Nectar Spokane Wine Events August

The patio is open, the patio is open! After about 6 weeks of delays (mostly due to waiting for the fence), we’re finally excited to celebrate on the patio. With temperatures soaring close to 90 degrees, grab a bottle or two of Rose, bubbly, or Sauvignon Blanc and head out with friends to enjoy the weather and the wine. As the hot summer nights continue, don’t miss out on a single sip at Nectar Tasting Room.

Two Important Announcements:

Do you own a home based business (jewelry, candles, cosmetics, etc)? We have a deal for you. Contact us for an awesome opportunity for you to use our space for your next meeting.

Did you see our press release on the Quarterly Cheers for Charity? No? Check it out. We’re pleased to do our small part to give back. Nominations are open through August 12.

info@nectartastingroom.com

August 4-6

Have you seen and heard the incredible talent in Spokane? For one night each month, Spokane shines a little brighter in downtown. Nectar is a proud participant in the Downtown Partnership’s popular First Friday event.

• THURSDAY – Thirsty Thursday continues with 1/2 price appetizer plates when you purchase a bottle of wine. Glass prices start at $5 too.
• FRIDAY – First Friday activities begin at about 6:00 with live music from Maxie Ray Mills and music from the very talented Bill Werle
• SATURDAY – Don’t miss out on the sale wines from Northwest Cellars and The Final Sip (from 9-10pm).

August 11-13

• THURSDAY – MonaVie healthy energy stops by to showcase their Acai berry products.
• FRIDAY – Karrie O’Neill graces us with her beautiful personality and voice 6:30-9:30
• SATURDAY – Tipsy Muse Painting With Spirits: Learn to paint this beautiful Tuscan Landscape while you sip. Bring a friend or two and make a day of this event. $55; register here

>> The return of the RESERVE FLIGHT – Enjoy five of our highest end wines for just $10 <<

August 18-20

• THURSDAY – Second annual Pinot Noir day. Join us online or at Nectar as we celebrate the world’s most expressive wine grape. Which region will win the battle
• FRIDAY – Acoustic variety from Joe Davis 6:30-9:30
• SATURDAY – We welcome Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Company back for a vinegar and oil tasting from 1-4pm. Fingerstyle blues and flamenco guitar from Joe Caruso 6:30-9:30

August 25-27

The QUARTERLY SIP is almost here. Sign up for our quarterly wine club and get 20% off of 5 select wines, 4 complimentary wine tasting passes and 10% off of all other wines purchased. The QUARTERLY SIP is only $99per quarter. Trust me, you’ll love this quarter’s wine selections. The last of an iconic Nectar wine, a pre-release of a unique varietal, and a super award winning wine that is not stocked at Nectar. To sign up, stop by or email us at mailto:info@nectartastingroom.com?subject=Quarterly Sip Sign Up

• SATURDAY – Music from a Nectar favorite, Mike Dwyer; 6:30-9:30 and The Final Sip from 9:00-1000

 

Chardonnay Day with Spokane Washington Wine

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most planted wine grapes (second to Spanish grape Airen). A major component in Champagne (and other sparkling wine), Chardonnay is known as a winemakers grape because of the ability for the winemaker to impart their stamp on the overall outcome. Chardonnay is crisp and clean in Chablis and has a reputation for being thick and buttery in California, although many wineries are moving away from this trend.

In Washington, Chardonnay is still king with nearly 6,000 planted acres (Cabernet Sauvignon is a very close second). While producing predominately red wine, a handful of Spokane wineries showcase the best qualities of Washington Chardonnay.

