Washington State Wine – Episode #177

February 6, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary sits down and really gets into Washington State wine. This part of the country is bringing the thunder and many people don’t know how good it really is! Sit back and enjoy this run through Walla Walla and more.

132 Responses

February 6, 2007

CW, BR
first!
February 6, 2007

SS Chris
Do I get an OT for this many wines?
February 6, 2007

Shir-Az
Top ten baby!
February 6, 2007

thomas korent
top 10!!!
February 6, 2007

Dominus
Whooooaaaa, Final Four!

Now on to watch the show!
February 6, 2007

E-Rock
top 5??
February 6, 2007

E-Rock
Damn!!!
February 6, 2007

Italian Stallion
top 10
February 6, 2007

Rob B.
Wow, looks long. Will wait until the morning cup of coffee for this one.
February 6, 2007

CampingLisaB
ok…I just wanted to be in the top 10….
February 6, 2007

stephen from the ATLizzle
dang…11….I stink.
February 6, 2007

Susan
Do I get an OT for this many wines?

Comment 2: By SS Chris on February 6th, 2007 at 4:39 pm

SS Chris-

This is a good/bad episode for you!
Hope you ate your wheaties!
February 6, 2007

Susan
Gary-

You are drinking several wines in
this ep!
Congratulations!
Can’t wait to watch – just
taking a few to download.
Washington Wines – still have to try these yet.
Great idea!
February 6, 2007

KAHUNA
Skittles on a unicorn- My god man what happened to you! ugghhh- your poor wife!
February 6, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD- POWERS 2001 Meritage on your recommendation- awesome wine one of my favorites this year! you unicorn flying wine taster-
February 6, 2007

Susan
Gary-
One white and
Eight reds!
I wish
I wish the whole world of wines
had those kinds of odds.
1:8 chance of buying a red – I would
be sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
happy. Anyway – I will have to try the
2003 Delille Chaleur Estate Blanchi
with
Mahi Mahi and mango – sounds just yummy!
February 6, 2007

Wil Neverspit
sweet 16!
February 6, 2007

Wil Neverspit
Tasting the whole store today, Gary?

I give the spit bucket a solid 90+
February 6, 2007

Shir-Az
“Dirty dancing all over your palate”……..”Darth Vader all up in your grill”

Thats gotta be two of the best TN ever!!!!!
February 6, 2007

CW
I love Owen Roe Washington efforts. They have delivered consistent quality since I discovered them in the late 90’s. One harvest of Columbia river Syrah was affected by the smoke of a wildfire which produced an incredible wine. WL carries them.
February 6, 2007

Justin
wow… what a blockbuster episode today. Funniest TNs I have ever heard. But seriously GV, a unicorn? Are you kidding me…

Anyway, I dont think I have had any real washington state wines. I haven’t even had fake ones. But I am going to seek out some real ones.
February 6, 2007

Italian Stallion
2001 powers meritage…which i adored
February 6, 2007

mbannon
Being from Washington state, it’s both exciting and sad to watch the industry hit the world stage. Quality has certainly gone up, but so have prices and (to be blunt) snobbery. Guess you have to take the bad with the good, though. Best WA red I’ve drank was a Merlot from Leonetti. They developed a cult status in the early 90’s, then got bashed for a while, but I’ve found his wines to be terrific as long as you enjoy the old world style. For whites I’ve been very impressed with Ch. St. Michelle’s Chardonnays. Oaky, but with plenty of stuffing. In the $20-30 range, look for Terra Blanca wines. They’re all great.
February 6, 2007

E-Rock
Kahuna…… How about “fruit coming all over my palate”…. we just can’t make this stuff up.
2001 Powers Meritage
February 6, 2007

John Blue Label
Gary,
Ambitious episode. Great job. Very intriguing. You also hit all the price points. I have not tried any Washington state wines to my knowledge, but now I do not fear them!
February 6, 2007

boyd
Free Georgia from the enslavement of our idiotic legislative oppressors! Wine Library can no longer ship to me and that is complete bullsh!t! (Pardon my French, but there’s simply no other way to put it.)

We have to change the wine world and fix this idiotic, archaic system. So frickin ridiculous it’s unbelievable.
February 6, 2007

waibeans
Tremendous episode GV! Great overview of Wash state.. only beef would be to show more of the Whites, I mean this is almost BC Icewine country here. The vintage background is one of those tidbits of info that make wine interesting, thanks for bringing it to light.

Also I’ve got to tell you welcome back to WLTV, I must admit there was a little slump there with the vacations and all, but this one brought back the thunder(remember web2.0 is a fickle audience).

QOD.. the only interesting tidbit of info I have to share was after a dayhike on Mt. Baker I stopped by Mt. Baker Vineyards on the way back to Bellingham, WA. Seemed like tiny operation but inside the tasting room they had a large offering of labels. I didn’t know anything about wine at the time, but I believe my favorite of the day was a Viognier.

Now.. lets try those Syrah Monsters!
February 6, 2007

David K
The last Washington State wine I had was 2001 Columbia Crest Reserve Cab. Not worth the 93 points WS gave it. The wine had no finish and fell flat on its face at the end.

