Photo Credit Richard Duvall

Jade went on KGW to share a sneak peak of some Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon and share details of the event.  Check out the video and scroll down for more info

Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Events

The World of Cabernet Sauvignon Kick-Off in the historic Gesa Power House Theatre – This is geeky and total fun.  Everyone LOVES it.

Vintage Pour at Tranche – This is my fave because you don’t always get to compare older vintages at your house

Wine Panel Presentations at the Marcus Whitman Hotel – A regional comparison of Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla, Napa, and Italy.

Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Tasting at Waterbrook Winery – All the Cabernets.  All. Of. Them.

Collaborative Winemaker Dinner Series – My other fave because, well food and wine, plus you get to be out and about at the wineries.

Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

There are 60+ wineries pouring this year in fact you can see them all at this link to list of participating wineries so how did we choose 3 to bring on KGW.  These 3 will be poured at the Wine Panel Presentation.  If you attend you will get to taste them alongside comparisons from Napa and Italy and hear first hand the winemakers’ impressions.  Here’s what we thought:

2016 Doubleback Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ~$98

Intense flavors of red and dark fruits, spice, and vanilla. Earthiness, smokiness and a bit of that green pepper herbacousness we love on Cabernet Sauvignon.  Bright acidity with soft tannin.

2014 Aluve Walla Walla Valley Menozzi Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ~$52

Mountain fruit from the foothills of the Blues gives grippy tannin, earthy flavors, sweet herbs, vanilla, blueberry, and cola.

2015 Abeja Walla Walla Valley Heather Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ~$68 mailing list only

Complex with notes of black cherry, cassis, dark raspberries, and undertone of vegetal notes – rhubarb and olive – spicy sweet cinnamon, earthy minerality, velvety tannins, and notes of bitter chocolate on the finish.

Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon Tickets and Details

You can order tickets here plus get info on lodging and see which wineries are pouring at each event.  One of the cool things about Celebrate Walla Walla is you don’t have to get tickets to every event – but most people don’t want to miss anything.  Hope to see you there.  Please come say hi if you spot me.

The post Celebrate Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Jade went on KGW for just this topic.  Wines for Winter Meals.  Or let’s face it  Wines for long winter nights. Case in point the walk from the car to the studio was blustery and freezing and it snowed overnight!

Watch the clip and keep reading for more details.

Wines for Winter Meals

2015 Big John Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from H/H Estates Coyote Canyon Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills (Prosser WA)  $42 – Actually named for a great big prize winning bull, from back when the family raised cattle instead of grapes. This is  big Cab Sauv you want with your steak or pot roast. Tart red fruit, evergreen notes, big structure Note 2015 was tasted, 2013 pictured below. See our review of the 2010 H/H Estates Big John

2015 tasted

2015 Idiot’s Grace Cabernet Franc from Columbia Gorge  $32 – Ahh the other Cab… Cabernet Franc is Cabernet Sauvignon’s daddy so to speak and is one of my favorite grapes from one of my favorite wineries in the Columbia Gorge. I want this with a lamb and veggie stew because it has so many complex layers.  Savory with the vegetal notes expected from Cab Franc, a burst of Marionberry, and a finish of black pepper and orange oil. 

And finally from one of my all time favorite Horse Heaven Hills wineries … I like every bottle I’ve tried from Alexandria Nicole.

2015 Alexandria Nicole Cellars Block 7 Syrah from Destiny Ridge Vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills  (Prosser WA) $28–  This is the wine that will get you through the winter.  Wild and luxurious it is like purple velvet.  Pair with pork or duck with a berry compote or even a decadent grilled cheese. $28 (note 2011 pictured)

2015 Block 17 Alexandria Nicole Syrah was tasted

The post Wines For Winter Meals appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

It was one of those fluke hot Oregon days in May so I avoided the oven and served chilled and room temperature make ahead appetizers.  Follow these links for recipes for Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Shrimp Salsa and for Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs.

Guests were asked to write a 5 word tasting note to add to the notes Mark and I took pre party.  Examples were how the wine makes you feel “it’s getting hot in here” or what it smells like “strawberry, raspberry, cherry, cotton candy” or what it reminds you of “pink tennis shoe childhood summer.”

