KENNEWICK -- Wine judgings don't have to be extravagant affairs to reveal some jewels in a bottle.
A recent judging of the wines to be poured at the St. Joseph Catholic Church's annual wine, food and art festival Feb. 7 revealed some great wines.
Several Mid-Columbia wineries submitted some of their best for the judging of 25 wines, and all the gold medal wines and some choice others are to be poured at the event.
It's scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. at St. Joseph's Dillon Hall, 520 Garfield St., Kennewick.
Tickets, which cost $50, can be purchased from St. Joseph's website at www.stjoesartandwine.com.
Sparkling wine and beer also will be available, and several caterers will offer tasty treats to match the wines.
In the competition, the top white and red wines ended up being so equally good, they shared best of show honors. Both can stand up in any competition.
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2007 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18-$20 -- This wine is bursting with fruit that offers delicious peaches and great acids for balance. It won a gold medal at the 2008 Tri-Cities Wine Festival. Perfect with spicy Asian food dishes.
Barnard Griffin 2007 tulip label Syrah, Columbia Valley, $13-$15 -- This is youthful and sassy with great berry jam components. The winery says to serve it with spare ribs.
Here are five others I especially liked:
Powers 2006 Coyote Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $30 -- It's oh so smooth and tasty, offering yummy chocolate and blackberries and goes perfectly with a grilled steak.
360 Cellars 2006 Oro red wine, Columbia Valley, $37 -- Made by Victor Cruz of Caon De Sol, this is a perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Oro is the Spanish word for "gold." It's fruity, tasty and smooth and would be great with a gourmet meatloaf.
Anelare 2006 Nonna Viola red wine, Columbia Valley, $58 -- This is another Cruz blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon made for this new Kennewick winery. It's the same juicy, fun wine that also won a gold medal at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival. Try it with sirloin steak tidbits sauted in red wine.
Columbia Crest 2007 Grand Estates, Sauvignon Blanc, $10-$13 -- This white offers inviting floral aromas and enticing citrus flavors. It's great for a fresh crab feed.
Barnard Griffin 2007 Chardonnay, tulip label, Columbia Valley $12-$14 -- It offers an appealing oak entry with a creamy tropical fruit and apple finish. Try it with scallops in cream sauce.
*E-mail Bob Woehler at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.
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