Washington State Wine from Women Makers

Louisa, Chantel and I did another wine-tasting through Smithsonian Associates a week ago (March 5).  It was led by Eric Siegelbaum, who calls himself "SOMLYAY" and who also led the Northern California tasting last month.  This time, he focussed on women wine-makers in Washington State.  It was interesting to learn that the wine-growing region is very dry and dependent on irrigation.  The photo above shows the dry hills in the background of the vineyards.  Oh, I can't help mentioning that Eric had a great t-shirt "HERE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REISLINGS."

We again got the tasting wines in little bottles from Eastern Wine Bar, blocks from our houses, and  associated with Schneider's of Capitol Hill.  The wines were:

1. Sparkman Cellars "Birdie" Reisling, a Columbia Valley wine.  The winemaker is co-owner of the vineyards, Kelly Sparkman.  The grapes were ground by Lacy Lieback who grows over 21 varieties.  It arguably the best reisling I've tasted.  I usually avoid reisling because I think they are too sweet, but learned that there are dry reislings.

2.  Brook and Bull Cellars Chardonnay, also a Columbia Valley wine.  Ashley Trout is the winemaker.  I don't have further notes, but liked the wine.  I always like a chardonnay.

3.  Chateau St. Michelle, Cold Creek Vineyard, Cabernet Saugvignon also a Columbia Valley wine.  The winemaker is Leah Adint.  She has an interesting history and did graduate work in Austria.  I think this was an outstanding wine, very rich and robust.

4. Baer Winery "Ursa"  Another Columbia Valley wine.  Lisa Baer is the winemaker and Erica Orr is the consulting winemaker.   This wine is a blend of Merlot and  Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.  It was delicious.

5.  Cote Bonneville, Dubrul Vineyard Syrah.  This wine is from the Yakima Valley.  Kerry Shields is the winemaker and Kathy Shields is a co-owner.  The vineyard has been recognized as the best in Washington State.  This wine was rich and tasty.

6. Buty, "Rediviva of the Stones" is from the Walla Walla Valley: specifically, an area known as the "Rocks District of Milton-Freewater.  Nina Buty is the owner,  I have no more notes.  I'd had six glasses of wine by then.

It was fun.  Louisa and Chantel were at Louisa's house, but I was at mine.  I think Peter took a few sips, too, as he reported the Baer Winery wine was his favorite.