Our Taste of Rosé

• Rain Dance 2016 Nicholas Vineyard Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountain, Oregon Pale pink, ballet slipper in color this is a very “into the woods” rose with aromas of oak, fairy dew, and the coolness of evergreen.  If you were looking for a”wintery” rose this might be the one with Christmas(y) notes of cinnamon, clove, gingerbread, and orange zest.  Good acid, amazing finish.
• Baileyana 2016 Rosé of PN Edna Valley, California  Aromas of sour cherry beer, grapefruit, limestone, and some honeyed strawberry notes.  A refreshing tongue tapping palate that kind of dances around in your mouth.  Tart cherry and raspberry, vibrant and full with a spicy bergamot finish.
• Raptor Ridge 2016 Bellevue Cross Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Noir McMinnville, Oregon Bright candy apple red in color with a nose that seems subtle by comparison. Aromas of cherry nut bread, red ripe apple, cherry pie filling and raspberry.  On the palate the baked aromas translate into spiced apple cider, cherry, and cinnamon with nice acidity and a full rich mouthfeel.  
• Esprit Gassier 2016 Cotes de Provence   Most people in our group found this wine pleasant.  A pretty nose of bing cherry, strawberry, white peach, marzipan.  Not complex but nice welcome wine.
• Maryhill 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese Columbia Valley, Washington  The elusive wellmade crowd pleaser, this rosé of sangiovese will have you thinking “It’s 4:30 somewhere.” A pretty in pink color with a spicy floral nose of rose tea and lavender, fresh linen, sweet strawberry, and honeysuckle.  An inviting nose leads to a surprising fleshy palate that gets creamier as it warms delivering flavors of strawberry shortcake and terrific balance of a touch of sweetness with fresh acidity.

• Planeta 2016 Rosé of Nero d’Avola/Syrah 50/50  Sicily, Italy. Most people in the group wanted a little more fruit from this wine and used descriptors like peppery, hay, green tea. fatoush. I found the sharp acuity and savory, salty, slightly cheesy palate just screamed for fresh sardines. Odd but a bit delightful in its oddities. 
• Abacela 2016 Grenache Rosé Umpqua Valley, Oregon  A sweet tart floral wine with white cherry, clover, grapefruit, cherry, raspberry, herbs, and citrus blossom on the nose.  The palate is fun, bright fruit – melon and strawberry – with nice acid.

• Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Rosé Estate Cuvee Umpqua Valley, OregonThis is a conundrum of a wine and I think you will enjoy unravelling the mystery. First it looks more like a red Beaujolais than a rose.  Then with 3 white grapes and 4 red it just has layers upon layers of things to discover.  Here is a crazy list: “rose on a hammock,” bright apple, mineral, lavender, creamy strawberry, sweet fresh apricot, lemon grass, apple cinnamon and spice, jasmine, grass, bitter radish, spice, herbaceous, pine needle, lime zest, savory, basil, oregano, tomato sauce.
• 14 Hands Winery 2016 Rosé of Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington  Pineapple was the consensus on this one. Open for a day at the beach –  sea air, tropical coconut, fun palate.

