June Featured Wines – 2021 Skyfall Chardonnay & 2020 Skyfall Cabernet SAuvignon, Washington State

June 7, 2024 · by ·

June’s wines take us to the Northwest wine world of Washington State. The wines are produced by Skyfall Wines. Their website starts with this statement: The vineyards of Washington State suffer scorching sunlight, sparse rains & shallow soils. Yet from this harshest of environments comes fruit of unyielding character. Come as they are, our old enemies are worth the struggle. This gives a very clear idea of the challenges winemaker, Nicole Walsh,
faces in the Columbia Valley.

Walsh is a star female winemaker and is a respected leader in the Women Owned Winery Movement. She spent 20 years as a winemaker at Bonny Doon before moving to Washington State. Skyfall’s website tells a great story about Walsh’s commitment to the natural environment. Each wine label is a tribute to Mother Nature. Much has been accomplished since Skyfall was founded 10 years ago.

Our white selection is 2021 Skyfall Chardonnay. The red is 2020 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon is 85% Cabernet and 15% Syrah grapes. Both wines are classic for pairings. My choice for the Chardonnay would be grilled salmon. For the Cabernet I would opt for grilled lamb – if I could eat red meat!

2021 Skyfall Chardonnay $10

This Chardonnay brings toasted hazelnuts and Asian pear to the nose. It is rich and creamy on the palate with apple, toasted almond and lingering notes of Meyer lemon and crème brûlée. This a beautifully crafted wine that is well-balanced. It is rich and creamy with notable oak. Alcohol: 13.8%

2020 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon $11

The aromas bring direct appeal, with notes of plum, butter and dried herbs, showing some reduction as well. Plump raspberry and cherry flavors follow, with the tannins giving a squeeze.The palate is filled with flavors of dark fruit, cassis, and a touch of cedar, with structured tannins. Alcohol: 14.2%

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Featured Wine for June – 2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Sauvignon Blanc & 2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Red, Washington

June 1, 2021 · by ·

2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Sauvignon Blanc, Washington $16

This Sauvignon Blanc is light straw in color and brilliantly clear. Peach, gooseberry, lemon curd, citrus blossom and just a tinge of orange marmalade hit the nose. On the palate are flavors of just ripe lemon, peach and a tasty touch of fresh biscuits So much about this wine is drinkable. It’s light, but not insignificant. It’s refreshing, thoughtful like a breezy summer day Absolutely enjoyable.  Alcohol: 13.5% This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah has black cherry, raspberry, warm mulling spices with a bit of cocoa, vanilla and anise on the nose. The palate is very soft up front, has a nice creamy center and while it does pack a slight punch, it lingers into a finessed finish. With flavors of chocolate, sarsaparilla, raspberry candy, clove and cinnamon, this wine is delicious, well rounded and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Alcohol: 14%

2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Red, Washington $16

This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah has black cherry, raspberry, warm mulling spices with a bit of cocoa, vanilla and anise on the nose. The palate is very soft up front, has a nice creamy center and while it does pack a slight punch, it lingers into a finessed finish. With flavors of chocolate, sarsaparilla, raspberry candy, clove and cinnamon, this wine is delicious, well rounded and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Alcohol: 14%

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Wines of the Month – 2010 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon & 2009 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot

October 2, 2012 · by ·

Featured wines for October are 2010 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon and 2009 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot from the Columbia Valley, Washington State

 

2010 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon   $18

Wine Label for L'Ecole No. 41 Semillon white wine

Remarkably brilliant with vibrant fruit and balanced acidity, this wine shows fragrant citrus blossom and honey aromas, with pretty layers of lemon bar, apricot and key lime expanding on a balanced finish. Few Semillons show their richness and complexity as those produced in Washington State. Our cool harvest nights help to ensure crisp natural acidity, making this a wonderful food pairing wine. This wine received 89 points from Wine Advocate. Alcohol: 14.5%

 

 

2009 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot   $17

Wine label for Merlot red wine produced in Washington State by Milbrandt Vineyards

Eastern Washington is known for producing some of the best Merlot in the world. Traditions Merlot is a deep garnet red featuring aromas of ripe stone fruit and rich notes of vanilla, mocha and caramel. The flavors are ripe and generous with berries, cocoa and vanilla. On the palate the wine is fresh and vital, playing out its blackberry and floral flavors on an open-weave bed of refined tannins. This wine is very approachable and polished with velvety tannins. Alcohol: 13.5%

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