Spokane Chardonnay

2010 Arbor Crest Chardonnay

Sourced from two quality vineyards (Connor Lee and Bacchus) the 2010 Chardonnay sees moderate time in new and used French oak. The malolactic fermentation gives a nice full round mouth feel that is accompanied by hints of oak and honey. Light aroma and moderate acidity make this a good Chardonnay for the price. At $14 retail 3+/5

2009 Arbor Crest Connor Lee Chardonnay

Sourced from Conner Lee vineyards this premium Chardonnay is barrel fermented in new French oak with malolactic fermentation. Enjoy big flavors of apple cinnamon crisp and toasted walnuts. The touch of sweet honey and good acidity are reminiscent of many traditional American Chardonnay. $20 retail 4/5

2010 Barili Cellars Chardonnay

This nearly naked Chardonnay is 75% stainless steel and 25% eastern European oak providing a great balance of crisp and clean with a hint of toasted almonds. Enjoy the green apple and pear flavors with smoked salmon or fruit salad on a summer day. $15 retail

2008 Caterina Chardonnay

100% Preston Vineyards fruit. The wine spends six months in 50% new French oak. Very impressive with thick juicy flavors. A subtle effervescence greats the tip of your tongue and then gives way to an abundance of fruit. Lots of subtle layers in this full bodied white wine with honey, crisp pear, vanilla, and peaches. The finish on the wine has moderate acid and dissipates quickly. At only $12 this wine outperforms many at twice the price. This is a strong recommend and a definite re-buy for any food appropriate dinner or Chardonnay lover. 4/5

2008 Latah Creek Chardonnay

Fruit from Conner Lee Vineyards; full malolactic fermentation and 2 months in French oak. Mild nose with hints of pear and honey. Big and rich butter, vanilla and pear. No oak to speak of. Felt thick and meaty. Finished with a beautiful acidity that washed across the back of my mouth. At a retail price of $12, this is a very well made Chardonnay. I score it a 4+. So far this is one of the best “value” Chardonnay’s that I’ve had. Kudo’s, Mike!

“Sweet lemons, pineapple, & Golden Delcious apple aromas. The entry is exotic and hedonistic with more apple, banana, & lemon custard flavors, balanced by a remarkable tartness that targets your cheeks.”-WinePressNW 2010

2009 Townshend Cellar Chardonnay

This stainless steel fermented and lightly oak aged wine has scents of lemon, pear, honey-dew melon with a hint of cinnamon and flavors of baked Granny Smith apples sprinkled with nutmeg and a squeeze of lemon. $9.99

2011 Chardonnay Day

Celebrate the second annual Chardonnay day (May 26) with any of these fantastic Spokane Chardonnays. Join the conversation by tweeting about your experience. Add the hashtag #chardonnay and do a Twitter search and you can see the tweets from thousands of people worldwide. For tips on how to participate, visit here.

Nectar Tasting Room is joining the celebration. Stop by all day for ½ price glasses of Chardonnay from Terra Blanca and Northwest Cellars. Order a full bottle and get your appetizer plate ½ price (open 2-8pm).

 

A Nodland Cellars Thanksgiving

I am not a huge fan of turkey. For Christmas I’d rather have ham, for Easter, I’d rather have prime rib. For Thanksgiving, we’ve established a tradition of lasagna and cheesecake. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate turkey. If you’re going to invite me over for Thanksgiving dinner, don’t think you have to serve something different. Just don’t serve me mushrooms, brussel sprouts or liver and onions.

Every other year my wife and I end up alone for Thanksgiving. With family in Portland, some in Phoenix, and shared custody of the boy, we stay by ourselves in Spokane on the even years. When we first got married we decided to try something different. Rather than make a big turkey dinner for the two of us, we, well mostly me, decided, “Why not make my two favorite things in the whole wide world?” Enter, lasagna and cheesecake.

Our good friends, Tim and Tracy Nodland (owners of Spokane’s Nodland Cellars), were gracious enough to provide us with three of their newer, recently released and soon to be released wines.  Not one to be very patient, I jumped at the opportunity to pair these three wines with our non traditional Thanksgiving meal.

For more information on Nodland Cellars you can see my full interview with Tim and Tracy here.

