Meanderings in my little Wine World

Today I was greeted with my copy of Red, White, and Drunk All Over; A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass. The book, written by Natalie MacLean, was recently advertised in my Wine Blog Email, and I figured I’d give it a shot. The email almost qualified as Spam, but I figured I’d give it a chance, since someone was so kind as to send an email. If you’re sitting on a copy of the book, I’ll let you know my thoughts in the coming weeks.

NAPA VALLEY TRIP

Stretching beyond our Northwest viticulture, my wife and I have planned a trip to Napa Valley in late July, early August. Any suggestions on where to visit? Let us know.

A TOUCH OF WALLA WALLA

When recently invited over to some friends, Walla Walla wine made its way to our table. Our friends had recently made the trip, 5 plus hours mind you, and we couldn’t help but feel like the lucky ones, having spared the snowy drive across the pass, along with rising gasoline costs.

Our offerings that night consisted of a Northstar 2005 Petit Verdot, and a 2003 Canoe Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve seen the Canoe Ridge label in my local market, but was unaware of the Northstar offering. The Petit Verdot was paired with a delicious cheese display, consisting of Coppa, Maytag, Gruyere, and some Caerphilly. Not wanting to make a scene with tasting notes, I walked away thinking the wine was good – not great. In fact, the Caerphilly left a greater impression on my wife and I, than the wine.

The Canoe Ridge offering, paired with fresh caught Salmon and Prawns, left a more positive reaction. The wine, consisting of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, only reassured my recent dis-appreciation with blends. That funk will burn over soon…..I’m sure. Any suggestions on a solid blend? Let me know.

A SHOUTOUT TO OREGON WINE

Recent articles in a handful of publications indicate Oregon produced and crushed a record amount of grapes in 2007. Most exciting to read was that Pinot Gris production increased by 15% and Cabernet Sauvignon production increased by 33%. I haven’t read anything on Washington’s production as of late.
In early February, Washington State made news when a study indicated the wine industry contributed a little more than $2 billion to the state economy in 2006. 19,000 people were said to be working in the Washington Wine industry, and future outlooks appeared strong.
A growing wine industry in Washington and Oregon can only bode well, considering the tough economic times we now find ourselves in.