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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.
You don't have to apologize for serving bargain wines, especially when they are from Barnard Griffin of Richland.
Rob Griffin really is in the groove making award-winning wines that often sell for less than $12 and sometimes less than $6.
Case in point is his 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley, which won a Platinum in the ninth annual Wine Press Northwest Platinum Competition.
This stellar wine can be found at state liquor stores and retail outlets for under $12.
This quote from Wine Press Northwest editor-in-chief Andy Perdue sums up my sentiments: "With more than 30 years experience in making Washington wines, Rob Griffin is pretty well dialed into it. How he does it at such friendly prices is the greater mystery, one we're happy to contemplate over a glass of Cab."
2007 Fume Blanc, Columbia Valley, $5.99 -- Think citrus, especially lime. Clean and crisp, perfect with sautéed prawns.
2007 White Riesling, Columbia Valley, $6.99 -- Wine Enthusiast says this is on its top 100 wines in America list. It personifies a Washington riesling, with ripe apple aromas and creamy peach flavors. Try with a grilled salmon fillet with peach salsa.
2007 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $6.99 -- A Wine Spectator best buy, it offers subtle oak spice along with citrus and pear flavors. How about lobster?
2008 Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley, $7.99 -- Just released. If this ripe, tasty rosé is like all the others Griffin has produced, it's a best-of-show contender. Wonderful cherry aromas and flavors with a pleasant zing at the end. Great for a picnic.
Nonvintage Cabernet Merlot, Columbia Valley, $7.60 -- A poor man's meritage with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Juicy, youthful and lively -- begging for a nicely spiced roast chicken.
2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $11.99 -- Best of class in the prestigious Los Angeles County Fair judging. Ripe plum, smoky expensive pipe tobacco and licorice describe this gem. A butterflied leg of lamb on the barbecue would be great.
2007 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $11.99 -- Won a double gold in the San Francisco Chronicle judging. Solid acidity, chewy tannins and brimming with berries and black cherries. Serve with a classic beef stew.
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $11.99 -- A sweepstakes winner in a recent Tri-City Judging. Wine Press Northwest describes this as "opening with cedar and sandalwood with black currants and plum flavors, yielding to velvety chocolate tannins." Serve with a perfectly cooked prime rib.
*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978.
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