In other news, I concede defeat. What are the numbers in the background? I’ve racked my brain trying to figure out what they mean… I give up. You’ve skirted the issue before. But, I know that I am not the only one out there wondering what they are all about. Throw us a frickin’ bone here and end the mystery will ya’ please.

COLTS SUCK!!! RAVENS RULE!!!
February 6, 2007

Snarf
I’ve been sucking down CC Reserve wines for years, and loving it!
February 6, 2007

Nathan N
BIG SHOW TODAY! It rocked!

QOTD I lived in Spokane in 1999 and being a poor boy out of college just married all we pretty much drank was Columbia Crest, Hogue, and St Michelle. Looks like I need to give some other producers a try.
February 6, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Super ep!
It has been a
LLLLLOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGG
time since I saw you talk that
FAST!
Wow!
Good stuff!
Your TN’s are fabulous just like always!
Love your descriptions!
Too funny!
February 6, 2007

cgf
Gary,
Welcome back from the Super Bowl. Great episode today. Very enlightening.
QOD: I have only had the lower-end mass-produced Washington wines, specifically the reislings and gewurtztraminers (hogue, covey run, columbia crest). They were decent quaffers and good with spicy thai food. It is good to see that they do it right at the next price level.
February 6, 2007

WineGodofOregon
Glad you did a Washington show. Love Wash wine.
February 6, 2007

hinrgman
Great

Wines from the USA that aren’t from Califionia
February 6, 2007

mike m
Gary,
Great show!I have been fortunate to purchase Cayuse wines from the beginning,Christophe’s family owns a Champagne house in France but he decided to make wines in Wash. state,and I for one am happy he did.You need to try the Betz wines,the 04’s have just been released,serious stuff
February 6, 2007

SoCal
Gary,
Great episode!
Broâ€¦.. the monster taste off was epic!
I have been fending to try some Cayuse but I cant find anyâ€¦

QOTD: Col Solare 2002 (gary have you had this? if so what did you think?)
February 6, 2007

joe
Gary, I think this was your best show EVER. 99 points.

QOTD: I have Cases of Reninger going back to the 2000 vintage!

Joe
February 6, 2007

ronguy
QOTD: Snoqualmie 2000 Merlot Reserve. I liked it alot.
Tasted a lot of pricy junk in Seattle.
SS Chris, You are appreciated. I use the spreadsheet resource all the time.
February 6, 2007

rumpole
Gary,

I am a home winemaker in Washington and familar with the vineyards (I source from Wahluke Slope, Rattlesake Hills, Yakima Valley, and Horse Heaven Hills). Walla Walla is producing some great Syrahs and I enjoy the Walla Walla Cabs. But the best Cabs come from Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, & the Wahluke Slope. In my book, Betz, Cadence, Fielding Hills, Amavi,Cougar Crest, Syncline, and Walter Dacon are producing world class reds. If my grapes are an indication, the 2005 vintage will be the best in 20 years and the 2006 has the potential to get close as a match. Also, keep a look out for some Washington Cab Francs (Barrister Winery) and Malbecs. Good stuff.
February 6, 2007

flavasauce
Does the wine taste like this?
http://www.threadless.com/product/157/Afternoon_Delight
February 6, 2007

Dr. Mike
QOTD: Col Solare 03, pretty good, QPR is not that good. L’ecole 41 Cab 03, skip this one too (in addition to the merlot), I guess 03 what not their year. I think I’ll seek out something from Cayuse.
February 6, 2007

wine - o
Barrister Winery….if you don’t know it, now you do!
February 6, 2007

Badger Ann
QOTD: I’ve tried and enjoyed the under $20 wines (Covey Run Riesling, 14 Hands Merlot). However, I do have a bottle of Andrew Will 2003 Sheridan Vineyard (Red Bordeaux Blend)purchased on recommendation about a month ago. Can’t wait to try it in another year or two!
February 6, 2007

dabo
After over a month, I’m no longer lurking. Great episode. Looking forward to tasting my first Washington wines.

btw… What’s with the countdown on the board? Days until the Jets kick off the ‘07 season???
February 6, 2007

Dmjperc
Phrase of the Day… ” A cream puff exploding in your mouth!” LOL!!!!

Word of the Day… Attack!
February 6, 2007

Tony S.
Shot in the mouth with a paintball gun, unicorns, darth vader and skittles and garage bands, if I wasn’t already into wine, this would be enough to get me hooked! (Not that I like unicorns.)

I’m glad you did those Cayuse, my company just got a bunch in stock last week and I was curious about them…unfortunately they’re a little out of my price range, plus right after they came in, I’ve been seeing the warehouse guys packing them up to go out. But, it’s good to know.

QOD: “Real” Washington wine…hmmm….I’ve had some Leonetti (I forget the vintage or wether it was Merlot or Cab or whatever, but I remember liking it a lot. Owen Roe is a good one. That’s all that comes to mind and I don’t feel like getting a brain anurism trying to remember if there were more.

Alright…seeing that you were rooting for the Colts, I’m glad you got soaked. I’m happy for Dungy and most of the Colts players, but I hope Peyton catches a bad cold and has to have his throwing arm removed due to his constant coughing. Rex. What the heck?!?!?

OK man…I’ll be better in a day or two.
See you later,
GO BEARS!!!!

