Mourvedre/Monastrell

Just a recent trend. Lately I have been selling a lot of Mourvedre (a Rhone varietal) and have been personally loving the varietal for quite some time. So go out and investigate this diverse grape both in blends and alone. I suggest trying a Monastrell from Jumilla Spain. yes I know I was talking about Mourvedre they are the same grape, names tend to change once you cross the Pyrenees Mt's , but anyway Monastrell from Jumilla are often a great buy and are more acidic and fruit forward than those found in France (white wine drinkers this is a great transition wine). The two I am currently drinking are $9.99 and $14.99 on the store shelf. Not quite an epiphany but give them a try, after all variety is the.....

Just Tasted Gard and 37 Cellars

Two new wineries to Washington that rock. If you haven't tried Gard Cellars 2006 or 2007 (just released today)Dry Riesling, DO! The words unctuous, luscious and layers come to mind. From the Lawrence Vineyard on the Royal slope this Riesling is grown at high elevations and has extremely low yields, creating a wine that reminds me of an Alsatian cru reserve. Excuse me while I finish my "taste".

Ok now for 37 Cellars. Out of Leavenworth they are a true example of focus only producing a Cab Sauv right now with two other varietals to come, but that's for a later date. The Cab was righteous and will go to my high end wine club this month. Schooled by Rob Newsom of Boudreaux Winery these guys have created a monster cab that expresses chocolate, vanilla and coffee... I know, dinner, now, OK! Like other WA cabs I don't think it will age forever, but that doesn't matter because after a taste you won't be able to hold it anyway. I think more WA start up wineries need to figure out that focus will bring success in early releases. Until my next epiphany keep sampling, variety is the.......

Wine Tasting in Ellensburg, Washington

What's there to do in Ellensburg, WA on a Friday night you ask? How about wine tasting?! At Ellensburg WineWorks we hold themed wine tasting every weekend, every month. This Friday, February 6th, we are going to taste the wines of Parejas Cellars. It is a chance to meet the winemaker and personally pick his brain about this up and coming winery. We will also have an artist reception for you to come meet our current artist, Ellensburg local, Crystal Smith. Her medium is graphite and colored pencil and her focus is western art. We will also have live music by local musician Luke Holtz.