The NectarView

2008 Nodland Cellars Bebop Riesling

The Nodland’s make a Riesling only when the vintage is right. Tim loves the old world Mosul style Riesling full of petrol and minerality. I recall the 2005 Bebop having aged very nicely to display these characteristics. The 2008 is a very bright golden delicious apple color in the glass. A slight effervescence jumps out on the aroma. Further scents of slightly sweet peaches and tropical flowers add to the beautiful bouquet. On the sip, the Bebop strikes a nice chord or a hint of sweetness and a mild tartness. A little steely minerality spikes up on the mid-palate and the wine has a really good acidity which helps to cleanse the palate.

We used ½ cup of the Riesling in the raspberry puree reduction for the cheesecake.  The dry Riesling was a great pairing for the tart sweetness of the raspberry sauce. The medium acidity provided a great wash after each bite of the thick white chocolate cheesecake. At $20, some may find this Riesling to be a tad out of their normal budget for white wines, but if you like a gently sweet dry Riesling, you’ll love this wine. 3+/5

2008 Nodland Cellars Bad Attitude

The first release of the Nodland Cellars Rock-n-Roll series label, Bad Attitude, has been a huge success. Tim and Tracy have only made one red wine in their previous vintage releases. At $35, their traditional Bordeaux Red Blend can be out of reach for most people’s every day drinking wine. The Bad Attitude uses the same great Seven Hills fruit but rather than aging the wine in $1200 French oak barrels, the wine is aged in $500 American oak barrels. This year’s Bad Attitude is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Malbec (two of the more amazing grapes grown in Washington).

The swirl showcases the light characteristics of Merlot with a fairly translucent color. The wines aromas begin to showcase their rock-n-roll attitude right from the beginning. A huge power chord of vanilla, blueberry and charcoal reverberate from the glass. In the mouth the wine is also very gentle. This wine reminds me more of a gentle Over the Hills and Far Away rather than the driving Black Dog (bonus points for those that get the reference). In the mouth you can feel the use of American oak. For me, it’s nicely integrated and I like the play of the overly cooked marshmallow, vanilla and graham cracker. At $20, the Nodland’s have a number one single on their hand. 4/5 Instant Classic!

2007 Nodland Cellars Avant-Garde

From the back label:

“Avant-garde represents a pushing of the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm or the status quo. This wine is made from the obscure Carmenere grape, referred to a Grand Vidure in French.”

Carmenere is rarely used, and when it is, it is used as a blending grape. The original traditional Bordeaux blends included Carmenere, but it has since been mostly neglected. Nodland Cellars uses Carmenere in their Red Blend release. For 2007, they held back a small portion to be released as a 100% Carmenere, a showcase of the varietal.

On the swirl the Avant-Garde has a thick center core of plum that fades to more translucence around the edges. Typical of all Nodland wines the aroma is full and big. Strong bouquet of blueberries and exotic spice (not sure how to describe it) are most prevalent. On the sip the wine is full and lush with a gentle mouth coating feel. A hint of cherry sweetness graces the front palate and strong minerality of lead and rocks poke through the mid palate. One of our guests didn’t care for the minerality and described it as a little biting. There is a slight alcohol heat on the finish. The spice of the wine wasn’t a great pairing with the spice and acid from the tomato based lasagna. A better pairing for this wine would be beef, or a Pork Osso Bucco. Personally, I loved the wine and the uniqueness of flavor. At $32 it might not be for everyone. Unless you know you’re a spicy Carmenere lover, I suggest you head to the tasting room for a sip of this wine before dropping the cash. Personally, I’d buy TWO, one to drink now and one to see how the magic evolves in five years. 4/5

The Avant-Garde is being released on Friday, December 3 at the Nodland Cellars tasting room at 11616 E Montgomery 5:30-8:30. Enjoy a sip and a special discount.

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you have any amazing wine pairings? Please share…

Spokane Weekend Wine Events October 8-10

Spokane wineries are receiving high praise in the national press of late. International wine critic Robert Parker spoke highly of Arbor Crest in a recent publication. Caterina Winery was featured in Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buy list. Townshend Cellars will be in an upcoming issue of Sunset Magazine. Robert Karl and Barrister were recognized as 4 star wineries by Paul Gregutt. The list goes on. Have you experienced the 18 wineries that dot the Spokane wine landscape?  