T
February 6, 2007

mikep
Great episode Gary. Columbia Crest almost always delivers. I have had an amazing amount of great Washington State wines: Leonetti Merlots, Reserves, and Cabernets, L’Ecole Cabs and Merlots, Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Dunham Cellars (all), Basel Cellars Estate Winery (all), Seven Hills Winery (all), Hedges Mountain, J. Bookwalter(Zelma Long) Cabernet AMAZING, Owen Sullivan, Forgeron Cellars CAbernet and Meritage , Goose Ridge , Townshend, Spring Valley Vineyard, Sandhill Winery, Desert Wind, amongst others. It is an exciting locale, especially Sevem Hills, and Horse Heaven. It’s an area worth exploring. Is it Napa 13 years ago? Hmmmm interesting thought. Can I give my answer in 10 years?
February 6, 2007

Eric
Holy purple teeth Batman!
February 6, 2007

Dominus
QOTD: Well, I know why I respect your palate or better yet, glad it’s close to mine. I was waiting with baited breath how you would rate the L’Ecole 41 and I could not agree more. I see the good reviews and try them but have been unimpressed. On the other hand, I’ve had the Walter Clore Cab and loved it.

Great show. Off to order my “Washington Walla Walla Wine.”

Cheers!

P.S. AFC dominates as did the Colts over the Bears. Go Peyton!
February 6, 2007

JavaMonkey
QOTD: I’ve had the Reininger Syrah that you tasted (I still have another bottle in my cellar). It’s probably the best bottle of wine I’ve ever had. I’m also a fan of Columbia Crest. Although I try to experiment with new things, Columbia Crest is one of my biggest fallbacks for daily dinner wine.
February 6, 2007

Hugh
Great Episode….I love the cool, calm intro….and i love wash state….the grunge rock scene and wines….some of my favs:

Cadence, Andrew Will, Reininger, Januik, and i’ve one precious bottle of Quilceda Creek 01 Cab…

FYI for the vayniacs….April 14-15 in Seattle…Huge winefest…check out tastewashington.org.

i’ll be there
February 6, 2007

litser
i wish i could taste this wines!!! american wines are impossible to find here in Venezuela..
loved THE EPISODE anyways…
Gary do the argentine episode u promised me!
THX FOR YOUR DEDICATION!

Lisandro
February 6, 2007

garyv
WOW chris tasting notes on all wines up already!!!! BRAVO!!!!
http://tv.winelibrary.com/spreadsheet/
February 6, 2007

Brookhouser
Gary-

Dirty dancing all over your palate…..What does a beautiful cedar wood really look like and how does it dirty dance? Rainbows and Unicorns, paintaballs…..you pulled all of those off the wall comments and put them in your bag….Its like an explosion of analogies put into a little bag:)
February 6, 2007

mike m
Three words Walla Walla Vintners, great wines!!
February 6, 2007

Karen Lorentz
Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet 2001(?) — I think I may have one bottle left. I think that qualifies.
February 6, 2007

garybee
Great job on the Washington Wines. We’ve been loving them for about 10 years…since first tasting Quilceda Creek. Since most of my family is in Portland, it’s always fun to visit the wineries in Oregon and Washington when we’re there. Walla Walla is a great place and we tasted all the way from there to Seattle (Quilceda Creek being north of Seattle).
We’ve always had the Columbia Crest Grand Estate Cab and Chard as everyday wines. Their reserves are great…and a great value.
February 6, 2007

JonE
Big time G-Man. Wow what a great sampling of Washington state. Unfortunately I have not delved thoroughly enough into Washington state, shame on me. Cheers to trying.
February 6, 2007

joe
Gary, what do you think of Gordon Brothers?
February 6, 2007

E
That was almost like two episodes in one.

QOD: Andrew Will cab = good, Goose Ridge syrah & Vireo = even better.
February 6, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
Great show!!

I have not had many Washington wines that I can remember, look forward to trying some.
February 6, 2007

DS
Gary,
Greetings from a three-week lurker. Thank you a million times over for the education and entertainment in the midst of a brutal cold snap on the Great Plains. This episode on Washington wines was just too good to let slide without comment. Like many I have consumed Columbia Crest, Ch. Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Covey Run, Hedges, and Hogue, and found some pretty good value there. Best Washingnton red to daate has been an ‘02 Cougar Crest Syrah and best white an ‘02 Viento Viogner (which might actually have been made in Washington from grapes sourced just south of the Rio Columbia. Keep the good stuff coming, Gary, and thanks again.
February 6, 2007

Dale Cruse
Did anyone else note the “sem-ill-on” pronunciation?
February 6, 2007

ChrisR
WOW!! You brought the thunder today!! When I saw Delille and Cayuse on “This Just In,” I went nuts. And then you go and review them too like you read my mind. Awesome ep!
February 6, 2007

PatB
Great episode! Nice to see a whole bunch of Washington wines. I agree with you…much greater value than most California wines.
February 6, 2007

jason carey
Isenhower, Syrah, Mourvedre and a white viognier mix are all terrific..
Check out Them apples
February 6, 2007

stewart l
Great episode-I love Wash. state syrah. Presently in my cellar I have the 2000 and 2001 C. Crest reserve syrahs which are still tasting great,I also have the 1999 C. Crest Walter Clore reserve cab. I have sev bottles left of the 1999 Kiona Cab which is great and recently purchased the 2003 Syncline syrah from Columbia Valley. Good qpr for these wines, none were over 25 dollars when bought!
February 6, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
Wow this is sooo freaky! I just finished reading the new WS C-du-Pape issue, which incl an article on WA state wines. I was just about to Ask WLTV about doing a show on WA state wines, when…wammo..9 wines being tasted tonight!!! Freaky!! Great show…BTW – has anyone ever had any Betz Family Vineyards wines??
February 6, 2007

Ken B.
Great episode Gary!

