We are happy to welcome back John Bell from Willis Hall winery, local Washington winery from Marysville.
The following are tasting notes from the Willis Hall website. John will be here 1-5 on Saturday April 24th.
Merlot regular $29.99 now $27.99 is one of the better-known grape varieties allowed in the classified red blends from the great Bordeaux region of France. Plantings of Merlot in Washington are vast, making perhaps the best-known red wine from the state. Merlot grapes, while prone to expressing the terroir of the vineyards where grown, typically produce wines with bright, forward-cherry flavors and smooth mouth-feels. Vintage 2004 was challenging due to an early-January freeze that resulted in the loss of grapes from many of the vineyards in eastern Washington. Nevertheless, this premium wine embodies the world-class character of Washington vineyards as manifested in the noble Merlot. Accompanying foods should be moderately herbed and spiced.
2004 Cabernet regular $29.99 now $27.99
UPDATE - WON A SILVER MEDAL AT THE 2007 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE --- One of the best-known grape varieties world-wide, Cabernet Sauvignon defines elegance and structure in winemaking. Vintage 2004 was challenging due to an early-January freeze that resulted in the loss of grapes from many of the vineyards in eastern Washington. Nevertheless, this premium wine embodies the world-class character of Washington vineyards as manifested in the noble Cabernet Sauvignon. While approachable early, this wine will age under favorable storage conditions for several years. Accompanying foods should be boldly spiced, herbed, and peppered. This wine should be vigorously decanted prior to serving.
2005 Cabernet Franc regular $29.99 now $27.99 Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety usually employed in a blending role to uplift, with floral scents, the wines made from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. It also is the sole variety allowed in the classified red wines from the Chinon region of the Loire Valley in France. In this wine the forward flavors of the Cabernet Franc are complemented by the softer, more lush flavors of Merlot. Additionally, this wine’s structure is enhanced by the blending of Cabernet Sauvignon. Paired foods can range from lightly herbed and spiced dishes to those with much bolder flavors. This wine is a grand accompaniment for nearly all foods. Cabernet Franc (90%), Cabernet (5%), Merlot (5%)
2005 Dolcetto regular $29.99 now $27.99
Dolcetto is a major grape variety in the Piedmont region of Italy. Very little of this variety is grown in Washington State, and only one barrel of this boldly flavored wine was made from this vintage. Initial Bing cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors carry through on the lingering finish. This wine is structured to pair well with foods or to be consumed without accompaniment. Foods paired with this wine should be moderately herbed, spiced, and/or peppered. Best poured at a temperature of about 62°F, this wine needs no decanting.
2005 Syrah regular $29.99 now $27.99
Stone Tree Vineyard, near Mattawa, WA, provided grapes to Willis Hall for this magnificent wine. A small amount (2%) of Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyard was blended with the Syrah to elevate the mouth-feel and round out the finish. The earthy notes in this Syrah contrast to the typical fruity tones usually apparent in WA Syrahs. The dark cherry, leather, and pencil-lead character of this rich wine and its intense, lingering finish require bold, complementary spices and herbs in whatever food is paired with it. If you’re feeling particularly hedonistic, just pour yourself a glass, relax, and luxuriate in this wine’s richness as it unfolds in your glass and envelops your senses.
|
