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Screw, Natural, Synthetic and now the Zork and the Vinolok! I have asked wine makers about their choice in corks, most of them use the natural cork because of tradition and the craftsmanship they put into their product they want to see this thru to the cork.  However, with all the choices now and the cost of losing a bottle to “cork” contamination other choices have gained popularity and  are due some consideration. Natural Cork Natural Corks benefits the wine aging by letting small amount of air into the bottle. Your bold wines and reds benefit from the oxygen that the cork allows in development of all the wonderful flavors that make these wines so drinkable and approachable. A natural cork though can dry out, go bad or let too much air into the bottle and the biggest problem…being “Corked” which is a very expensive loss. Agglomerated Cork This cork is made from cork dust and glue….although food safe, do you really want this in contact with your beautiful wi
Tra nche Cellars We first discovered Tranche Cellars at the Gig Harbor Wine Festival,  we immediately put it on our list of Winery’s we needed to visit in Walla Walla. This Estate Winery and tasting room is beautifully done, from the concrete fermentation eggs to the large stainless tanks and rolling hills of grapevines, this is a winery that is a must see. Their spring release “Rhone Series” was perfect for this long hot summer. 2014 Pink Pape  A blend of Cinsault, Counoise and Grenche.   Beautifully done, soft with a stunning array of flavors.  Really harmonious,  with excellent length for a Rose’. 2012 Slice of Pape Blanc Roussanne, Voignier and Marsanne.  Elegant and refined with ripe fruit notes with balanced flavor. Dry, lingering easily and generously on the finish. 2011 Slice of Pape Grenache, Mouvvedre and Syrah.  Striking complexity, with richly layered fruit, ending long and well focused finish. 2013 Pinot Gris; Simply delicious. With fresh frui
With this hot summer all the Rose’ wines being produced have been fun to try.  I had the honor and privilege to judge at the recent Rose' Revival in Seattle and found Kaella Winery from Woodenville as one that really stood out with its well balanced fruit, textured structure, while being full in the mouth and remaining completely fresh.  This is a great summer wine to try. Enjoy..Cheers! Denise http://www.kaellawinery.com
Rose' The sun was heating up the day so start pouring some Rosé. The Rosé gets a bad rap from its past, comparing it to the sickening sweet “Blush” wines of long ago.    The Rose’ coming out now, you don’t need to be ashamed to admit you like.   The Rosé wine producers continue to improve the quality and array of flavors and outstanding versions are coming out now; some of the best are dry, crisp and refreshing.    The Rosé color comes from the short amount of time that the skins of the grape stay in contact with the juices…only a few hours.    Since they are fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the freshness, you will find the Rosé has little tannins. While the sun is shining, Rosé has proved to be a refreshing option to pour.    Such as the Rosé of Cabernet Franc from Columbia Valley by Masquerade Wine Company in Bellingham; this has a soft, dry fruit flavor.    Cougar Crest Winery from Walla Walla has a Grenache Rosé, which is crisp and refreshing wi
A RE-VISIT TO DUMAS STATION WINERY     Dumas Station, Dayton, Washington A recent visit to Dayton, Washington meant only one thing…….I was heading to Dumas Station Winery to taste the launch of their new white wine, Cow Catcher White and re-visit some of my all time favorites. For those who have not read some of our older blogs, Dumas Station is definitely a favorite.  They are located on Highway 12 just outside of Dayton in a historical 1908 apple packing shed that was built by James Dumas.  Jay, Doug, Debbie and Ali are the people behind this great winery and for the past six years have introduced me to their amazing wines.  They have crafted a lot of heart and soul into each vintage and not one season has disappointed me. I’m not going to get all descriptive and detailed on each wine.  You can go to www.dumasstation.com if you want the specifications on each wine.  Here is my personal view about Dumas Station. Cab Franc pairs well with chocolate! Everyo
Tribute After attending this year's Washington Wine and Food Experience there were so many new wines that stuck out and I wanted to share one of them. I am sure there were a whole lot more we didn't get to try however it's not possible to sample all the amazing winery's at this event or all the great food...we tried however did not succeed. Tribute a Red Blend by Browne Family Vineyards, I fell in love with from the start, a very fine nose than a powerful yet subtle balance of ripe flavors that showed many layers, with a memorable long lasting berry finish. Brown Family Vineyards has a tasting room in Walla Walla however if you don't have plans to go to Walla Walla (first you need to put a trip on the calander right now) you can also purchase at QFC and Costco. Cheers!  Denise
Listen up Wine Lovin Women readers,  here is a wine maker to watch and make sure to try...Elsom Cellars. What a joy it was to experience these well made wines with depth of flavor, complexity and character. A wine maker who studied here than spent time in Italy, shows her talent in her wine. 2009 Logan Red Wine Blend 70% Malbec, 21 % Syrah If the color doesn't   tell the full story the nose will, its impeccably rounded with an amazing aroma and background.  The feel is a lush and rich as they come, a master of blending with detail and finishing  highlights. 2009 Isabella Red Wine Blend 33% Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Artz Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Gilber Malbec, 11% Double Canyon Petit Verdot Show stopping harmonious layers, it hardly gets more delicious than this.  So soft and velvety you can't resist taking another sip.  Good balance for what amounts to a great wine, this impressively powerful blend. Jody Elsom is a master at making supe