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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.
PROSSER -- Kestrel Vintners and Alexandria Nicole Cellars are both in the Prosser Wine and Food Park on the opposite side of Prosser from the new Vintage Village, which includes wineries such as Hogue Cellars and Mercer Estates as neighbors.
Kestrel and Alexandria Nicole both feature tasty tidbits from their on-premises kitchens as part of the overall wine touring experience, a trend more wineries are adopting.
However, it is still the wines that shine and bring in the visitors.
Kestrel has been around since 1999 and has searched for a way to set itself apart from the hundreds of wineries. Its simple solution is to sell outstanding wine at a bargain price.
The prime example: Lady in Red, which features a gorgeous redhead in a red dress on the label and Pure Platinum white, which features a gorgeous blonde in a white dress. Both are priced at $15 but can be found in the $10-$11 range.
Lady in Red, 6th Edition, Columbia Valley -- A delicious Bordeaux blend with a wee bit of Sangiovese rated "Outstanding!" in the latest issue of Wine Press Northwest. Think smooth chocolate cherries with zesty tannins. Kestrel suggests grilled spareribs with cherry glaze.
Pure Platinum, nonvintage white, Columbia Valley -- Also rated "Outstanding!" and winner of a gold medal at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival. A tasty blend of Gewürztraminer and Viognier showing lovely lemon and fruit cocktail qualities. Kestrel recommends spicy sesame noodles, peanuts and Thai basil.
-- www.kestrelwines.com
Alexandria Nicole Cellars is the dream of Jarrod and Ali Boyle and is named after Ali, short for Alexandria.
What makes this winery a bit different is that it not only serves wine but also offers a variety of tapas, including homemade crab dip and an artisan cheese plate.
Jerrod has been involved in the Prosser wine scene for years, obtaining grapes from their estate Destiny Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills.
Alexandria Nicole 2007 Back Room Rosé, Destiny Ridge Vineyard, $14 -- Strawberry jam, crisp and refreshing. How about a ham sandwich?
Alexandria Nicole 2005 Syrah, Destiny Ridge Vineyard, $25 -- Smoked meat aromas mixed with raspberries and mocha. Great with a smoked beef brisket.
-- www.alexandrianicolecellars.com
* Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com
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