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closeWednesday, Jul. 30, 2008
Woehler on wine: Almost time to find bargains in Washington
By Bob Woehler, Special to the Herald
Just when inflation has about emptied our wallets, a bit of relief is in sight.
Washington wine month -- the annual set of August price markdowns at the Washington State Liquor Stores -- is almost here. The price cuts are arriving at the perfect time for those with modest incomes who regularly include wine as part of their social life and meals.
How about red and wine wines for under $5?
How about some medal-winning wines for $10 to $15?
Or how about a Walla Walla wine for under $30?
This year's sale theme is: "Washington Wines ... Pacific Northwest in Every Taste."
Not only are the wines marked down, but there will be a special one-time-only chance to buy familiar names on sale. And smart buyers can get 10 percent more off the already discounted price by purchasing six or more bottles.
A complete list of all the wines on sale is at www.winepressnw. com, although not all stores will have all of the sale wines. But you can request them. Here are some of my recommendations.
Hogue Harvest white -- A nice food wine, $7.99 for a double-size bottle.
Kiona Vivacious Vicky white -- A vivacious cocktail white, $7.96.
Avery Lane chardonnay -- Drinkable and at an inflation busting $3.99.
Barnard Griffin chardonnay -- Every vintage is an award winner, $7.99.
Hogue pinot grigio -- A very popular fruity white, $7.99.
Columbia Crest Two Vines gewurztraminer -- A summer outdoor pleaser, $5.48.
Chateau Ste. Michelle riesling -- If its vintage is 2007, it came out on top in Wine Press Northwest's recent riesling tasting of 116 entries at a mere $5.97.
Hogue late harvest white riesling -- A sweet, yummy wine that earned an "outstanding" rating in the same riesling tasting, $7.99.
Covey Run fumé blanc -- A bargain seafood-friendly white at only $5.48.
Stimson Estates cabernet sauvignon -- I've always said if you would be hard pressed to find a better everyday cab than this, $9.98 in the two-bottle jug.
Avery Lane cabernet sauvignon -- Great with hamburgers and only $5.99.
Columbia Crest "H3" merlot -- A new offering for this giant winery with world class qualities, $11.49.
Snoqualmie merlot -- Full berry flavors at $6.03
Hyatt syrah -- A whole lot of flavor for $6.99
Kiona lemberger -- Latest in a long line of fine "lems," only $7.96.
Barnard Griffin rosé of sangiovese -- One of the nation's best rosés, with the awards to prove it. A great summer picnic wine, $9.99.
Helix cabernet sauvignon -- A really good Walla Walla cab, $19.73.
Tamarack Firehouse red -- A surprisingly inexpensive and great tasting Walla Walla red, rated "outstanding" by Wine Press Northwest, $13.99.
Vin Du Lac "Vie" viognier -- The 2006 from Lake Chelan got an "outstanding" rating from Wine Press Northwest.
* Bob Woehler, a retired Herald reporter, has been writing about Northwest wines since 1978. He can be reached via e-mail at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com/woehler
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