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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 — Finding good wine at a good price is a good thing. And that's what Covey Run delivers.
Most of Covey Run's Quail Series wines are priced under $9 and even its Columbia Valley reserve wines are under $13.
Covey Run is an old name in the Washington wine business. It started making wine in 1982 near Zillah as a farmer-owned business.
Today's Covey Run is part of the California-based Ascentia Wine Estates, which also owns Columbia Winery in Woodinville and Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, Idaho.
Covey Run doesn't have a tasting room, but it does have two winery facilities, one near Sunnyside and the other a barrel room attached to the Pacific Rim Winery in West Richland.
Winemaker Kate Michaud, who lives in Richland, said the plan is possibly to open a tasting room in Woodinville and perhaps one attached to either the Sunnyside or West Richland facility, which would be opened on a limited basis.
The reason so many Mid-Columbia wineries have tasting rooms in Woodinville is pure economics. I'm told that for every bottle of wine sold through a Mid-Columbia tasting room, a case can be sold in a Woodinville tasting room.
With roughly 4 million people living within 60 miles of Woodinville, it is little wonder they can sell more wine.
Quail Series 2007 Fumé Blanc, Columbia Valley, $8.99 -- This is a crisp and lemony white with a bit of Granny Smith apples. Serve it with sautéed seafood and pasta.
Quail Series 2007 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $8.99 -- Showing off vanilla toast from its oak, it follows up with tropical fruit, creamy smoothness and good acidity. Try it with a creamy cheese and crackers.
Quail Series 2008 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $8.99 -- A wine that shows off its varietal heritage, it's an aromatic quaffer with lychee and grapefruit flavors. It's well suited to any spicy Thai dish.
Quail Series 2007 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $8.99 -- A fruity wine, it shows off apple flavors laced with sweet peaches offset by a crisp finish. It's just right for sautéed prawns.
Quail Series 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $8.99 --This one opens with smoky aromas, followed by delicious blueberries and firm tannins. Serve it with Hungarian goulash with sweet paprika.
Quail Series, 2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $ 8.99 -- This red shows off rich chocolate, graham cracker aromas and tasty raspberry flavors. It's great with spaghetti sauce.
Covey Run 2006 Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley, $11.99 -- Its oaky, leathery beginning leads to rich, smooth berry and spicy flavors. Lamb chop with mustard sauce.
Covey Run 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $11.99 --Smooth toffee aromas with bold cranberries and plum flavors. Any steak will do.
*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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