Best New Releases-
Huge, Complex, Delicious,
Great deals
Shea 2002's, "K" Vintner Syrahs,
Fascinating new Sparklers with Oregon History

Shea Tasting notes
K Vintners notes and recommendations
Stunning Sparklers that make great gifts
New Huge Reds that You Won't want to miss

What's on the kitchen sink? Bottles of Shea Wine Cellars single vineyard Pinot noirs, K Vintners Syrahs, and some super delicious sparklers!

What a tough job I have- tasting these luscious wines and writing about them. Oh woe is me. (Ha!) Between the Shea Pinots, the K Vintners Syrahs and the Domaine Meriwether Sparklers, I am in wine heaven this week! And a box of new, really hot Big Reds just arrived- so many great new wines from the Great Northwest.

Shea 2002 Pinot noirs

Back in January of 2003, Dick Shea, owner of Shea Vineyard and Shea Wine Cellars, and Sam Tannahill, his winemaker, were kind enough to show us their then in barrel 2002 Pinot noirs and we were super impressed. Sam, as winemaker at Archery Summit, had always made super rich, highly complex Pinot noirs, but this was the first time we'd tried his wines out of the Archery context. They were stunning back in January, and now that they have been released, we can say that they have only improved.

The grapes for these wines come from sections of the Shea Vineyard that were previously sold to other wineries. As Dick Shea has taken back some of his best vineyard sections, the wines from his own winery are rapidly ascending to the ranks of Oregon's best. And in Sam Tannahill, as with Patty Green last year, he has chosen one of the region's best winemakers.

Sam uses several techniques that bring out the nuances of Pinot noir, including fermenting the grapes in wooden barrels, a technique notoriously hard to control, temperature wise. His meticulous cleanliness and precise management of the wine pay off in simply succulent Pinots.

Shea Wine Cellars 2002 Tasting Notes

Shea 2002 Wines, just before they were grabbed and consumed in toto- yumm!

The Shea Block 23 2002 $48 is loaded with sweet, jammy berry and cherry fruit, richly expansive and textured with layers of candy-like fruit. The nose has hints of roasted meat, sweet jammy fruit, toasty oak, cassis, and blackberry. The finish is hedonistic, rich, huge, reminiscent of the Archery Summit Arcus Estate Pinot noir in complexity, richness, and style.

The Shea Block 32 2002 $48 starts with a glorious bouquet of violets, cherries, red raspberry, and hints of flinty minerals. It is a Mohammed Ali of a wine- a big powerful wine, but light on its feet, with the balance and complexity to support its massive body. The strongly built backbone of this wine is encircled by dusty blackberry, cassis, and black cherry fruit, with hints of violet, rose, and Asian Five Spice in the mid palate. The finish is extremely long, sending hints of cassis, tar, smoky oak, blackberry creme, and bramble for minutes after swallowing. It is drinking beautifully now, but hints of tightness in the inner core call for patience. This wine will drink best, with proper cellaring, in 8-12 years.

The Shea Estate Pinot noir 02 $35 is a supple and elegant wine, with deep hints of smoke and toast on the nose, and mocha/char notes in the flavors of blackberry, black plum, dark cherry, and minerals. A long finish is ripe and appealing.

The Shea "Homer" 2002 $70, a January Selection for Avalon's Reserve Pinot noir Club, is nothing short of remarkable. A dark black purple garnet color is coupled with a nose full of black cherry, jammy blackberry, cassis, Asian spices, complex spice and floral notes, violet, rose, a long, textured finish with creaminess and body. Opulent, yet with good acidity for cellaring, and the constantly changing, highly pleasant sensation of different scents and flavors that lingers in the finish. Yow! Just a wonderful wine.

The Shea Chardonnay 02 $28.00 shows Sam's abilities extend well beyond Pinot noir. This classic Chardonnay has the acid balance to support its rich flavors. Its intense flavors and scents of tropical fruits are supported by a graceful structure and ripe acidity. This wine shows how good Chardonnay can be, when balance is not sacrificed to please the palate that does not want acidity. Ageable, this wine could benefit from 3-6 years of cellaring and will reward the patient with a unique taste experience.

Map of Shea Vineyard with Shea Wine Cellars Blocks in Red

K Vintners- Walla Walla's Syrah Saveur

Located in the garage of his modest family home, down the road from Walla Walla Vintners and the local community college, Charles Smith's "K Vintners" is dedicated to making the best Syrah in the world. Along with his friend Christophe Baron, of Cayuse fame, Charles is striving to create the most interesting, complex, intriguing Syrahs possible.

K Vintners Winery

And he just might be succeeding.