All Weekend  

Take a tour of the local wineries. Most are open. Visit this link for hours, reviews, wine recommendations, videos and more. http://drinknectar.com/spokane-wine-tour/ 

Crush Rush 2010: The Spokane Winery Association invites you to join the CRUSH RUSH. Join the fun with a wine scavenger hunt across all 17 Spokane association wineries. The hunt continues through October 17. Details available at Spokane Wine Magazine; download the map and scavenger hunt list >> http://bit.ly/clIAGB

Enjoy great local wine at The Davenport, Left Bank Wine Bar, and Niko’s Wine Bar

Friday, October 8

Whitestone Winery – Live music and food from 6 to 9 pm, featuring the music of Michael Dwyer and a selection of appetizers from Williams Seafood; 111 S. Cedar – Stay tuned for the release of “Scared to Pieces” the new Halloween inspired blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot

Riverpark Square Arbor Crest – Join Spokane favorite, Dan Conrad as he plays a wide variety of modern mainstream, soul and classic rock covers, as well as some originals. Stop in and listen to this incredible local musician from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

BeGin at the MAC – Enjoy BeGin at the Mac with Buffalo Death Beam, Golden Hills Brewery, Townshend Wine, Victor’s Hummus, and open galleries! This is your last chance to see Harold Balazs at BeGin! 6pm

Wine Styles – TGIF Wine tasting, ‎2 Acre Wine Company is pouring some splendid wines for everyone on Friday! Stop by for the tasting! 8801 N Indian Trail Rd

Rocket Market – Casual environment in which to taste some classic German Oktoberfest beers and a few of the current American-made versions. Relax, drink beer, and snack on some Germanic style beer food! 7pm. 343.2253; $16 726 E 43rd Ave. $16

Vino Wine Shop: Nicolas Cole Cellars along with Lullaby Winery – a double header for Friday’s tasting. 2:00-5:30pm; 222 S. Washington

Davenport Hotel: Live music from 8pm – midnight

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music starting at 8pm, no cover –60 wines by the glass and a wonderfully eclectic atmosphere – 108 N Washington.

2nd Friday Art Walk in CDA – Every second Friday, from April – December, stroll through downtown Coeur d’Alene and visit participating art galleries, shops, and restaurants with your friends and family.  This is a family-friendly, free event! Come and join us from 5 to 8 pm.

Saturday, October 9

Huckleberry’s Wine Tasting – In the Bistro with Steve Busby from Caterina Winery. Awardwinning reds and whites! $5 per flight of 5 wines; 2-4pm; 926 S. Monroe

Oktoberfest at WineStyles – Bratwurst, German Sausage, Pretzels and Cheese with all the mustard and Saurkraut you could dream of! There is a plethora of German beers to wash it all down! Celebrate the German way in style- extra points for those who come in Leiderhosen. 12-7pm; 8801 N. Indian Trail Rd.

Bottles on Argonne – Mike Scott from Vinum Wine Importing will be pouring samples and providing a history of Rhone wines.  Rhone wines originated in France and today many winemakers from around the world enjoy producing Rhone varietal wines.  Perhaps you have sampled Rhone wines before and are a big fan or perhaps this will be your first experience with Rhones; 2-5PM; 3319 N Argonne

Rocket Market: Saturday drop in tasting from 4-7pm: Wine maker Matthew Loso (Matthew Cellars) creates “magic in a bottle” for this new winery! 726 E. 43^rd Ave

Left Bank Wine Bar – Live music. While you’re there ask Jen or Lauren to make you a special wine flight. They’ll surprise your taste buds. 108 N. Washington

Vino Wine Shop – Washington’s Wawawai Canyon Winery from Pullman visits to taste through some of their award winning wines. Visit anytime between 2-4:30; 222 S. Washington

Vino 15^th Anniversary Sale – EVERYTHING will be on sale Saturday – minimum 10% discount with savings up to 25%. Enjoy tastings, raffles and prizes. Celebrate 15 incredible years and THANK you for supporting Vino!

