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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 -- Preparing my annual year in review of wines revived fond memories of 2009.
But then living in the heart of Mid-Columbia wine country makes every year memorable.
First, my favorite of the year:
Barnard Griffin 2008 Rose of Sangiovese $12 -- Sold out at the winery but still available at some outlets. Always a top award winner, the 2008 is no exception with bright strawberry flavors and refreshing crispness that makes it fine to drink by itself or with a variety of foods. If you can't find any, the 2009 will be out soon.
Now here's my month-by-month list of favorites:
January: Saint Laurent 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $22 -- Vanilla, oak, Bing cherries and chocolate are this wine's hallmarks. Create a gourmet-style meatloaf to match it.
February: Olsen Hills 2007 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $14 -- Delightful orchard fruit and floral aromas are followed by flavors of honey, peaches and spice with good acidity. Match it with a pineapple and cucumber salad.
March: Chateau Ste. Michelle 2007 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $9-$11 -- Tropical fruit, a hint of oak and citrus zing at the end. Serve with cracked crab and lemon wedges.
April: Milbrant 2007 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $12-13 -- It's crisp and tasty with aromas and flavors of pears and apples. Team it with halibut.
May: Kiona Vineyards 2006 Lemberger, Red Mountain $12 -- Smooth and tasty berries with a bit of oak and spice. Pair it with lamb.
June: McKinley Springs 2007 Viognier, Horse Heaven Hills, $14 -- Classic orange aromas with a tangy orange rind flavor. Serve it with barbecued chicken wings.
July: Snoqualmie 2008 Naked Gewurztraminer, Columbia Valley, $8 -- Meyer lemon aromas, spice and mouth-watering grapefruit flavors. Serve with seafood salad with tangy dressing.
August: Desert Wind 2007 Ruah, Bordeaux style blend, $16 -- This is a popular blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Its rich black cherry flavors lead a smooth and light wine perfect for grilled tri-tip.
September: Maryhill 2005 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $18 -- It's smooth and mellow, showing oak, berries and dark chocolate. Serve with steak.
October: Pacific Rim 2007 dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10 -- It's striking for its great balance and flavors of apple crisp with a peach on top. Serve with a harvest salad with pears and blue cheese.
November: Chinook nonvintage Yakima Valley Red, $15 -- This smooth, tasty blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is great with turkey.
December: Domaine Ste. Michelle nonvintage Extra Dry, $8 -- This award-winning sparkler is off-dry and loaded with tropical fruit accents. A drink-anytime wine.
Bob Woehler has been writing about Northwest wines since 1978.
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