• Franck & Sylvain Godon Rosé of Pinot Noir Sancerre Loire Valley A very dry, very serious tangerine colored rose of pinot noir. Fresh citrus and floral perfumed nose. Subtle notes of grapefruit, white peach, and honey drizzle. Minerality, green tones of sugar snap peas, and the bitter spice of white pepper and orange oil.  Pronounced perfume on the palate, tart fruit, a kicking acidity, and the salty salinity of the sea that make this wine beg for oysters.
• Chateau Grand Boise 2016 Rosé of Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Cotes de Provence Saint Victoire  Pale in color but aromatic this blend of grenache, syrah, mourvedre leans toward confected notes marzipan, apricot sponge cake, banana, cotton candy, sugared pear.  Less fruit on the palate but plenty of lemony zesty acid, full mouthfeel, and a long finish with a bit of peach.
• Day Owl 2016 Rosé of Barbera California Peach in color, this rose of barbera has a tropical, seductive nose of papaya, sweet herb, orange, white tea, and the intoxicating smell of a meadow blooming with clover. Aromas repeat on the well structured palate which boasts a big juicy mouthfeel, a long tangy spicy finish, and red apple skin tannin that dries the inside of the mouth making you long for another sip. 
• Ippolito Rosé of Gaglioppo Ciro Mabilia Calabria, Italy For those filling out their list of grapes tasted, or just for someone looking for a delightful rosé, here is an opportunity to taste a gaglioppo from Italy’s Calabria. A gorgeous mango color with a very light fizziness.  Taste it fast because that tickle dissipates after the first sip.  A fruity nose of condensed ripe flavors – candied apple, cherry lollipop, fresh strawberry, peach juice and a high note of sweet green herb.  Just a hint of residual sugar keeps the palate perfectly balanced.  Full bodied for such a pretty rosé, flavors of peach and strawberry, and a long finish of white tea and spicy clover.  An approachably sophisticated rosé perfect for vacations to the Italian Riviera or just pretend vacations.
• Tenute Rubino 2016 Rosé of Negroamaro  IGT Salento Italy  The color of coral reef, this rosé from Southern Italy lures with pomegranate, tangerine, and the smell of distant gardens of roses, lavender, and jasmine.  Vanilla and cherry scented like a cream soda without the heavy handed sugary smell.  Drier than expected with floral notes of gardenia and rose plus fruity tangerine.  Prickly acid and äa vivacious palate that ends with tart cranberry.  Add the negroamaro grape to your list.
• Strehn 2016 Rosé of Blaufränkisch Pale peach in color and light and delicate on the nose. Don’t serve this one too cold.  It has a lot to say.  Peach vanilla sorbet, slightly confected strawberry, tart fresh pie cherries, raspberry blackberry and apple skin.  A savory palate with tart grapefruit acidity, a little effervescent spritz, a hint of sweet and pungent anise, and the light salted meatiness of proscuitto
• Domaine de Clos Godeaux 2016 Rosé ‘of Cabernet Franc “Les Maupas” Chinon, Loire Valley, France This rosé of cabernet franc boasts a bold beautiful coral hue and a shy, yet pretty, nose.  The early spring floral aromas of a meadow – sweet hay, grass, cilantro, apple blossom, rose – plus tart raspberry and the spice of hibiscus tea. Great structure on the palate with juicy mouthwatering acidity, plum skin tannin, tart cherry, fresh strawberries, and bit of salinity.
• Bjornson Vineyard Argenta 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir This rosé of pinot noir lures with a fruit forward nose of fresh pear, yellow apple, light floral, white peach, candied lime zest, and bing cherry.  Full and lush, yet lively on the palate, the mid palate settles into a lingering bit of cherry strawberry sweetness on the tongue and then switches to tart lime on an extended finish.

Most of these wines were samples.  Opinions are unbiased and collective.

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Samples were provided. Notes were taken blind and are unbiased.  Our group consisted of wine writers, wine sale professionals, sommeliers, and their interested significant others.  Let’s face it. The significant others always have more interesting notes.

Not everyone liked every wine because this is the real world.  Since you too will be drinking in the real word take our comments into consideration and try some of theses wines for yourself. Click the links to see complete reviews. There are some lovely options.

Click for review. 2013  Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Sharp Sisters Red Blend – 47% Merlot, 41% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Sangiovese, 1% Petit Verdot ~ $21

Click for review. 2012 Unbroken Horse Heaven Hills Blended Red – 43% Cab SAuv, 27% Merlot, 19% Malbec, 11% Cab Franc ~ $28

Click for review. 2010 H/H Estates Reserve Big John Cab, Coyote Canyon Vineyard – 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Mourvedre, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Malbec ~ $42

Click for review 2012 Chateau St. Michele Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $36

Click for review 2013 Alexandria Nicole Quarry Butte Destiny Ridge Vineyards Estate Grown Horse Heaven Hills Red Wine 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 4% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot ~$26

