For Friday's Flight let's taste some bold reds from our neighbors in Washington. With 1,000+ wineries specializing in everything from robust Cabernet Sauvignon to delicate Chardonnay and even late-harvest Riesling, it would seem difficult to generalize the common thread that unites Washington’s winemaking community. However, most winemakers and grape growers live and work in small towns that reflect the genuine, humble and hard-working communities of the American West. Tasting rooms are as likely to be in a converted old home as they are to be attached to a state-of-art winery, but they share one thing in common: authenticity.
As the nation’s second largest producer of wine, Washington has long held a stellar reputation for excellence as well as value. Among critics, the state’s wineries have garnered more praise than many other leading wine regions in the world—all while maintaining an affordable average cost per bottle.
The Flight - Washington State
Canas Feast Pinot Grigio 2023 $14 - Fresh tropical aromas of pineapple & heady notes kaffir lime leaves are accompanied by hints of grapefruit peel and a slatey undertone.
Gifford Hirlinger 2018 Stateline Red $17 - A blend of Cabernet, Tempranillo, Malbec and Merlot. It has a seductive nose of black fruits, toast and coffee. Currants and black cherries are wreathed in smoke, and the suppleness grows into a lengthy and satisfying finish.
Canas Feast Bricco Red 2022 $17 - Sangiovese (41%), Primitivo (27%), Barbera (19%), Nebbiolo (9%), Dolcetto (4%). Lifted red-fruited aromas of cherries, wild raspberries and licorice.
Bookwalter Readers Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $20 - Juicy and full up front with a mid-palate full of ripe sweet cherries, plums, and blueberry compote. well-structured tannins, moderate acidity and bright fruit together result in a wonderfully balanced wine.
Dunham Cellars Three Legged Red 2022 $22 - Notes of vanilla, coconut, cherry and berry are followed by ripe, plump cherry and raspberry flavors. The oak plays a prominent part in the show here and there's lots of enjoyment to be had here. Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.
Bonus Wines
Gilbert Cellars Left Bank Horse Heaven Hills 2022 $24 - This blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 2% Carménère comes to life with a fleshy palate of dark fruit and subtle earthy notes.
Luke Merlot 2022 $25 - Dark red fruits, rounded tannins and an opulent, smooth finish. Fresh flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry dominate the mid-palate while earthy flavors of tobacco.
Dumas Station Cow Catcher Red 2020 $32 - This Merlot-based red blend scores with warm vanilla bean on the nose, dried blueberry and cherry fruit-roll flavors, and mouth-watering acidity.