Sunday, October 10

Get out to a winery! – Always a handful of Spokane wineries open. Enjoy! Trezzi, Townshend, Lone Canary, Mountain Dome, Latah Creek, Arbor Crest, Knipprath and Caterina are open.

Wine Radar

• Arbor Crest and Chocolate Apothecary (October 14)– At the Cliff House enjoy pairing wine with the amazing chocolates of Chocolate Apothecary. This event is a private tasting so reservations are required. Reserve a place, please call 509-927-9463. $24 per person
• Paul Gregutt at Arbor Crest (October 17) - Seattle Times Wine Adviser, Paul Gregutt, will be visiting the Cliff House on Sunday, October 17th to sign his new book, Washington Wines & Wineries, Second Edition. 1-5pm
• Townshend Cellar at Sante Restaurant (October 24) – Nine courses guaranteed to push the envelope on food as you know it. RSVP to Anthony at Santé – Make your reservation by 10/10 and receive $30 off the dinner! 315.4613; $120; 5:30pm
• Epicurean Delight (November 12) – One of the signature events of the year. More than 1000 people enjoyed last years event to benefit the Inland Northwest Blood Center. Enjoy fine dining, wine and microbrews at the Spokane Convention Center < Nectar Wine Blog is a proud sponsor
• Cork & Keg (November 13) – Mirabeau Park Hotel; $45 http://www.spokanecorkandkeg.com/
• Save the date for Spokane Winery Association Holiday Wine Festival (Nov 19-21)

Introducing Nectar Tasting Room

Four years ago I told my wife, “I want to open a wine and coffee bar,” a combination of retail wine, wine by the glass, and Starbucks. Money in the morning, money in the evening, a business model that combines the two things I love! While not quite that exact same vision, today marks the biggest announcement and biggest adventure I’ve embarked on.

Last year, I started this blog with the intention of reaching out to wine lovers in the Spokane area for an eventual business opening. I distinctly remember saying, “If I can open a business in a few years with 200-300 people that know who I am, I’ll be way better off than the guy starting from scratch.” Over the last 11 months, I’ve been blown away by the amazing local and national support of DrinkNectar.com. It is because of you, that I am excited to announce the next steps.

 

In November, Nectar Tasting Room will open in Downtown Spokane. Five Washington wineries will share one space offering thirty wines in one satellite tasting room. Over the next six weeks you’ll see several changes on this site.

• Branding will change from DrinkNectar.com to Nectar Tasting Room and Nectar Wine Blog (links to previous posts will remain intact) Links from nectartastingroom.com and nectarwineblog.com will redirect to one site.
• A new template will be introduced that will separate postings related to the tasting room and other wine blog posts
• Daily posts will continue around wine reviews, wine business, and general wine topics
• Spokane wine event news will move to www.spokanewinemagazine.com; As part of the Spokane wine scene, Nectar Tasting Room will promote and support all wine activities in Spokane
• As contracts are signed, I’ll reveal the five participating wineries

November 11, 2009, friends on Twitter and Facebook welcomed me to the virtual world. One year later, I ask your continued support as I embark on this new venture. You can help be a brand ambassador by sharing this announcement on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you! Please stay tuned as I share the progress and adventure of opening a brick and mortar business. Can someone go from nothing, to wine blogger, to successful wine business in a year? I’m counting on it!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIVE WASHINGTON STATE WINERIES TO OPEN SATELLITE TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN SPOKANE

Nectar Tasting Room is opening on the corner of Stevens and Main and will house the operations of five Washington winery satellite tasting rooms.

Spokane is home to 18 quality wineries that include some of the states oldest, Latah Creek and Arbor Crest. The region’s continued thirst for wine has encouraged the recent growth of 5 new wineries in the last four years. Growing wine interest has generated attention in Spokane among wineries across the state. 

