Rhone Rangers Trade Show Tues. July 14th, Pier 66



41 wineries in attendance composed of:

26 California Wineries
12 Washington Wineries
2 Oregon Wineries
1 Idaho Winery


Many Syrahs, Viogniers and Blends with a few Roussannes, Grenaches, Mourvedres, Sirocco Blancs and Grenache Roses. In general, the 2005 Syrahs were especially nice and it was a treat to taste many of the Syrahs from the Paso Robles area. To name a varietal that was most commonly used to blend the Syrahs would be insurmountable as I saw many blended with Viognier, Petite Syrah, Cabernet, Roussanne and Grenache and a number of other varietals.



Best of show Viognier - McCrea Cellars 2008 Yakima Valley Viognier, Rainier, WA $22

Best of show Syrah - Domaine Serene 2005 Seven Hills Syrah, Dayton, OR $45

Best of show Blend - Zaca Mesa Winery Los Olivos, CA 2005 "Z Three" Red blend, Santa Ynez Valley $42

Largest selection of pourings - Cline Cellars Sonoma, CA and McCrea Cellars Mt. Rainier, WA

Best value wine - Sawtooth Winery 2005 Syrah Nampa, ID $15

Most expensive Syrahs- Goedhart Family Winery, Benton City WA ('07 Syrah Bel' Villa Vineyard, Red Mtn.AVA `$50 and the same in the '06 `$70)

Spiciest Mourvedre - Cline Cellars 2007 Small Berry Mourvedre $30

Best "ice" wine - Adelaida Cellars 2007 Ice Wine Paso Robles, CA $30

Wine of interest - Qupe 2008 Marsanne Los Olivos, CA $20


Cheers!

Seattle Wine Awards Grand Tasting 2009 June 14th 2009 Rainier Club

There were so many finely crafted wines and the talent and achievement of the participants at this show was stunning. Only Washington wineries that had won awards were allowed to participate and only wines that had won awards were allowed to be poured. It was so difficult

to choose a wine which was superior in such an outstanding line-up.

My best of show, in my opinion, goes to Gamache Vintners 2006 Estate Cabernet Franc, Richland, WA. This wine was luscious and very different from many of the Cab Francs produced in Washington State.