YOU ARE CHANGING THE WINE WORLD!
February 6, 2007

Riezin
I had my wedding at a place in Philly where you could provide all the alcohol. I served 2 whites, 2 reds, and sparkling, and one of the reds was the Ruah Desert Wind 1998. Its a bordeaux-style blend. This was just last September so it was drinking really well, but if was definitely ready – not something with a ton of life left i dont suspect. Enjoyed it though. Thanks for the Wash State ep, definitely someplace that gets overlooked, glad you raised my consciousness of it.
February 6, 2007

Shotgun
Bring the Thunder. Great show. That’s what we are looking for…
February 6, 2007

Jack:)
Great show. I love the mega tasteings.

Don’t like the analogies?… Are you kidding me?
Your analogies are one of your signature traits.

Real WA wine. Colombia Crest Gewertraminer- Great wine!
February 6, 2007

deadgame
QOD: For those really drink everyday, sometimes multiple bottles, these are cheap, easy to find(at least in WA) and very good: Sagelands 2003 Merlot($13); Snoqualmie 2003 Syrah($5.49, really); Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah($10) and Columbia Winery 2005 Gewurzt($9).
February 6, 2007

Ken
Thanks for the episode on Washington State wines. Hopefully the prices will not escalate too much with their increased popularity. I will make it a point to seek out some more wine from Washington. Also, Iâ€™ve found Merlot from Washington to be very likable and almost â€œright bankâ€ in some aspects. IMO the Merlot beat those from CA hands down.
QOD: Iâ€™ve had some WA wines but not as many as I would like. One of my favorites is the CC Walter Clore â€“ delicious stuff!! I havenâ€™t had the Cayuse yet but it is on my â€œto tryâ€ list.
February 7, 2007

E
Oh, I forgot Kiona Lemberger. It’s Blaufrankisch, only from WA–good, and different, but I can’t find it anymore.
February 7, 2007

ATLien
QTD: Dunham Cellars!! Real!
February 7, 2007

Lil Luce
OMG! Dirty Dancing, Darth Vader (but don’t be scared), Skittles Rainbow, you don’t like analagies? I can’t decide which of these statements made me laugh harder….

QOTD: I LOVE Washington St wines ever since I went to Seattle on a business trip. I spent two joyous hours in a place that featured boutique wines called The Tasting Room. I currently have on hand:
Brian Carter ‘98 Solesce (Columbia Valley),
Buty Rediviva Stones (Syrah/cab sauv) ‘03 from Walla Walla,
Reininger 2001 Cab Sauv,
L’Ecole No. 41 2004 Chenin Blanc.

Some of these weren’t cheap, but I agree with you, Gary. The value for what you are buying beats most of what you get in Cali. I will add Cayuse to the list. I have heard that Spring Valley Vineyards is also top notch (and also sold on WL).
February 7, 2007

Panoca
Excellent episode. Washington State wines will crash California ones in a very near future.
February 7, 2007

Darlene O.
Hey, Gary, LOVED this episode, to see the diversity in the Washington State wines. A great education! Thanks! QOD: Nope. Never had, to my knowledge, a Washington State wine. Now, of course, I’ll have to remedy that!!
February 7, 2007

Joel Bombardier
Gary,

First let me thank you for:
1: Sending the love out to your brothers in the North West(Washington), we appreciate having the wines in our back yard featured on WLTV.
2: Focusing on Delille Cellars, I am a HUGE fan of this Winary and am estatic that you gave them the nod.

Second, let me address the QOTD:

Recently, and coincidentally, I have been on a Walla Walla specific kick.
I have had three significant wines from the region.

Hightower Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Whitman Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
With those two cabernets I was honestly a little dissapointed, just not “great wines” they were good, but not great, and for the year, location, and price (30 ish), I just expected more.

Walla Walla Vinters Cuvee 2003
The Cuvee is a big favourite of mine, huge flavor, amazing color, dark fruit, chocolate, dirt, what more could one ask for.

Finally,
Sweetbread Cellars Pinot Noir 2005
This wine was actually made by an aquaintance of mine on Vashon Island Wa, and this wine is as you say “stupid good.” And I will leave it at that, oh and the nose is worth just FINDING the damn stuff.

(honorable mention) Washington’s (Hedges) CMS (price point ~ 10 dollars) is quite good, really one of the best “everyday” wines available, I could see it getting a solid 88 points. Really, quite good for the money.

Thank you, and goodnight.

P.S
I have been saving a 2001 DeLille Chaleur Estate Blanc, and hoping for a good opportunity.
February 7, 2007

luvgrapesqeezings
Rock on Gary! Recently I have enjoyed ‘03 and ‘04 Novelty Hill cab. In addition, I have had the ‘03 Hedges Three Vineyards Red that is very extracted and firmly structured which should evolve nicely over the next few years. Have you tried any wines from Leonetti Vineyards?
February 7, 2007

Justmarsh
Wait, let me get this straight. You’re riding a unicorn through a rainbow, smoking a cigar when you suddenly get hit in the mouth with a purple paintball that makes you swallow the chocolate shake in your mouth.

