Last week’s Rhone Ranger’s event was better than ever. I was delighted to find that a few of my favorites were Washington wines – Jon Martinez, winemaker/owner for Maison Bleue Winery in Prosser (now, with a new tasting room in Woodinville) brought a Viognier that was one of the best, I thought. Peachy, apricot nose, yes, but not too soft on the palate – great acidity and balance. He opened a bottle of Rhone Viognier and was smelling and tasting them side-by-side, and it was strange, but in aroma they were almost identical – stone fruit, a bit of citrus peel, a bit stoney. All the winemakers/representatives should try that next year, bring a bottle of something from the Rhone Valley and taste them together – even if it is just for the curiosity factor. A fun exercise.
Another winery I’m always impressed with is McCrea Cellars. They were pouring a 100 percent Picpoul – which is rarely made as a varietal wine, even in the Rhone region of France. But they finally got enough to make a few cases, and there it is – quite spicy, I thought! But refreshing acidity and soft lime zest and some stone fruit flavors. Ditto with their Grenache Blanc, which in 2007 was the first GB in the state, considering there was only one acre planted in Washington – in the Boushey vineyard. Now, there must be more – anyone? I’ll have to find out. This is a lovely wine, again, fresh stone fruit, a bit of a softer mouthfeel which makes it a good match with grilled shrimp or spicy Asian food, but still a nice glass on its own.
I also liked Cline Cellar’s rose of Mourvedre – really light in color, which I love, with nice strawberry and spice on the nose. Another newer winery I liked was Verge’s Viognier from Dry Creek Valley and Villa Creek (Vee-a), in Paso Robles. Their White, with a blend of 55% Grenache Blanc, 35% Roussanne, and 10% Viogner is lovely and fresh, with a pineapple, peach and stone nose and mouthwatering acidity.