Click for review. 2013 Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon  ~$28

Click for review. 2012 Mercer Estates Horse Heaven Hills Cavalie Reserve – 52% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon 17% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot ~$42

Click for review 2012 Mercer Estates Horse Heave Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 5% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot ~$42

Horse Heaven Hills is a fascinating agricultural mecca producing record amounts of cherries, hops, and of course fine wine.  See A Swag Bag of Potatoes for the real story on Costco’s baby carrots. To learn more about the founding families and the wine history of the area Discovering Treasure in Horse Heaven Hills.  Information on wineries this line up  – Mercer Estates, McKinley Springs, Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Coyote Canyon Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle

The post Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

Big John was an award winning bull and the name hails back to the days when the Andrews family raised cattle instead of grapes. That’s right, Coyote Canyon is yet another property where Andrews descendants are still producing agricultural products, this time that come to us in a wine bottle.

This was a favorite of the group.  Mark and I revisited it over the course of several days and it just kept getting better – a sign that you could enjoy now or reap an even bigger reward in about 5 years.  It has such a descriptive profile that I kissed Mark and immediately said, “You’ve been tasting the Big John.”  The nose is a little shy but expect red fruit, cinnamon, savory and sweet herbs – rosemary, thyme, stevia, basil.  Silky on the palate but it means business with earthy notes and lots of black pepper. Like the bull, this wine gets it done.

Click Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon for the full story and more tasting notes.

Sample. H/H Estates Coyote Canyon Winery.

The post 2010 H/H Estates Reserve Big John Cab Coyote Canyon Vineyard appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

The entire tasting group liked this wine and two people loved it. Kind of masculine with rich, smoky, leathery notes.  Like you should sit in a dark wood paneled den to enjoy this savory wine.  It reminded one person of flannel – so there is something cozy in this glass. Spice, licorice, root beer, dried herbs, and black fruits – black raspberry, black cherry, and blackberry.

Click Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon for the full story and more tasting notes.

Sample. Mercer Estates

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Produced by McKinley Springs this wine is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of families farming in Horse Heaven Hills. A fitting theme given that the owners are part of one of the oldest and most prolific farming families in the area – the Andrews.

A hit with our tasting group who found this wine to be just what Goldilocks would want if she drank “just right”.  Delicate, light pretty and fruity we found bright red fruits like cherry and raspberry along with floral notes we described as “purple(y)”.  Inviting warm clove spice and just enough acid, tannin, and oaky vanilla.

Click Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon for the full story and more tasting notes.

Sample.

The post 2012 Unbroken Blended Red Horse Heaven Hills appeared first on Tasting Pour by Jade Helm.

This blend was named for Carma Sharp -Mercer and her 5 sisters and is supposed to be “fun forward and meant to be enjoyed among family and friends” just like these party gals would have wanted. The winemaker chose to use a combination of French and American oak – the latter known to add more dominant flavors.   It met with mixed reviews from our group.  For some it was in their top 2 of the night. Others found it to be too oaky.    Expect a soft wine with a wide array of fruit – red bramble fruits, plum, cherry, black cherry, and blueberry popping up on the finish.  Lots of vanilla from that oak and alcohol that isn’t exactly subtle.  Acid keeps it bright.

Click Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon for the full story and more tasting notes.

Sample. Mercer Estates

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A mix of sweet cherry, plum, blueberry that shows more on the palate than the nose.  Sweet spices,  a tannic backbone, and burst of something mid palate that can only be described as purple.

Click Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon for the full story and more tasting notes.

Sample. Mercer Estates

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This is why there is more than one wine.  Not everyone in our tasting group loved this but it was the fave or at least in the running for most.  The bottle is no longer here so someone liked it well enough to offer it a new home.

Our tasters found a mix of red fruit, black olive, “serious cinnamon”, “deep cherry”, black pepper, and some savory, umami, meaty notes.  Most loved the nose and found it to be bright and balanced.

Click Call a Cab: Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon for the full story and more tasting notes.

Sample. Mercer Estates

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