Great Buys from the Northwest
Many have heard of Screaming Eagle or Bryant Family Wines. Both of those bottles most recent release price for a 750 ml bottle are $850 and $800 respectively. (That is the regular bottle you buy – not a magnum.) When one loves wine and has unlimited resources, that may be the way to go. Yet even those are outpaced by the recently released bubbly described below in a review in Wine Spectator Insider. I saw this price and figured it would be a long while before I would have the occasion to spend that type of money on champagne! I really am trying to envision an event befitting the price. I will ponder that one.
KRUG BRUT BLANC de NOIRS Champagne Clos d’Ambonnay 1998 • $2,399 A powerhouse, featuring well-sculpted acidity and rich mineral character, showing an overall sense of finesse, with a palate-caressing texture and beautifully layered flavors of crème de cassis, black cherry pâte de fruit, treacle, dried papaya, clover honey, fennel seed and ground spice, ringing out on the finish. Drink now through 2035. 397 cases made.—A.N.
Now back to reality
For those of us with more moderate tastes, it’s good to know that our friends in the Pacific Northwest offer some fine wines that will fit your everyday needs. I wanted to share a few with you, so you could be on the look out for these selections. The case productions are large enough that they may make it to many markets across the U.S. I frequently find great buys with quality to spare from vintners in the Northwest. Personally, I’m on the look-out for Zero One, which looks quite enticing.
Here are some reviews from Wine Spectator:
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley Indian Wells 2012 • $17 Vivid, polished and distinctive, with an apricot tinge to the pear and cream flavors, lifted by delicate acidity. Comes together smoothly on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 52,500 cases made.—H.S.
L’ecole no. 41 Syrah Columbia Valley 2010 • $25 Grippy tannins give way to fleshy plum and currant fruit, shaded with hints of fennel and peach fuzz, lingering well. Best after 2014. 2,430 cases made.—H.S.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Merlot Columbia Valley ethos reserve 2010 – 91 points | $42 | 1,200 cases made | Red. Firm on the surface, fleshy underneath, offering peppery black currant and cherry flavors that dance vibrantly through the long and expressive finish. Best from 2014 through 2018.—H.S.
Zero One, Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley the wild Sky 2010 — 91 points | $36 | 1,124 cases made | Red. Warm and spicy, this graceful Cabernet features a chocolate note weaving through the blackberry and currant fruit, finishing with intensity and length. Hints of toast and pepper show around the edges. Drink now through 2018.—H.S.
Enjoy!