Artist-Lecture Center, (Bldg. 7). The evening will begin with a short 15-20 minute program provided by the Parkside Orchestra from the Parkside Elementary School in Des Moines. This concert is hosted by the City of Des Moines Arts Commission and the Highline Community College Music Department. Single tickets are available for $15/adult and $5/student (elementary-college). Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 220th St. and Des Moines Florist, 721 S. 219th in Des Moines. Tickets will also be available at the door. Call the Des Moines Parks & Recreation at (206) 870-6527 for ticketing or concert information.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT B & E MEATS AND SEAFOOD ------ TWO USDA CHOICE NEW YORK STEAKS 8 OZ. EACH & 1 POUND KING CRAB LEGS - Caught in the icy waters of Alaska with rich flavor fit for a king! Just heat and serve. $24.99 ******** CHOICE NEW YORK STEAKS 8 OZ. EACH & 1 POUND DUNGENESS CRAB LEGS - Sweet, delicious Dungeness crab is one of the great bonuses of living in the Northwest! Just heat and serve. $19.99 ******* CHOICE NEW YORK STEAKS 8 OZ. EACH & ONE ½ POUND PACK DUNGENESS CRAB LEG MEAT All the pleasure with none of the work – life should always be this easy! This crab is already shelled and ready to eat. $29.99 ******* CHOICE NEW YORK STEAKS 8 OZ. EACH & TWENTY LARGE BLACK TIGER PRAWNS - Steak and scampi anyone? Simply sauté these beautiful prawns in garlic and butter. Delicious! $18.99 ******* TWO USDA CHOICE NEW YORK STEAKS 8 OZ. EACH & TWO 4 OZ. LOBSTER TAILS $29.99 ******* STEP UP A SAY “The Works”, Valentine’s Spectacular 2 New York Steaks ½ lb. Smoked Salmon, 1 lb. Dungeness Crab Legs, 20 Black Tiger Prawns only $39.99

NEWS FROM BENSON'S BEST BITES ------- New Cheeses for Valentines Day ****** Truffle Tremor – Ritzy Cousin of Humboldt Fog ^^^^^ Wensleydale with Cranberries ^^^^^ Humboldt Fog is still half-price! ------- Sweetheart Crepes - $1.00 - This Saturday, Feb 13th, from 11am to 2pm, Filled with Seedless Raspberry Jam, Lingonberries & Cream, Nutella & Banana Slices --------- BAKERY BREAKTHROUGH –---- Finally - The Columbia City Bakery Bread we use in our Sandwiches can be purchased at Best Bites!! Special Order fresh Sourdough, Multigrain, Potato and Rye loaves in advance: Friday for pick up Monday or order Tuesday for pick up Thursday. In Stock – Crusty French Mini Baguettes - $1.00 each, Perfect for a meal or to compliment cheese & salami!