“Spokane has established itself as a wine tasting destination,” says Josh Wade of Nectar Wine Blog (aka DrinkNectar.com) and creator of Spokane Wine Magazine. “The addition of other regional wineries will enhance the wine experience for local residents and increase the spotlight on the quality Spokane wine producers.” The 2000 square foot space will be a place to taste wine and also enjoy wine by the glass. Nectar Tasting Room will be open Thursday through Saturday and plans on live music for the weekends. “This will be a unique wine tasting room experience with iPads as menus, a comfortable urban vibe, and activities that promote interactive wine education as an extension of the participating winery’s main location,” says owner Josh Wade.

Final negotiations are still in progress but wineries from Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Lake Chelan, Tri-Cities, and Woodinville are joining in. Wade is working with local restaurant designer Josh Hissong to build out the space and expects the tasting room to open in mid to late November.

Josh built his business model over the last year strictly using social media sites Twitter and Facebook. The DrinkNectar.com wine blog has been viewed nearly 100,000 times in the last year, with a strong emphasis on promoting the area wine scene, now at a national level. The site is among the top wine blogs in the country in traffic and engagement. With the upcoming changes, DrinkNectar.com is becoming Nectar Wine Blog and will house the information for the tasting room, national wine news, and ongoing wine and social media education.

For updates and information visit www.nectartastingroom.com or www.nectarwineblog.com or contact info@nectartastingroom.com

Cabaret or Cabernet? Both Sound Like Fun

 

Ahhh, Cabaret…what’s not to love about a good French Cabaret? Singing, dancing, fishnet stocking…some Cabarets even tease with a hint of nudity…the whole thing can be quite a fun experience…

What? Cabernet…oh…that’s a completely different thing! Let’s try this again!

Attention, cows! Run in fear! Thursday, September 2 is the official international Cabernet Day. For 24 hours thousands of people across the world will celebrate with the king grape of Bordeaux. Left Bank lovers will longingly lap up the thick juice and their food accompaniment of choice will be a perfect cut of filet mignon or NY strip steak.

Cabernet Day is happening wherever you and Cabernet Sauvignon can be found. You can join at hundreds of Morton’s Steak Houses, dozens of participating wineries, or open your favorite Cabernet and join the online conversation using Twitter or Facebook. Visit the event site for specifics and additional information.

Participate using Twitter:

• Sign in to Twitter
• Talk about your wine
• Make sure your tweet uses the #cabernet hashtag
• Follow the conversation by using http://search.twitter.com/ ( or a program like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck) and search the hashtag #cabernet
• Engage, connect, learn, and have fun

Participate using Facebook:

• Sign in to Facebook
• Go to www.facebook.com/tasteandtweet “like it”
• Talk about your wine by writing on the wall and commenting on others wall posts
• Engage, connect, learn and have fun

Cabernet is so much fun. If you have enough you just might end up with some singing, dancing, fishnet stockings and a chance of nudity too…

Spokane Cabernet Sauvignon

For those of you in the Spokane area, 12 of our local wineries have you covered with 16 different big full bodies Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve had the privilege of enjoying 13 of these wines and Spokane does Cabernet right! I encourage you to drink local for #Cabernet day and together we can show the world what Spokane winemakers are doing! If, for some reason you need another reason, check out “Eleven Reasons to Participate in #Cabernet Day” from my friend Ben Simons of Vinotology.

ARBOR CREST

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $20 – This complex and full-bodied Cab is a delicious blend from five unique vineyard sites in the Columbia Valley. A great value at $20. 3+/5

2007 Sillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon; $32 – Fruit from the well- regarded Stillwater Creek Vineyard lends intense concentration and depth to this wine’s black cherry, current, chocolate and cedar flavors. A nicely layered wine that doesn’t go over the top with tannin and pairs well with full bodied food. 4/5 (Recommend)

2006 Kipsun Cabernet Sauvignon; $32 – From one of the warmest, driest and most respected vineyards in Washington State. Sadly I have not experienced this wine.

