Jane's Weekly Wines from the Atlanta Wine School PRINT AND GO VERSION August 17th, 2006 Wines of Washington State ************************************************************************************ Gordon Brothers Katie's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Columbia Valley Medium-bodied dry white wine; pretty pale straw. Fresh, zesty aromas of fresh melon, with some citrus blossom; flavors intersect melon and pear. No grassy, herbaceous or hefty grapefruit flavors. Whole cluster pressed and done in stainless steel, both procedures preserving fruit aromas and flavors. Crisp, zesty and well balanced. The perfect Sauvignon Blanc for anyone who's not liked the genre. Very fine value. Moderately chilled, about 55 degrees, in tulip-shaped glasses. Shrimp ceviche (citrus juices), grilled scallops with Rémoulade sauce, smoked salmon/spinach mousse; spicy Thai shrimp salad with lemongrass (asesome!), shrimp/crab/red pepper mousse; zucchini stuffed with herbed feta cheese; goat cheese; brie; white pizza with caramelized onions and ham Grapefields $12 89 ************************************************************************************* Maryhill Winery Viognier 2005 Columbia Valley Medium-bodied dry white wine; pale straw. Aromas of white peach, flowers, lichee nut and honeysuckle introduce gentle white peach/apricot flavors that finish with a taste (not the sweetness) of honey and Seville orange marmalade. Clean acidity refreshes the palate. Balanced. Just 20% spends four months in French oak, to pick up a little complexity and roundness. Perhaps the best value in Viognier anywhere. Moderately chilled, about 50 degrees, to respect the flavors, served in tulip-shaped white wine glasses. Asian-inspired fare: creamy, spicy Thai shrimp salad with lemongrass; cous cous salad with dates and chick peas; garlic shrimp; turkey breast; chicken with lemon and olives; Thai-style salad with papaya (or green papaya), tomato, green beans and peanuts, creamy, soft strong cheeses, such as Andante Dairy's Picolo (California), although even Cheddar was nice. Also honey-drizzled pears with cinnamon quickly broiled for a few minutes. Metro Premium Wines $14 90 ************************************************************************************* Woodward Canyon Chardonnay 2002 Columbia Valley Medium-bodied dry white wine; pale golden straw. Lemon-drop caressed aromas, with pear, gentle oak; pear, citrus flavors with a background of very soft oak well integrated with the fruit. Palate refreshing, with good acidity. Juicy fruit. A benchmark for the genre among American Chardonnay. This is one Chardonnay that continues to improve in the bottle for a couple of years beyond release. Fresh tasting, with a creamy texture, and just enough oak underpinning to give it interest. Don't serve this too cold, about 55 degrees, in white wine tulip-shaped glasses. Loves food: Mascarpone-stuffed zucchini blossoms, fried; butternut squash ravioli with brown butter; lobster/shrimp mousse; white asparagus with butter (not great but not surprisingly decent); garlic-infused roasted chicken breast; Caesar salad; turkey breast; goat cheese Grape Expectations $35 94 ************************************************************************************* Basel Cellars Vierra Vineyards Claret 2002 Walla Walla Valley Full-bodied dry red wine; medium deep purple red. Aromas of barrel and fruit, with just the suspicion of American oak; flavors broadcast well-melded red and dark fruits, with an emphasis on the raspberry profile. Tannins are soft and well integrated. Good acidity promotes a long, fruit-filled finish. Grapes: Cabernet Sauvginon (51%); Merlot ((39%) and Cabernet Franc (21%). Winemaker Trey Busch, an Atlanta native who studied at the University of Georgia, also has been assistant winemaker at Dunham Cellars, producer of luscious Cabernet Sauvignons. Cool room temperature, about 65 degrees, in Bordeaux glasses. Smoked liverwurst (Patak brand); peppered liver pâté; roast duck or dark meat chicken; grilled or braised red meats; legume dishes, firm aged cheeses (Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Gouda); raspberry-infused chocolate Wine Maverick $21 89 ************************************************************************************* L'Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Merlot 2002 Walla Walla Valley Full-bodied dry red wine; deep purple red. Aromas of raspberries, flavors run through the dark berries and add a touch of cocoa to the blueberry/blackberry flavors. Elegant, with soft tannins, good acidity, and plenty of staying power. Continued to taste over two days, and wine remained in good condition, suggesting good keeping potential. Grapes: 78% Merlot; 16% Cabernet Sauvignon; 6% Cabernet Franc. French and American oak. For immediate serving, decant a couple of hours ahead of serving at cool room temperature in large-bowled Bordeaux glasses. Rich foods: Pâtés and terrines; grilled lamb; braised pork chop with caramelized onion; roast duck, roast pork loin brushed with dark fruit glaze; grilled Cornish hen; squab, firm aged cheeses, raspberry-filled chocolate Atlanta Wholesale Wine/NDC $36 91 ************************************************************************************* ColSolare Red Wine 2002 Columbia Valley Full-bodied dry red wine; deep purple red color. Caramel-tinged aromas suggest the use of American oak (confirmed--40%), backing up black fruit aromas. Dark fruit flavors are complex, with notes of chocolate, a delightful toastines, and black pepper. Supple tannins. Develops beautifully after being opened, so decant well ahead of serving. Two days after opening the bottle, the wine seemed to hit its stride. A collaboration between Tuscany's Piero Antinori and Chateau Ste. Michelle, launching the first vintage of this blended red in 1995. French & American oak, mostly new. Grapes: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Syrah. Cool room temperature in large-bowled glasses. Smoked liverwurst, grilled lamb chop, roast duck, braised pork chop with caramelized onion, braised short ribs, game, prime rib; firm aged cheeses, goat cheese, dark chocolate (but not too bitter) United Distributors 90 $75