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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.
ZILLAH -- Silver Lake Winery near Zillah is a beautiful, bucolic spot to visit not only for the scenery, but also for its well-made and inexpensive wines.
This unusual winery is owned by 1,200 wine enthusiasts, normally called stockholders.
Silver Lake is part of Washington Wine and Beverage, which includes sister wineries Hoodsport and Walla Walla's Glen Fiona.
The Silver Lake brand has tasting rooms in Woodinville, where it started and at the former Covey Run facility near Zillah.
Bill Ammons is the general manager of all three wineries and head winemaker. He makes his center of operations at Zillah where the grapes and major wine-making facility are based.
The Zillah tasting room setting is a charmer, with a view of the 250-acre vineyard that lies below spread out like an amphitheater.
Three levels of wines are offered for sale -- the grand reserve, reserve and the regular label. Even the reserves are under $20, while the regular labels often sell for under $10.
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Rattlesnake Hills, $8-$10 -- Flavorful tangerine characteristics with tropical aromas and a fine crisp finish. Try with oysters for sure.
2007 Chardonnay, Rattlesnake Hills, $8-$10 -- Steel fermented, food friendly, fruity with pears and apples. Would be good with oven-baked chicken Parmesan.
2008 Gewürztraminer, Rattlesnake Hills, $8-$10 -- Baking spice aromas and classic grapefruit flavors. Grilled brats and spicy mustard would be a nice match.
2008 Roza Riesling, Rattlesnake Hills, $8-$10 -- Cut flower aromas and crisp apricot and pineapple flavors. Complements spicy Asian foods.
2007 Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills, $10-$12 -- Oak and coffee beginning with rich bing cherry flavors. Great with a slow-smoked beef brisket.
2006 Syrah, Rattlesnake Hills, $10-$12 -- Plum and blueberries abound with aromas of smoked meat. I'd recommend lamb chops soaked in the wine.
2006 Reserve ZInfandel, Rattlesnake Hills, $18-$20 -- A juicy, tasty delightful Washington Zin, not too heavy, just fun and easy drinking. Try with your favorite pizza.
2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, $18-$20 -- The 8 percent zinfandel and cabernet franc blended in helps add a profile of oak, chocolate and a big yummy black cherry finish. Percent with spaghetti smothered in Italian sausage pasta sauce.
* 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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