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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.
The universal truth is such that we're all looking for that perfect match. Whether you're a man, woman or lobster, life is about test-driving enough potentials to eventually find that perfect match. And, often, on our journey, we invoke the power of wine to help us reach just a little bit further. We drink in pursuit of Mr. Right - and we drink even more in pursuit of Mr. Right Now.
But we don't give much thought to the fate of the wine. It, too, may be on a secret search to find that special someone. It's true, wines search for their own True North, the perfect drinker who will passionately uncork it and plunge into every ounce of its complexity with wild, reckless abandon.
Who sees the good in every bottle, weighs the impact of his critique and forgives its small flaws? Is it a myth or does it exist? The Perfect Palate? The Committed Connoisseur? Is he or she really out there?
I found a few wines that are casting their line with the hope of catching Prince or Princess Charming.
You Can Sleep When You're Dead
I'm Long Shadows Vintners 2006 Carmina Burana Poet's Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley. Bright, clean and full of intricacy, I evoke sophisticated German ideals expressed through vibrant layers of fresh pear, dried apricot and light grapefruit. Avoiding overt harmonic complexities, I look great in a stem-less but do prefer long-stemmed, thin crystal. YOU lean toward subtleties and have a taste for the finer things. You are as comfortable at the opera as you are in a cage, minus the theater binoculars. You are honest and considerate, have a healthy stamina and are an interesting pain in the butt. If you're looking to spice up your life with a hint of secret sauce, come a little closer because I don't bite … hard. Care to talk? Chat? Argue?
You May Already Be a Winner
If you love Washington Chardonnay, stand back for a fat, sweet explosion of firm acidity and plump spiciness. I'm Mark Ryan Winery 2006 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, and I've got your number! I'm sugar and spice and all that's nice with hints of pineapple upside-down cake and nutty cinnamon. You are somewhere between a thrill-seeker and a tater tot, aren't afraid to scale a rock face and don't get aggravated when I lead us 100 miles in the wrong direction. You're the one who doesn't knock it till you try it - and laughs when I say something unintentionally stupid. I'm funny, you're kind. I am an awful navigator, but that leads to all sorts of adventures.
Do You Have a Date? How 'bout a Raisin?
I am Peller Estates 2004 Vidal Icewine, Okanagan Valley. I love cold weather and have a warm, Canadian heart. I'm on the smooth side, with pronounced pineapple, pear and apricot. I'm the one that leads the Conga line - full of style and elegance that bursts into lemony custard. My balanced acid is tangled with caramelized orange and Tropicana lusciousness. Sip slowly because my honeycomb finish is long, and when I say long, think Energizer Bunny. You appreciate the sweetness in life and all the places it will take you.
Full of Piss & Vinegar
I'm Gard Vintners 2006 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, and it's time to make "me" time, "we" time. I'm clean and crisp and tantalizing. From me, you'll get green apple, citrus and honeydew. And that's true! Honey, I do! I can be a little pushy, but most love a wine that has control behind the wheel. I like to think I'm a unique balance of tender masculinity and gentle sweet. If you're looking for drippy syrup, pass on me, but be forewarned, you'll regret it. If you're open to the possibilities and overlook a little clunkiness, you'll be hard-pressed not to fall in love. I've got a wicked sense of humor and a refined Alsatian flair. Me, me? Oui, oui!
Lobsters Mate for Life
I am Kana Winery 2006 Katie Mae, Yakima Valley, a white blend of Northwest-unadorned style. I'm on the sweeter side, ripe with fresh nectarine and tangerine. Friends say I'm a relative balance of acid and spunk, and am a great sipper on a sunny day. Admittedly, I'm not fussy and could use a little more refinement, but for the value, I'm a catch! If you want to solve global warming, I'm not sure I can help. I'm simple and uncomplicated. What you see is what you get. If you're someone who's laid-back, has reasonable expectations, doesn't take life too seriously and likes to laugh, you won't be disappointed. My glass is always half full, and if you see life similarly, we should talk.
More Fun than Soap on a Rope
If your favorite Muppet is Miss Piggy, there is a good chance that we just won't get along. I'm Koenig Vineyards 2005 Ice Wine, Snake River Valley, a glass of velvet with a slow, lingering finish. Full of ripe juicy pear, buxom peaches and soft crème brulée, I'm looking for a playmate who can maneuver my long, shiny legs swathed in gold lame. Meeeeowwww! At times I'm nice, but I'd rather be naughty. I look great coming out of a Genie bottle, and rest assured, I know what your three wishes would be. If you have both oars in the water, and are ready to take a little skinny dip, you're up for too much fun. Chemistry is key. Don't talk, just sip.
Get in touch with any and all of them if you think YOU might be the one. Did I mention The German and I met on Match.com? (He was my second date.)
With sass and attitude, Teri Citterman is a Seattle dweller and an eager wine enthusiast. She is a contributing writer to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the Portland Business Journal and Northwest Best Places Travel Books.
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