Woodinville Wine Country

DON’T MISS EVENT~

Passport to Woodinville April 1 & 2, 2006 11 AM to 4 PM

Have you been to Woodinville lately? If you haven’t, you may not know that it has become a haven for fine winemakers and is home to over 20 wineries that collectively call themselves “Woodinville Wine Country.”

Although wine grapes are not actually grown in Woodinville (these wineries source their grapes from some of Washington’s finest vineyards in Eastern Washington), the area’s commitment to quality has become regarded as one of the best in our state.

Woodinville Wine Country’s signature fundraiser, “Passport to Woodinville,” is held annually on the first weekend in April, and is the only time each year that all of the wineries are open to the public.

For the $45 ticket, you will receive a Woodinville Wine Country glass along with a “passport” filled with labels that allows you to enjoy tastings at all of the area's wineries, as well as the chance meet the winemakers and taste some special selections. Passports are valid throughout the entire weekend

Proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit organization Woodinville Wine Country, which works to build awareness of Woodinville wines.

Last year, thousands of people attended this annual event. This year, passport sales are limited to the first 3,500 and are sure to sell out. Online purchase is available at www.woodinvillewinecountry.com beginning in February.

Participants include: Arlington Road Cellars, Austin Robaire Vintners, Baer Winery, Betz Family Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Covington Cellars, Cuillin Hills Winery, DeLille Cellars, Des Voigne Cellars, DiStefano Winery, Facelli Winery, Januik Winery, JM Cellars, Mark Ryan Winery, Matthews Cellars, Novelty Hill Winery, Page Cellars, Silver Lake Winery, Stevens Winery, Woodhouse Family Cellars and Woodinville Wine Cellars.


WOW Wine of the Month!
The Platinum Wine Judging, conducted by Wine Press Northwest each year, compiles a list of all northwest wines that have taken Double Gold or better in over 30 national and international wine competitions. Editor Andy Perdue, along with a panel of six judges, then pits these outstanding wines against each other in their own single blind judging.

Wines are then deemed Gold, Double Gold, Platinum, or the rare and coveted title, Double Platinum.


Some familiar names have been appearing as a winner in this judging year after year: Three Rivers Winery, L’Ecole No 41, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Erath Vineyards, Kiona Vineyards & Winery and Covey Run Winery; as well as newcomers Zerba Cellars, Freja Cellars, Melrose Vineyards and Viento Wines. One of the Double Platinum winners is Columbia Winery’s 2001 Merlot, priced at $15; with production at 22,000 cases this wine is readily available. For a complete list of the 2005 Platinum Wine judging results, visit www.winepressnw.com/images/platinum6.pdf.

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the third annual Platinum Wine Dinner at the Columbia Tower Club where we had the opportunity to sample 15 of these wines at a reception and dinner.

The 2002 Dunham Syrah really stood out, and as Andy Perdue reminded me, for the last three years this wine has been a winner. It might take some searching to find the 2002, but it is still out there in the marketplace. If you can’t find the 2002, then pick up the recently released 2003 while you still can. After tasting the new vintage last week, I would predict this wine to follow award-winning suit.
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2002 COLUMBIA VALLEY SYRAH
Huge black cherry, cassis, ripe raspberry, hard cherry candy and cola ride on the viscous, effusive mouth. A blend of three estate vineyards, this wine has a balance of fruit and structure to age well into the future. Here are the stats:

Vineyards: Lewis, Frenchtown and Double River
Varietal: 100% Syrah
Cases Produced: 1570
Bottled: March 12, 2004
Oak: Aged 18 months, 100% new oak (50% French, 50% American)
Release Date: May 1, 2004
Retail Price: $45/bottle, $486.00/case
Where to buy: Your favorite wine shop or www.dunhamcellars.com.