Charles Smith is both owner and winemaker at K Vintners and previously lived in Scandanavia. Originally from Northern California, her has been involved with wine professionally and personnally his whole life. Currrently K Vintners is producing wine from 3 different viticultural zones: Red Mountain, Columbia Valley and the Walla Walla Valley. Each of these areas are proving to be unique and impressive for the viticulture of Syrah.

In April '02 K Vintners planted two seperate blocks of vineyards to Syrah adjacent to the winery in the rocky dry creek beds that run through K Vintners property. The winery produces small lots of single vineyard Syrah, with production level is at 2000 cases per year, which is divided between five wines.

The "K" Syrahs all show a great deal of terroir in their flavors. Most of the winery's production is very small lot single vineyard Syrah, with a second label, "The Magnificent Wine Company" producing some blends.

The K Syrah Morrison Lane 01 $45 is full of herbal notes, with lavender, violets, fresh dried grass and thyme in the nose. Big fruit is well integrated with more herbal and gamey notes in the flavors, and the finish is exceptionally smooth, yet shows good tannic structure.

The K Syrah "End of the Road" 02 $30 shows a very different profile from the Morrison. Its nose is dominated by fresh pipe tobacco, cedar, and rich warm spice, with flavors of intense black plum, black cherry, licorice, and pie spices. A unique hint of violets completes the finish. A fascinating wine.

The Magnificent Wine Company Merlot 02 $20 is made from K Vintner's prized "En Cerise Vineyard" fruit, and is made with Bordeaux styled intensity. The wine is richly meaty and big, with a lot of tannic backbone and structure. No wimpy wine here, this is a big, darkly colored, hearty wine to stand up to venison or cassoulet.

K Vintners' Vineyard

Domaine Meriwether
Sparkling Wines-
French Style, Northwest Themed

Domaine Meriwether is an Oregon winery best known for their delicious sparkling wines. The wines are named after aspects of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, that famous early exploration of the Pacific Northwest sponsored by then President Thomas Jefferson in 1803. Domaine Meriwether's French winemaker, Jean-Louis Denois, has created five sparkling wines that are quite delicious and very reasonably priced, and the historical themes add interest and make great gifts, particularly to history buffs. The Domaine Meriwether Discovery Cuvee was served recently at the White House.

Domaine Meriwether was founded in 1998 with its first vintage and the carefully aged sparkling wines are just being released in late 2003. Production is still onlya about 500 cases a year, but will grow as the winery releases more vintage sparkling wine, as well as still wines. Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot gris are planned.

The Wines

1998 FORT CLATSOP
CUVEE BLANC de BLANCS $21.00

This 100% Chardonnay wine was made because the winery had an excess of Chardonnay grapes in their first year of operation. Domaine Meriwether's French winemaker from Champagne, Jean-Louis Denois made this sparkling wine in limited quantities in 1998. It is just being released in late 2003. Fort Clatsop was the place where Lewis and Clark wintered during their expedition. Only 200 cases were made.

Two approaches were employed to achieve complexity in the final blended cuvee: first, site and clonal diversity was assured by making this wine from two clones (Draper and UCD 108) of hand-picked Chardonnay grapes purchased from five different growers; secondly, vinifying in small neutral oak barrels produces a slow and controlled oxidation which adds complexity and vinous flavor to the base wines during their 7-10 months in barrel.

Winemaker’s Notes: “Color yellow straw… abundant foam that dissipates into a persisting crown. Impressive mousse with continuous stream of small fine bubbles. Aromas of tropical fruits with hints of butterscotch and apricot. Palatal impression is lively, fresh, round, and creamy. Flavor profile has hints of quince, spice and passion fruit ...”

Serving Suggestions: A fine aperitif. Also a remarkably compatible accompaniment to a variety of delicate food entrees such as salmon, most shellfish, Sushi and caviar. It also works well with chicken, quail, and veal.

1998 THOMAS JEFFERSON
CUVEE PRESTIGE $24.00

This is Domaine Meriwether's top of the line cuvee, made from a selection of the best of Domaine Meriwether's wines. Thomas Jefferson is commemorated on the bottle's neck- it was Jefferson who initiated the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The noted authority on Champagne Tom Stevenson has pointed out that the key to making a prestige cuvee that is the ultimate expression of the producer is “… selection, selection, selection … and a great winemaker”! Applying these guidelines in Oregon when the winery evaluated the sixteen different 1998 vintage base wines, single lots of Pinot Noir (Upright clone) and Chardonnay (UCD 108 and Draper clones) from Rebecca’s Vineyard in Yoncalla, OR stood out because of their superior balance and structure. From these two selections, talented French winemaker from Champagne, Jean-Louis Denois, made a limited quantity (400 cases) of Prestige Cuvee. Slow controlled oxidation during barrel fermentation adds complexity to this remarkable first effort to demonstrate that Oregon can produce world-class Pinot Noir-based sparkling wines.