Can someone please make a Vayniac shirt of this?
February 7, 2007

eugene
QOTD:

Sagelands cab ( I am surprised you didn’t taste it on the show since it’s in stock)

Bridgemann cab, viognier

Washington Hills Gewurtztramminer
February 7, 2007

ThomasS
Yuw Gary, been out of town for a few days. So … this is crazy man, no, I mean it: we just did a Wash. St. tasting two days ago with our Orbis! So, yes, even I, here at the other side of the blue ball have had Wash. St. wines.
What do I think about them? I was extremely excited about this, really. I thought: now we are gonna have it. But, yeah … you already feel there is some dissap. underneath. It’s not really the wines, but just the silly prices over here. For an average estate wine you just pay over 30 EUR, that’s silly, almost twice as much as you got to sprinkle the counter for. SO, YOU WITH ALL THE HUGE LOT OF US, will have to do smth. about that, because I am sure that the USA wines will never be appreciated rightfully over here when they are still sold at these ridiculously towering prices (and that’s not the wineries’ fault I’m sure, but the shortsighted politics of stupid wine merchants over here). Anyway, have had my rant here .
What do I think of them really? Well, not bad, really not bad. The basic Crest’s were OK, a bit onedimensional and fruit forward, but they are just 8-10$ wines (10 EUR over here, so these were quite fair). We even had some of these Col Crest Reserves and they were pretty good, not extremely exciting, but yeah, solid bottles, indeed, especially the Cab’s en Merlot’s. Even the lower price point Stimson’s from Ste Michelle were very nice: good varietal expressions, all of them, and with some interesting caramel and artichoke on them (they had it all, so it must be smth terroirlike???). The higher price points were a bit dissappointing if I am to be honest. The Ethos from Ste Michelle was just a bit light and open knit. Elegant, yes, but a tad bit subdued. For 30 EUR I can just have a very nice bottle of Bordeaux that ‘ll do much more. But okay, this one was okay, truly. The one I was really dissap. with was the Eroica Loosen-Ste Michelle. A curiously fizzy maleic acidity, quite umpleasant and just nothing much to it. A very basic palate of confit lemon peel, some cocos, pear and a very very very very faint hint of gasoline (not kerosine). The day after the fizzy sting was muffled away, but it still wasn’t worth me jumping around and smashing my head in the wall. So, no … this wasn’t it. You know I’m a Riesling fan, and I just was expecting much more of this one, especially because Loosen himself would have said that it was a ‘fairly nice effort’. No, it’s smth I’d have for 5 EUR over here (not 21!) and it would even be outclassed by the basic Devil’s Corner Riesling from Tasmanian Tamar Ridge (at 7 EUR) to compare it with smth. other New Worldy (and you know that I think the NW/OW debate is childish peckering) … .
So, OK, all of them (except the Red Diamonds, awful, horrible, … yuk!), nice wines, but they did not rock. I definitely want to taste those you had yesterday, maybe more convinced then!
February 7, 2007

jon777
Kudos to SS for the quick update!!! Good to be able to see the recap as that was A LOT of information.

QOTD: Mostly the major producers (Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Hogue). Have had a couple of the Snoqualmie Reserves (which I really liked). I think A to Z is Wash St, the Pinot Noir was a dissapointment. Looking forward to trying more!
February 7, 2007

Kyle "The K Man" Davis
Yo man

What a “stupid” episode….hehe

I love the vocabulary you have, or should I say “Vaynercabulary”….hmm that’s got a nice ring to it doesn’t it?

Peace

PS – I don’t know if you have Jets season tickets, I do, if you don’t you’re welcome to come to a game with me next season…I have a feeling it’s going to be a serious one.
February 7, 2007

Rich S
I really agree that Washington State puts out some of the best wine the US has to offer. Just about every WA wine I have had (granted, the # is probably under 10) was rememberable and I just can’t say that about other regions. That being said, the best WA wine I have had to date was a 2000 Snoqualmie Reserve Merlot. I posted TN somewhere in the forum a while back. Looking forward to trying some of the wines GV pointed out today………
February 7, 2007

wino
QOTD- Had some Pepperbridge and loved the D2 froma couple of years ago, may have to look into some more. Great Episode.
February 7, 2007

Tom T.
Excellent job Gary!!
Never had a Washington State wine. Will try one after seeing this ep.
February 7, 2007

glenn
great episode! had a somme steer me into Fielding Hills and then Betz one Monday night in Vegas a few years ago. he got the big KEESH tip as my buds and i had an AWESOME night. we pounded Farve on MNF – the game where his dad had passed away – and he stomped Oakland flat. whole night was gratis thanks to Brett.

both of those wines are hard to find in CA but quite memorable. had a 98 Cos D Estournel 2 nights later in Del Friscos and it paled – for real.
February 7, 2007

EricS
Nice episode Gary! Nice to see and hear about some of these nice wines from Wash. I have a couple bottles of Andrew Will Merlot (1999 I believe) in my cellar. I’ll crack one open soon!
February 7, 2007

