50
MY
ROUSES
EVERYDAY
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
T
he Columbia Valley American
Viticultural Area, which covers
almost 11 million acres or
nearly one third the state of Washington,
includes the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain,
Walla Walla, and Horse Heaven Hill.
Washington produces an abundance of
both red and white wines, including some
of the country’s best Rieslings. Much to my
surprise, it also produces some of the best
red wines I’ve ever tasted.
Drinkability is a big part of the appeal of
Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs
and Bordeaux-inspired blends.
My first stop on my tour of the Washington
wineries was the small town of Walla Walla,
more than four hours southeast of Seattle.
Downtown has more than 30 tasting
rooms representing wineries from all over
the Walla Walla Valley appellation. The
appellation extends from Washington into
Oregon and is home to 100 wineries and
1,800 acres of grapes.
We took off for
Northstar Vineyard
in
the southern region of Walla Walla Valley.
Northstar is known for its reds, and its one
single white blend, a Sémillon. It makes
a world-class Merlot, a varietal that took
a beating after the movie Sideways, but is
making its way back onto the palates of
wine lovers.
.
Merlot pairs with most Thanksgiving foods.
Of all the tastings at Northstar, my favorite
was the Stella Maris Red. The winemaker,
David “Merf ”Merfeld follows the Bordeaux
tradition of making this “declassified” wine
using lots that don’t make the winery’s
Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Merlots.
There are 43,000 vineyard acres of grapes
planted in Washington, and 25 percent fall
in Horse Heaven Hills appellation, which
is bounded on the north by the Yakima
Valley appellation and on the south by the
Columbia River.
Canoe Ridge grows and produces red
wines for the Northwest’s oldest and most
acclaimed winery,
Chateau Ste. Michelle
.
Grapes for Chateau Ste. Michelle
white
wines
are grown in Columbia Valley and
bottled and produced inWoodinville.Canoe
Ridge sits on the south face of a ridge that
rises 950 feet above sea level and the view
overlooking the estate and the Columbia
River is breathtaking, just gorgeous.
I met with head winemaker, Raymond
McKee, and tasted through Chateau Ste.
Michelle’s Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven
Vineyard, Indian Wells, Cold Creek
Vineyard and what I think is the their best:
Ethos Reserve.
.
Any of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernets
would pair well with beef, and the Columbia
Valley Syrah is a truly great match for pork.
While in Horse Heaven Hills appellation, I
also made a quick visit to
Columbia Crest
Winery
overlooking the Columbia River
(we carry the Columbia Crest Two Vines,
Grand Estate and H3), and
Col Solare
Winery
in the sub-appellation of Red
Mountain. Red Mountain is the warmest
appellation in the state.
Col SolareWinery
is a partnership between Chateau Ste.
Michelle and Italy’s famed winemaker,
Marchese Piero Antinori.
.
The winery produces a wonderful Bordeaux
style blend that would pair beautifully with
your Thanksgiving or Christmas duck.
Washington Wineries
by
Sally, Rouses Wine, Beer & Spirits Director
Sally and her husband at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
LOOK WHAT’S NEW FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
LOCAL:
Cathead Pumpkin Spice Vodka
Cathead Pecan Vodka
McKenzie’s Orange Moscato from #34 Mike McKenzie
Rougaroux 13 Pennies Praline Rum
Bailey’s Cinnamon Vanilla
Tony Chachere’s Bloody Mary Mix
IN SEASON:
Skinnygirl Prosecco
Ciroc Amaretto Vodka
Smirnoff Cinna Sugar Vodka
Biltmore Christmas White
Reindeer Ranch Red, White and Rosé Christmas wine
Redds Apple Ale
Redds Strawberry Ale
Seasonal Craft Beers