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

BARILI CELLARS

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon; $22 – Made from grapes from Dineen Vineyards and Seth Ryan Estate Vineyards, this 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is the good blend of fruit and structure. Boasting chocolate, black raspberry, and a hint of cracked pepper, this wine delivers. Enjoyed this wine during release weekend. Comes across as a big sipper would recommend with food. 3+/5

BARRISTER WINERY

2007 Sagemoor Cabernet Sauvignon; $33 – This Cab is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon from  Sagemoor’s Weinbau Vineyard blended with 15% Merlot and 10% Syrah, both from Sagemoor’s Bacchus Vineyard. The wine has a nose of black cherry, red raspberry and dark cocoa with a hint of vanilla in the background. The Cab has a soft but full mouth feel, a nice mid palate and a finish that will last until your next sip. One of my favorite Cabernet offerings. 4/5 (Strongly Recommend)

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

CATERINA WINERY

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $19.95 – This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon sets out a smorgasbord of flavors: plum, cassis, smoke, loam, a hint of the barnyard. It’s nicely balanced, with polished but astringent tannins that carry the flavors into a lingering finish (Wine Enthusiast 90 pts). An incredible Cabernet value. Open and decant to smooth out the finish and aroma. 3+/5 (Value buy)

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

GRANDE RONDE

2008 Bridgepress Cabernet Sauvignon; $39.99 – Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley. 60% New French Oak, 40% one year old French barrels. I have not had the opportunity to try this wine.

2005 Pepperbridge Cabernet Sauvignon; $29.99 – An intense Cabernet that competes with the big boys from Walla Walla. I really enjoyed the full bodied fruit on this wine. It is aging nicely and could see an additional 2-3 years in the bottle before reaching its prime. Recommend decanting. 3+/5

LIBERTY LAKE WINE CELLARS

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28 – This bold Red Mountain Cabernet is loaded with blueberries, plums and cherries. Ample acidity and tannins of green tea strike balance and there is a finish of milk chocolate and more cherries. Love Red Mountain fruit. Big and bold with a little bit of chewiness on the finish. 3+/5 (Recommend)

NODLAND CELLARS

2006 Walla Walla Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon; $45 – This is a classic Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon with big upfront fruit, an amazing mouth feel, and a long finish. Two years in French oak. Only 50 cases made. Limited quantities remain available. One of the finest offerings out of Spokane. It may be pricy for most, be definitely worth it. Drinking well now but will drink even better in 5-10 years. 4+/5 (Strongly Recommend)

OVERBLUFF CELLARS

2007 LaTour Cabernet Sauvignon; $24 – This is a single vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Made in the new world style, your palate will sense cherry, caramel, chocolate and spice. Exhibits bold front and mid-palate with an elegant and lingering finish. Nicely done. 3+/5

2007 Duality Cabernet; $31 – The Walla Walla Valley terroir shines through in this incredibly complex 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Chocolate, coffee, cherry, spice, toffee and blackberry notes in perfect balance. A well made wine that is still showing a little young. If opening now, decant for 30 minutes or buy and hold for 3-5 years. 3+/5 (Recommend)

ROBERT KARL CELLARS

2006 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon; $30 – Pure varietal, this captures the house style perfectly, with a ripe blend of brambly berries set against crisp natural acids. Almond candy and chocolate graham cracker flavors appear, reflecting 28 months in 75% new oak barrels. The transition to the silky finish brings a refreshing minerality. -P.G. (Wine Enthusiast, 92pts). Loved this wine. 4/5 (Highly Recommend)

*This wine is on Paul Gregutt’s “Best Varietally Labeled Cabernet Sauvignon” for Washington State list.

TOWNSHEND CELLARS

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon; $27.95 – Aromas of black cherry cola & blackberry introduce flavors of bright plum, blackberry & cherry with an earthy, smokey lingering finish. The oldest “new release” I’ve had. After spending 30 months in oak and FIVE years in the bottle the wine is showing beautifully with several years of life still to come. 4/5 (Recommend)

VINTAGE HILL CELLARS 

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $25 – I have not had the privilege of having this wine.

WHITESTONE WINERY

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $28 – Spokane’s only fully estate vineyard operation, Michael Haig grows and produces a well balanced Cab that offers medium body, dark cherry fruit, coffee, and a slight minerality. The wine reminds me of an old world presentation of Cab. 3+/5

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