Pats All The Way
Nice episode. We are big fans of the Pacific Northwest, although we enjoy California, also. Cayuse and Betz are our favorites but we also love the Columbia Crest Reserve selections–great values as Gary notes–their Cab reserve is almost always exceptional. Quilceda Creek cabs are, as many of you may have heard, unbelievable but almost impossible to get now. We have enjoyed some nice syrahs also from L’ecole and Isenhower. Many of the Washington State vineyards are heavy on the biodynamic approach which is great (Cayuse is biodynamic, for example). Our only disappointment was a few years back when Wine Library had a big push behind the Klipsun Granite Peaks Reserve (a cab/merlot blend)–that one has never stood out as we expected, although we keep going back to it and maybe it will age well…

We typically recommend Covey Run and the Grand Estates line of Columbia Crest to people just getting into wine. They are excellent values which typically can be found under $10. And they usually score in the 85-90 point range so they are terrific values. Cheers!
February 7, 2007

JohnP
Gary,
Great episode. I am a Columbia Crest Reserve fan. CABs
and Merlots. Glad you did the Wash State thing, Thanks.
I would much rather spend $30 on a Wash than Napa.

Chris: I second the thanks for the Spreadsheet….
Gary: I want your signature “Vane Nerrr Chuck”
February 7, 2007

Wawine
As I live in Olympia, a good half of the wines in my cellar are from Washington. I’m glad to see them getting respect. As a side note, I don’t think people mistakenly believe there are 460+ wineries (or 30,000 acres of vineyards) somehow distributed throughout all 68.3 square miles of our U.S. Capitol. In my opinion, they are Washington wines (minus the “state;” you don’t say “Oregon ’state’ wines,” for instance).
February 7, 2007

ScottJ
QOTD: I’ve been a fan of Bob Betz’s wines for 4+ years now. Still have many bottles laying down, and the wife and I will drink a Betz wine at least once a month now. Just got a shipment from Cayuse, but haven’t really compared it side to side with Betz so far.
February 7, 2007

Kirk
QOTD: Without a doubt…as so many people before me noted Owen Roe is a star. Their wines in both WA ond OR leave most others in the dust. Seriously great wines that will become hard to find the more we talk about them. Spring Valley and Copain should also be noted…hard to find…but worth the hunt.
February 7, 2007

RandyB
Very informative and one of your best pure shows yet. I have not been a WA state fan primarily because I generally have only tried their everyday wines. I did try a 2003 Ch Ste Michelle Horse Haven Sauvignon Blanc that was above average but nothing spectacular. I now have new wines to explore and thanks to you and your commentors many great recommendations.

Ciao
February 7, 2007

Awin
I am fan of Washington Wine and I have had Kiona Cab not long ago and it was great.
February 7, 2007

TonyT
So… what’s with the birds in the background? Are they pets or just background noise?

Nice episode – love Washington wines.
February 7, 2007

SpaceJay
Hey David K,
I am guessing that the number behind Gary everyday is the number of days until the Jets play again.
February 7, 2007

SS Chris
Thanks to Gary (#53) and the many VaynIACS for the nice words.

It makes me happy to know people utlize the SS.
February 7, 2007

JayZee
Great episode. I have have been among the masses who have clamored for a show on really good Washington State wines. Superb! QOD: My fave Washington State wines area; Delille D2; Matthews Bordaux Blend; Quilceda Creek Cab (WOW); Mark Ryan Dead Horse and Long Haul; and Boudreaux Cellars Syrah and Cab Sauv. Fantastic. I’d be happy to send you a few bottles for a tasting of the Mark Ryan and the Boudreaux.
February 7, 2007

bugbirdfishboy
QOTD: Does Covey Run count? Probably not.
February 7, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- I got soaked at the Super Bowl, too. What an experience!

QOD- 2003 Ch. Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet. It might qualify as one of your “half fake” wines, as it sure is delicious with being complex.
February 7, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- I meant without being complex.
February 7, 2007

Darin
Try the Covington Cellars Tuscan Red if you can find it. It’s a Washington Super Tuscan that retails for around $35. Definitely worth it.
February 7, 2007

michael
Gary-
Enjoyed this epi on WA. wines.
Bold assertion in comparing Napa of 13-16 yr.s prior to that of present day Walla Walla…nice work. Red Mtn. is another to keep our eye on.

Here’s two of my favorites from WA.; Gorman Winery (Having just completed his 2nd release, Winemaker Chris Gorman has crafted some beautifully bold reds) and Owen Roe…I think that you too would find the experience gratifying at the very least…
February 7, 2007

Marc Mc
Quilceda Creek, FANtastic
February 7, 2007

Tim Tamblin
Man o’ man- Just had an 02 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Shiraz on Superbowl Sunday which just so happened to be rated by The Wine Enthusiast as #1 out of it’s 100 Best Buys for 2006 and what a disappointment. It was a prune bomb with what tasted like nasty old oak barrel on the finish. I was shocked that it even made the top 100 let alone #1.

