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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, Wash. — Traditionally, I've recommended a bottle of wine as a great Christmas or holiday gift for people who like wine.
This year, I'm recommending Port-style wines.
Port is a great drink when you're curled up in front of the fireplace or after a grand holiday meal.
And did you know that the Mid-Columbia has become a hotbed for making Port-style wines?
Ports go well with such holiday fare as cheeses, nuts, dates, chocolates and caramel desserts, pecan pie and coffee cake.
The best place to buy? Look up the winery on the Web or go to the winery itself.
Barnard Griffin 2008 Syrah port, Columbia Valley, $17 -- This one has always been popular and always good. It opens with black pepper and black cherry aromas, followed by mouth-coating berry jam flavors.
Whidbeys 2007 Washington port, Columbia Valley, $12.99 -- Ste. Michelle Estates' current vintage is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It offers Bing cherries, plums and a hint of maple sugar icing.
Maison de Padgett nonvintage McHargue True Friendship Malbec port, Rattlesnake Hills, $24.95 -- Delicious raspberry flavors and aromas set up this sweet sipper from Zillah.
Kestrel Signature Edition 2007 Port, Yakima Valley, $50 -- Coffee and leather aromas to start, with smooth dried Bing cherry and date flavors. If Starbucks had an alcoholic drink, this would be it.
Hinzerling NV Rainy Day Fine Tawny Port, Washington State, $39.99 -- Mike Wallace of Prosser makes this longtime favorite, which shows Old World qualities, offering hazelnuts and ripe prunes in its aromas and then golden raisins, caramel and maple syrup flavors.
Thurston Wolfe 2005 JTW Reserve, Premium dessert wine, Washington State, $12.50 -- A classic that grabs you on first sniff and sip, with chocolate, cherries and rich, juicy plums.
Badger Mountain nonvintage N.S.A. Cabernet Franc organic port, Columbia Valley, $17 -- It's full of smooth chocolate and Bing cherries, with the alcohol kept in check.
Yellow Hawk Cellars nonvintage Opportunity, red dessert wine, Columbia Valley, $26 -- A Walla Walla winery steps up with an inviting port with blackberry and huckleberry aromas and flavors.
Tefft nonvintage Cabernet Sauvignon port, Yakima Valley, $16 -- This one's loaded with blackberries, raspberries and cranberries, with a chocolate coffee finish.
Claar Cellars NV Fouled Anchor $29.99 --Bing cherries, herbs and spice beginnings and a mouth feel that resembles delicious chocolate-covered cherries.
*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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