Winemaker’s Notes: “Color straw yellow … abundant foam that dissipates into a persisting crown. Stream of small fine bubbles is continuous. Complex aromas with hints of herbs, grass, caramel and toast. Palatal impression is full, round, rich, with good mid-palate expression of Chardonnay and structure of Pinot Noir in its length.”

Serving Suggestions: A classic fine aperitif. Because of its Pinot Noir predominance, it can be enjoyed throughout meals. It works well with the same entrees that are accompanied by a Pinot Noir table wine such as lamb, chicken, quail, and veal.

1998 CAPTAIN WILLIAM CLARK CUVEE $20.00

Made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot noir cuvees, this wine shows off Domaine Meriwether's Champagne influence. Jean-Louis's origins show through with this sophisticated, creamy yet dry sparkler.

Captain William Clark, the red headed co-captain of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was born in 1770 in the same area of Virginia as Lewis and Jefferson. While pursuing a career in the military, Ensign Merriwether Lewis served under him, and the men became friends. Clark was the expedition's cartographer, and was adept at communicating with the native tribes encountered on the journey. HIs long life included many journeys back to the wilderness as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and he was active in politics and federal government throughout his career.

1998 OLIVIA’S CUVEE BRUT ROSE $30

Domaine Meriwether's French winemaker from Champagne, Jean-Louis Denois, made this remarkable Rose sparkling wine in limited quantities during Domaine Meriwether’s first year of Methode Champenoise wine production in Oregon in1998.

As done in many houses in Champagne (such as Gosset, de Cazenove, and Charbaut), this colored wine is made from white Chardonnay grapes purchased from four different growers. The Rose color was achieved by the addition of a small amount of our 1998 Dion Vineyard Pinot Noir table wine to the blended Cuvee base wines prior to bottling and secondary fermentation.

Winemaker’s Notes: “Color reddish pink… generous foam on surface that forms a persisting crown. Fine, small bubbles in continuous stream. Aromas of raspberries with roasty caramel undertones. Round yet lively palatal impression. Subtle spice and passion fruit flavors..”

Serving Suggestions: A fine aperitif. Also a remarkably compatible accompaniment to a variety of entrees such as salmon, shellfish, Sushi, and veal.

NONVINTAGE
CUVEE DISCOVERY $15

A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot noir, this value priced sparkler is a lovely dry wine that tastes like a lot more than the price tag would indicate. Winemaker Jean-Louis Denois shows his French style.

Big Big Reds - New Wines from Washington not to be Missed!

Basel Cellars Merriment, Five Star Cellars Merlot and Cab made from Pepperbridge's old vine block previously use by Leonetti for their Merlot and Cab, Lattitude 46's delicious Gewurztraminer and Clifton Cuvee, and Willow Crest's bargain Syrah-- all are listed in our new Hottest New Big Reds page.

Basel Cellars Merriment is made by hot winemaker Trey Busch (formerly at Dunham Cellars) for a private resort/club in Walla Walla. This wine will soon be available only to members- we have a limited amount for our January NW Big Reds Club!

Kevin says this is just about the best wine he's ever had from Walla Walla. Seeing as he went to school there and knows everyone and is a big Walla Walla wine affectionado, that is some high praise.

This gorgeous Bordeaux-style blend is deep red in color, and has a plush texture like crushed velvet. The nose is reminiscent of tobacco leaf and sweet cherry syrup. The flavors are dominated by plums, dark cherries, herbs, and spice. The tannins are smooth and supple. This wine is sure to age beautifully, revealing its complexity over the next 8-10 years.

Five Star Cellars just received a Gold Medal (one of only five given) at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival for their Cabernet Sauvignon 01 $32. This Yakima Valley event may be small, but the judges are nationally respected and they really know NW wines. Five Star was the talk of the evening, especially after it was revealed that the Cab and Merlot 01 $31 were made from fruit from the Pepperbridge Vineyard, from the old vine section previously used by Leonetti for their Cab and Merlot. Yow! These wines are a steal.

Jean's Holiday Gift Picks

If I was to pick NW wines
to send to friends and family,
here's what I'd send:

For my friend who likes
dessert wines:
Ankeny "Gold" Pinot gris
Dessert Wine 375 ml $12
Because it has all the richness and sweet fruit that anyone could want, but has a racy acidity that leaves your palate refreshed, not overwhelmed. And the price is great.

