Updated on Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:11:38 PM
Wine
Adventure!
Volume 1, Issue 1
October 15, 1998
What's New ??
As you probably know, I am Dawn Mercer, the new wine steward at Lakewood Marketplace. I have lived in Lakewood for the last 6 years. I have been a customer of Steve Holverson from the Thriftco days, as well as Paul Wagner of Larry’s Market. I have worked at Columbia Winery and Freighthouse Cellars before joining the team at Lakewood Marketplace. I would like to give Steve, Paul, and a few others (you know who you are!) a sincere Thank You- I wouldn’t be here without you!
I would also like to thank all of the customers who have persevered without a wine steward. I look forward to hearing more of your suggestions for improving the department, such as which new wines to carry and topics for wine tastings and cooking classes. My work schedule is: Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. I’d love to hear from you over the Internet as well. My email address is dmercer@wa.net
Several new wine arrivals are now available. The ‘96 Claar Cellars White Riesling from the Columbia Valley has an abundance of mineral flavors, a rare treat from Washington State for only $6.85. Another new sweet wine is Kristy’s Honey Mead. Mead is one of mankind’s oldest alcohol beverages and was an integral part of the traditional honeymoon. Try a modern version of this classic for only $11.99.
If you enjoy full-bodied red wines, the ‘95 Thorton Nebbiolo from the South Coast of California is for you. Nebbiolo is the same grape variety used in Italian Barolo and Barbaresco. This wine is a bargain at just $8.99. Give it a try with Italian food containing red sauce, as well as beef and other strong-flavored foods. For a fast and delicious dinner, try the Doctor Dinner’s 20 Minute Meal recipe for Pasta with Turkey and Peas with this wine. I tried the recipe and found that the tomatoes give the dish much more flavor than the name implies. The free recipe cards are located next to the Thorton.
I also brought in 2 new Bordeaux from petite chateaux. The Chateau La Bandouliere white Bordeaux (Sauvignon Blanc) is soft and fragrant, with flavors of fresh pears and citrus. I enjoyed this wine with fresh halibut, and it would go well with other fish, seafood, salad, and vegetables. The Chateau Geneteau Red Bordeaux has flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and hints of cassis. I would recommend this wine with homemade stew or a juicy beef roast. Please try these wines and let me know what you think I look forward to hearing your tasting notes!
Cheers! Dawn
Vintage
Update with Bob Betz, Master of Wine
I am a very lucky wine steward and had the privilege of interviewing Washington’s newest Master of Wine, Bob Betz. Bob is the vice president of research and education at Stimson Lane, parent company of Chateau Ste. Michelle.
According to Chateau Ste. Michelle’s web site, "The Institute of Masters of Wine exists to promote the highest level of educational achievement for the wine industry, culminating in an educational achievement for the wine industry, the Master of Wine, often referred to in its abbreviated form of MW. To sit for the exam, candidates must have at least 5 years wine industry experience and pass a qualifying exam. The Master of Wine exam is divided into two parts, theory and practical, dealing with the analysis and assessment of wine. Candidates must also submit a dissertation on a specific grape growing or winemaking issue. Since the program was first established, more than 1,900 candidates have taken the exam, but only 13% have passed." David Lake of Columbia Winery is our state’s other Master of Wine.
Bob describes Washington’s 1998 grape harvest as "a picture perfect vintage." The winter was mild with no freeze damage to the vines. The spring started off cool and wet, giving way to a warm and sunny summer. During the critical final month of ripening, temperatures cooled down to allow the grapes to ripen slowly, thus developing more flavor and character.
Bob also described the general characteristics of the main four Chateau Ste. Michelle vineyards. They are:
Cold Creek and Indian Wells- Both vineyards are located in a basin, protecting the vineyards from the cooling influence of the Columbia River during the growing season. These are the warmest of the CSM vineyards, yielding smaller grape clusters along with smaller berries. This concentrates the wine, with the reds typically being quite pungent with blackberry and black cherry flavors. The chardonnay from these vineyards usually features tropical overtones. The ‘98 harvest is complete at the Cold Creek vineyard.
Horse Heaven- Situated next to the Columbia River, this is CSM’s coolest vineyard. These wines are less tannic and structured than the Cold Creek and Indian Wells. Horse Heaven red wines are known for their length of flavor and richness.
Canoe Ridge- Located 10 miles away from the Horse Heaven vineyard, the Canoe Ridge vineyard sits above the Columbia River, with steep south facing slopes. The chardonnay is typically crisp and fresh, with flavors of citrus, apple, and pear, yet not as tropical as the Cold Creek or the Indian Wells. The red wines from Canoe Ridge emphasize the fruit, and are lower in tannins than the other vineyards.
Vintage Update with Elaine Honig
Elaine Honig, of Honig Cellars in the Napa Valley, found this year’s growing season to be difficult. The weather was against them, but they managed to pull off an excellent, but small, harvest. Spring came very late, and was cold and wet. Molds, funguses, and rot were problematic. Then, during bloom, many of the grape flowers were shattered in a hailstorm. The summer was cool, creating a late- arriving harvest that is expected to last until mid- November for many farmers. Meanwhile, the rain is threatening to water down the flavors in the ripening grapes. Fortunately, their Cabernet Sauvignon grapes will be ready for harvest within two weeks. The Sauvignon Blanc has beenharvested and is of excellent quality.
Coming Up...
I have started assembling the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the World. From the 1997 list, we currently have the following wines in stock:
#56 ‘95 Columbia Crest Chardonnay Columbia Valley Estate Series $15.99
#60 Non-vintage Roederer Estate Brut Rose Anderson Valley $24.99
#62 ‘94 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley $20.99
#64 ‘96 Lockwood Chardonnay Monterey $13.99
In other news, we will be introducing a Wine Club Card that will give members a 5% discount on all wine purchases! This will be offered in addition to our usual 10% case discount. Look for more details in future editions of this newsletter.
In the next issue of the Wine Adventure, more Vintage Updates, plus finding the perfect wine for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Cheers! Dawn
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