West Coast Wine Club - October 2012
Learn the finer points to many of the wines we offer each month. Our club wines are expertly researched and selected for quality, value and uniqueness and every one has an interesting history. Here are some of the wines we are offering this month:
Gecko Wine Company- Woodinville, Washington
2007 Sangiovese Columbia Valley
Gecko Wine Company is a boutique winery located in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. Boutique is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit but in this case it is true to form. Gecko Wine Company only produces a few hundred cases a year because they specialize in unique grape blends using grapes more popular in other parts of the world than Washington State. Along with Syrah, they use Washington State Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Primitivo, and Counoise to name a few. The result is vibrant, lush wines that have medium oak thus the focus is on the fruit. Gecko’s 2007 Sangiovese is actually a blend of 83% Sangiovese, 8% Merlot, 5% Syrah, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested from Mracheks and Claar Vineyards in the Columbia Valley. Sangiovese Is the most widely planted grape in Italy while relatively unusual as a single varietal wine in the United States. It is the main grape used in the popular red wines of Tuscany, where it is the solitary grape of Brunello di Montalcino and the primary component of the wines of Chianti, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and many "Super Tuscans". We like to call this wine a modern Tuscan-style wine, or Super Tuscan. The Sangiovese brings bright fruit of red berries and pomegranate. The Syrah adds depth and spice while the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon contribute black cherry, mocha and a light tannic finish. This Sangiovese pairs well with a hearty, spicy soup. Drink now through 2014.
Terra Blanca – Benton City, Washington
NV Lot 1 Red Blend Red Mountain
Keith and ReNae Pilgrim started Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard in 1992 with the purchase of 300 acres on an arid, treeless slope called Red Mountain. Together, they figured out how to grow grapes, make wine, sell wine and stay married. The majority of their wines are made from the fruit they grow. While many winemakers will select vineyards for their variety of fruit and locations, Keith has invested in raising his vines for his own winemaking style. Once the fruit is picked, he often chooses long extended fermentation times using both native and selected yeast for the reds. Before fermentation, there is typically extended periods of cold soaking and post-fermentation there is often extended time on the skins; these choices are essential to producing wines with huge depth and structure; high levels of fine, well behaved tannins; and an intense fruit core. Their Arch Terrace lines of wines was named for the terraces that surround Terra Blanca Winery. If you've ever had a chance to be at the winery, you'll know the view from the terrace is unlimited and exhilarating-- just like our wines. Crafted by the same winemaker as their Signature Series and ONYX wines, Keith Pilgrim seeks to create food-friendly wines from estate fruit and from wine grapes sourced from some Yakima Valley's oldest and most esteemed vineyards. Within the Arch Terrace family of wines, you'll find Red Mountain favorites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The Lot 1 Red Blend is comprised of all three of those favorites. The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Syrah (26%), and Merlot (17%) has created an inky dark, toasty blend of Red Mountain estate fruit. Scents of oak and dried currants on the nose mingle with peppery spice. Lush plum, blueberries, dried berries and butterscotch lead into a finish bright with raspberries and spices. Pair with Pancetta wrapped pork tenderloin with fruit chutney or seared tuna over arugula with thyme-shallot dressing.
Trovati Wines - Woodinville, Washington
2010 Bianco Columbia Valley
Trovati Wines is a small family owned winery located in Woodinville, Washington that produces limited quantities of handcrafted wines from some of Washington’s premier vineyards. Each lot and individual wine barrel is meticulously monitored from the moment the fruit is hand harvested, to the day the wine is gently bottled by hand. This artisan approach allows them to preserve the delicate balance of aromas and unique characteristics of each wine. The 2010 Travoti White is Chenin Blanc based (50%) with the remaining blend being comprised of 27% Riesling and 23% Gewurztraminer. This blend made it an elegant form with both presence and delicacy. The wine exhibits a wonderful array of fruit and floral characteristics. An inviting nose of pear, green apple and honeysuckle leads to rich, round flavors of apple, citrus and melon that are nicely complimented with hints of mandarin orange and a great lovely creaminess on the finish. The acid lends structure to the wine and sustains the finish but is not so tart that it overpowers the sweet fruit nuances. Excellent by itself as an everyday cocktail white, this sensational wine is also superb with Dungeness crab, scallops, grilled chicken or pasta with cream sauce. You can also try this with Thai food! Serve well chilled.
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