Gary- I’d love to see you try this one on the show because it’s that astounding. I’m still in shock. Who are these Judges?
February 7, 2007

Joel in Kyoto
checking out the washington wine one right now gary…..YAY, just my kind of intro…no last name pronunciation “paintball in the mouth” this time…..so it’s very easy to slip right into your stream (and, on the other hand, you didn’t have to put on a professorial tweed coat either….)

also….love your handling of the delille white price point……my complaints about wash. wines are that they too often jump right into serious wine prices without having earned them….but since you are calling walla walla the new napa…and i know some good producers there have been around awhile, maybe there is some wine out there deserving of the price (too/so) many seem to ask for….

also i am glad to hear someone in the industry mention auz wines (esp shiraz) in the same conversation as west coast wines….i think the comparison is very important. australia offers a LOT of competition in what i would call the unabashed high octane fruit bomb syrah/shiraz’s….and i have had quite a few wash. syrahs twice the price but offering the same generic (you used the term fake) modern fruit bomb flavor profile as the auz shiraz’s….(now the cayuse en chamberlin, that sounds like my kind of wine….but the price points…..:-((((

……and HEY don’t forget to try those new world syrahs and shiraz’s out of the reidel burgundy glass man…you won’t go back to the bordeaux glass (or the syrah) glass!!!….finally a real use for those big balloons

my kind of show gary….all your creative juices go into the juice..good work!
February 8, 2007

Doug T
Nice job G-Man,

Where do you come up with these new but totally understandable descriptions … ride the skittles rainbow …. red cabbage & slim Jims ?? … what’s scary is that I can relate !!

I’ve been a washington wine fan for at least ten years. I’ve always loved l’ecole cab, woodward canyon cab, seven hills cab, and Quilceda Creek cab …. can you tell I’m a cab man ?? I’ve only tried a couple washington syrahs but I’ll definitely give the D2 and the reininger a shot.
Thanks again !
February 8, 2007

Kirkland M
QOTD: Leonetti is amazing.
February 8, 2007

Catie
Thanks Gary for your honest and umm — “unique” descriptions. I am a Walla Walla wine-geek from Walla Walla. I love-love-love the descriptions of “ride the Skittles rainbow…cabbage & Slim Jims” to one of my most coveted and favored wines – Cayuse. I totally get it. Cheers!
February 8, 2007

BruceP
Arrgh. Tried to order the Cayuse En Chamberlin, but you teased me by letting me order it and then telling me today that you were out. Only the crap Skittles and Unicorns one is still available. I’m bummed. Heavy sigh.
February 8, 2007

Miguelo DiMarco
Stupid = very good

Killing it = fantastic

I’m just not keeping in touch with the kids these days.

Wine Enthusiast scored 2002 Columia Crest Grand Estates Shiraz 90 points and the #1 Best Buy of 2006. That will be my first Washington State wine (that I can recall) when I open it. Maybe it’s better than the Reserve that you just reviewed??
February 9, 2007

Patt
Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling is one of my wife’s favorites, although after your vlog on Riesling’s, I think that will be a thing of the past
February 11, 2007

cumpari
Washington and Walla Walla are very young wine regions. The growth of winemakers has and is continuing to outpace the supply of fruit coming out of the area. Vintners preceded the Vingnerons in Walla Walla. Gary Figgins of Leonetti and Rick Small of Woodward Canyon are case in point (though they’ve developed their estates, respectively). However, much of the productive acreage is maturing and high quality AVA fruit is being harvested. As the productive acreage increases, which it is, and those vines mature — say 10 years or so — the quality of wines coming out Walla Walla will increase and go head-to-head with the best of France. Watch. 10 years…Napa? Yes in terms of quality. No, in terms of theme park-ness. Cayuse is a case in point — the best of the old and new world. If you’ve ever seen a cross-section photo of the geology of the Walla Walla AVA, Cayuse wine captures the interaction of the soil and rock minerals: it’s like tasting geologic time! Amazing!! Yea, yea, technique in the winery is important, too. But, wine is only as good as the fruit. It’s all about the farming. Sure, technology is such that you can “fix” not-so-stellar batches. Anyway, I would encourage everyone investigate Walla Walla wines, and to check out Zerba. Their small and unknown (like the majority of their Walla Walla counterparts). Anyway, Zerba’s quality derives from their farming, and they’re following Christophe Barone’s lead (investigate this). Notwithstanding 2004, any other year from Zerba is a rockin’ value and will age. I highly recommend their Syrah. The “red table wine” is also an awesome value (~$17). They totally killed-it on the 2003 Syrah (it won a blind-taste gold medal of all 90+ point syrahs from the Northwest. Get it if you can. Salute.
February 12, 2007

David M
Hey Gary!

Have made three trips to Walla Walla, start inthe Wilamette Valley and drive through the gorge up to Walla Walla. I was fortunate to hang with Christophe and Trevor for futures weekend. I agree wholeheartly on the area and the winesas I have the 2004 you tasted along with the Cayuse Bionic Frog, Tempranillo and Campselo. I must tell you that Charles over @ K vintners uses Christophe’s fruit and blows away the Cause wines…Charles is a win rock star and is producgin the most intersting wines in the region and perhaps the country.