For the lover of "trophy" wines:
Seven Hills "Pentad" 01 Bordeaux Blend $55
Under 100 cases made, we'll take a hundred phone calls the day this wine is reviewed in Wine Spectator, and I guarantee we'll be sold out by then.

For my friends who hunt, fish,
and love big red wines:
Hells Canyon's
Deerslayer Syrah $20,
Seven Devils Red $21,
and Retriever Red $15
Because these wines combine the richness and flavors that complement the heartiest meal, while offering really great labels and reasonable prices.

Here's my list of the wines I'd put in a gift case of wine, interesting and delicious choices from the Northwest

Youngberg Hill PN 2000 $18/16.20
jammy and well balanced- the hit of a recent staff tasting, we kept comparing everything to it, and finding it the best.

Jezebel Pinot noir 02 $20/18
Hedonistic and huge,
Peter does it again. Yummy.

Fielding Hills Merlot 01
$30/27
And worth very penny- so much complexity and structure for a big lush Merlot

Solera Syrah 01 $16/14.40
Just shows you can get a giant juice bomb Syrah for less than $20.

Siduri Pinot Noir
Shaw Vineyard 01 $48/43.20
Because even though it is pricey, it is sooooo good. Just layers and layers of fruit, herbs, toast, true to Pinot noir, long long finish.

Patricia Green Cellars
Pinot noir Shea 01 $32/28.80
Just keeps getting better, there's lots of options from Patty, but this one from 2001 is drinking so beautifully- had it again last week and it was a joy to behold.

Adea
Dean-O's Pinot noir 01
$26/23.40
Because I've always had a soft spot for Harley people, and this wine has a wild free spirit.

Andrew Rich
Cabernet Franc 01 $20/18
Because a customer made a special long distance call to me after trying this wine to make sure I knew how good it is, and because Andrew's wines are so consistently excellent, and I like his dog, Romeo, a lot.

Brick House
Gamay Noir 02 $20
Doug Tunnell always makes about the best Gamay in the state, and the lower price makes it even more appealing. And it proves "organic" and "delicious" go together quite well.

McKinlay Pinot noir Special Selection 01 $30/27
One of the best of the vintage and fascinating for the creamy texture and perfect balance. And it's so good with chocolate.

Seven Hills Pentad 01 $55/49.50
Because this shows what experience, hard work, skill, and planning pays off. Casey's best wine ever, without a doubt, from a winemaker with a string of successes behind him and more to come.

Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 01 $33.49/30.14
Because they always give great value for the price, although I wish they'd put their regular Cab back below $30, this Reserve is the best deal of their current releases and gives major "Big for the buck".

Andrew Rich Roussanne 02 $18.99/17.10
Because it takes courage to pioneer a new varietal, and to pull it off so well. Unusual, tasty, big, rich, hard to pull off and done beautifully. Andrew excells again.

So there's my "Bakers Dozen". Now what lucky friend am I going to send this case to? Hmmm...

The Avalon
Hot Ten
Best selling Wines
this week

1. Adea
Dean-O's Pinot noir 01 $25.99/23.40
Wine Spectator rating 90 points

2. Brooks
"Janus" Pinot noir
$29.99/27.00
Sent this out to the Pinot Club
and lots of people ordered more!

3. Beaux Freres Pinot Noir 01
92 points in Wine Spectator
$57.99/52.19
FEATURED WINE-
Regular price $69.99

More about Beaux Freres

4. Canon del Sol Syrah 2001
$30/$27 case
TOP SYRAH IN NW
Wine Press NW tasting of over 100 Syrahs!
More about Canon del Sol

5. Penner Ash Pinot Noir 01 $45/40.50
From the ultra talented team of
Lynn and Ron Penner Ash.
More about Penner Ash




6. Colvin Merlot 99
SALE $16.99
regular $25.99
From an up-and-coming
Walla Walla
maker of huge red wines
More about Colvin Vineyard

7. Fielding Hills
Cabernet Sauvignon 00
$30/$27 case
Wine Spectator 91 points
Avalon's hot new find-
less than 100 cases made,
big gorgeous Cab with espresso bean, bittersweet chocolate, rich berry and plum flavors- a cult winery in the making!

More about Fielding Hills

8. Shea Wine Cellars Pinot noir "Block 23" 2002 $48

9. Beaux Freres
"Les Cousines" Pinot Noir 01
$29/$26.10 case
Drinking wonderfully,
Beaux Freres second label!



10. Andrew Rich
Les Vigneaux
Gewurztraminer Ice Wine
92 points in Wine Spectator!
$19.99/16.99