We are featuring some small family wineries this week from Columbia Valley. A crisp very lightly oaked Chardonnay, one of the first dry roses to be popular in the United States, a velvety Syrah and a Wine Spectator Top 100. Looking forward to seeing you this week!
Grab a flight for $5!
Featured Wines:
1) Mark Ryan “Board Track Racer; The Vincent” Chardonnay 2018
Columbia Valley; $14.99
Founded by self taught winemaker Mark Ryan McNeilly in 1999. After the first few vintages were crushed and pressed in the garages of friends and family they opened their doors in Woodinville, WA less than a mile from Chateau Ste. Michelle. Board Track Racer was his second label inspired by the wild wood track motorcycle races of the 1920s. The Vincent, a British motorcycle manufacturer of the time is the feature on the label of this lightly oaked Chardonnay. Aromas of bright apple, kiwi and stone fruit with a balanced acidity and citrus when it hits the palate. The barrel adds a hint of vanilla and toast that is reminiscent of a meringue tart. - Sample $1.00
2) Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese 2018
Columbia Valley; $12.99
This is a collaborative effort of husband and wife team Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard. They are now one of the staple wineries of the Columbia Valley with the 2018 growing season being Rob's 41st in Washington. This Rose is an American staple. Post-1990's White Zinfandel craze, this is one of the original dry Roses made in the United States. At a nearly bone dry 1.8g/L residual sugar (Apothic Red & Menage a Trois have about 10x as much) this rose still drinks incredibly juicy and fruit forward. It has great acid to still have a clean and crisp finish, but with a richer flavor than often seen in some “Old World” roses. Melon and strawberry dominate with hints of raspberry and pomegranate. - Sample $1.00
3) Barnard Griffin Syrah 2017
Columbia Valley; $18.99
Another specialty from Rob Griffin here. When we talk Syrah, we are talking about one of the most unappreciated grape varietals in the world. The most common wines people ask us for are ones that are full flavored, but smooth. Usually they just want the bottle to say “Cabernet Sauvignon”, but I really do think they will more likely enjoy Syrah, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, or many other varietals. Washington has become a haven for Syrah. The combination of long, hot summer days with 40°F temperature shifts at night and the right mix of volcanic pumice and dense loamy soil make for complex flavors and well maintained acidity.
“The Syrah from Desert Aire Vineyard, which is the backbone of this blend, has some of the most expressive fruit flavor in Washington. Syrah in our climate has a wonderful balance of refined acidity and structure (think France) and bright definitional fruit (think Australia) without overblown alcohol. Complex, layered and elegant, this Syrah features tart cherry/plum, bittersweet chocolate and well-integrated oak spice flavors.” - Sample $1.50
4) Dunham Cellars Three Legged Red 2017
Walla Walla; $19.99
The Dunham Family will be celebrating 25 years in 2020. Availability on this blend has gone up and down since the last vintage landed on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Best Values list. This is a blend of fruit from their estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. A smooth blend with lots of fruit up front and some complex layers of herbs, coffee, vanilla and smoke through the finish. - Sample $1.50