Tasting Great Washington Wine

Over the past couple weeks I have been working on our new wine list.  When I say, “Working” I really mean sitting around and tasting great wines guided by really knowledgeable people committed to their craft.  It is a tough job…

We felt it was really important for our wine program to align with our philosophy of food at the restaurant.  Because of that desire we are changing our wine list to feature only Washington and Italian wines.  There are so many great wineries in Washington that share common values of using local products, sustainable practices and an emphasis on simplicity and quality.  Jordon from Small-Lot Wine Co-op perfectly described the local producers he represents as, “Simple farmers”.  Nice.  Washington has over 40,000 acres committed to growing wine grapes and are now producing world class wines.  I think California wines are often marketed better than many of our local wines, but I encourage you to explore all the great wines we have available in our own back yard.  Our new list will have about 38 Washington Wines at all price points.  I hope you have the opportunity to stop by and enjoy a glass of wine.  We also offer our entire wine list at half price during happy hour.  I will put the new wine list up on our web site once it is completed.

Here are just a couple of my new favorites…

Lodmell Cellars in Walla Walla operates about 30 acres and currently bottles 10 different wines.  The 2008 Semillon is deep and rich.  It has nice acidity and is a perfect food wine.  It was really great with fresh goat cheese.  My other favorite from Lodmell is their 2005 Merlot.  This is a significant wine with a great aroma good structure.  It is perfect to drink now but would benefit from a few more years aging, if you are a collector.  Lodmell is definitely a winery to watch in the years to come.

Eleven Winery in Bainbridge is doing some really fun things with wine.  I really like their Sarah Port and their Pinot Gris Port.  Both ports are sweet but not in the syrupy way so common many of the cheaper mass produced ports.  The natural fruit flavors come thru.  I am really excited to add them to our Dessert Wine selection.

Let me know your favorites.  There are so many wines to try I haven’t even come close to trying them all.  I have three more wine dinners planned for 2011 and I hope to find a great local winery to feature and share the night with.