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It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."
PROSSER -- Construction is expected to start soon on the next phase of what backers say will be the state's premier educational and promotional center for Washington's wines and food products.
KENNEWICK -- If you'll excuse the mixed metaphor let's pick a few Gems from Platinum.
I'm speaking about the annual Wine Press Northwest judging of the best of the best where gold medal winning wines square off.
I was one of the judges for this ninth annual tasting, which in 2008 included more than 320 Pacific Northwest wines. All of the wines listed below won either a platinum or a double platinum, which is a unanimous choice of the judges.
I've cherry-picked my favorites, which are mostly well-known wineries within easy driving distance of the Tri-Cities. Any one of these would be an excellent choice for a holiday gift and shouldn't hurt the pocketbook.
All the prices listed are suggested retail by the wineries, yet more often than not they can be purchased for several dollars less. Happy hunting!
Snoqualmie Vineyards 2007 Winemaker's Select Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10 -- This is a luscious Riesling that, despite having a fair amount of sweetness, is beautifully balanced. Nice with smoked oysters.
Barnard Griffin 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17 -- A superbly balanced cab that often can be found for around $12-$13. Aromas of cedar and sweet spices give way to attractive chocolate, currants and black cherries. A New York strip steak with a modest amount of steak seasoning would be a perfect match.
Gordon Brothers Family Vineyards 2005 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $20 -- Oak and a hint of bacon set you up for some wonderfully smooth blackberry jam flavors. Try beef short ribs in a thick Syrah-based gravy.
Kiona Vineyards Winery 2003 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $25 -- It shows off smooth luscious breadth and depth with blackberries and cherries. Match with a top sirloin smothered in mushrooms.
Maryhill Winery 2005 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $20 -- Aromas of ripe raspberries and chocolate followed by flavors of blackberries and black currants. Great with a gourmet pizza smothered in Italian sausage and cheese.
Thurston Wolfe 2006 Petite Sirah, Washington, $22 -- This robust red reveals aromas of black plums and black peppers with flavors of licorice and hints of oak. Matches with beef stroganoff.
Terra Blanca Winery, 2003 Estate Vineyard Syrah, Red Mountain, $20 -- A great price for a double platinum wine. Big, bold and balanced with flavors of plum jam and a hint of citrus and pepper. Wonderful with pasta and carbonara bacon, Parmesan sauce.
Tsillan Cellars 2006 Estate Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $22 -- Aromas of citrus and peaches followed by flavors of peaches and oranges with great acidity. Pair with curried chicken.
* Bob Woehler has been writing about Northwest wines since 1978. He can be reached via e-mail at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com/woehler.
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