So let’s meet up there!
February 12, 2007

elron
Enjoyed the episode as usual and also enjoy Washington state wines. They have a uniqueness to them. I liked Sagelands Cabernet for it’s ruggedness. Columbia Crest is almost always on hand in the house. Like Rich S., I recently enjoyed Snoqualmie’s 2000 Reserve Merlot.
February 15, 2007

Jessi
Hi Gary – I’m finally coming out of the lurker shadows because I owe you a BIG thanks for this episode! I watched it last week, then was at a fancy-schmancy restaurant for dinner w/ some colleauges over the weekend, and they handed me the wine list (I am the wine geek of the group, but that’s not saying a whole lot…). A pick from a wine list usually feels like a stab in the dark to me, but lo and behold, there was the D2 at the top of the New World meritage list. A little bell went off in my head, I ordered with confidence, and it was a hit! Damn, was it good. I had trouble paying attention to the conversation – I kept going back to my glass for a sniff! I will definitely be seeking this one out for myself.

I am a lurker no more – thanks again!
March 14, 2007

scott
TDude, thanks for trying some wines from the great state of Washington.

So stoked you featured Delille D2, which is a stellar wine year after year.

Your mention of Betz was also welcomed. Don’t forget about the other Woodinville wines, including Baer and Matthews, both garagistas that are setting extremely high standards out here.

You briefly mentioned Quilceda Creek, which by any measure, is one of the greatest cabernets in the world. The release date for 2004 Cab is April 1, and I’ve got a case with my name on it waiting at the winery. It is in indescribably great wine, an immortal elixir, and I hope you feature it sometime on your show.

Thanks.

Scott in Seattle.
March 24, 2007

Justin
2003 Hogue Genesis Cabernet, thought it was a great wine for the money.
September 13, 2007

Jt
QOTD: Chateau Ste.Michelle, Canoe Ridge, Wind River, Columbia Crest Reserve, Hogue. I’m sure I’ve had others, just can’t remember them right now. Glad I’m finally getting some time to watch what I’ve missed. Gary as always keep up the excellent work & Cheers ~~~
October 13, 2007

Monica Ricci
Gary, my husband has been laughing at me for years for using “Twizzlers” as a wine descriptor! Bravo!

~Monica
December 25, 2007

VinOrecul
If you wanna roll with WALLA WALLA you gotta have their onions…everyone native to WA knows what super tongue tastiness the dubble dub sweet onions bring.

QUOTD: I drink WA wine all the time, problem is I hate how we are compared to california. I would rather see comparisons to France, even if WA wines get beat everytime….will the real rocky balboa come out and go the distance!
January 2, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
Gary, awesome episode for my home team boys in WA!

Ok here is a list of some smaller Washington gems besides the great ones you mentioned here..Reininger, Betz, L’Ecole, Matthews, Boudreaux, Dunham, these always deliver…but how about:

Fielding Hills…you have mentioned in the past..get anything you can and it will rock your world

K Vintners comment below is spot on…he is a rock star…2004 Cougar Hills Syrah

Januik winery…Mike Januik makes syrah that will make you pee your pants with joy

:Nota Bene…2005 Una Bene or the 2004 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

Walla Walla Vintners…big punch you in the mouth merlots

OS Winery…the BSH (Brick S— House) is always a winner, but also get your hands on the syrahs and petit verdot..the Ulysses and Cab Franc are stellar efforts

Spring Valley Vineyard…some of the best wine in Walla Walla without question in the past…the winemaker dies recently and they have a new guy so we’ll see, but 2004 and older wines…Derby, Uriah, Frederick all will produce a strong desire for love making within minutes of drinking…do it, drink it.

shall I keep going? ok I will then…

Fall Line…tiny producer, but getting bigger, of four superb Bordeaux style blends from some of the superior grapes of Washington…try the 2005 Red Mountain or any 2004s if you can get them

Cadence…2005 Bel Canto…just a unbelievably stupid Bordeaux blend that will make you crazy for Washington even if it is 50 U S dollars

Patit Creek is a factory for merlots that rival anything in California

Saviah…try the Une Valle or the always great bargain in The Jack

and for two really little but F’ing great wines try…

SYZYGY…2005 Syrah is almost as good as the 2003 was and they go fast so buy it and then hold it for a bit if you have the will power…I obviously do not.

Stephenson…this infinitesimally small syrah producer is worth hunting down because he makes the S! Deep black fruit ans silky smooth thunder

I will do more in another post, but if you want a great source pick up Paul Gregutt’s book on Washington wine that was published in 2007.

syrahhhhhhhh
January 7, 2008

fritz fontaine
Yo. Chow down on some Andrew Will or some Buty. You’ll dig it the most.
February 9, 2008

Ryan
I just had 2005 Columbia Crest Merlot!
I liked it.
August 24, 2008

Scott
QOTD – Cougar Crest 2005 Viognier, Snoqualmie 2005 Winemaker’s select Riesling, Sapolil 2004 Syrah, Canoe Ridge 2003 Late-harvest GewÃ¼rztraminer, Silver Lake 2005 Late Harvest Riesling, NV Eaton Hill Sweet Bisbee
June 1, 2009

Phredd
Great show. QOTD: Only Columbia Crest and Chateau St. Michele, but always willing to try more.
October 23, 2009

John J.
qotd got to try a blackwood reserve chard after hearing good things about it

Gary a vin jaune episode would be something really different
October 30, 2009

smiledoc
Gotta try Andrew Will Sorella!

Washington State Wine – Episode #177

Wines tasted in this episode:

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