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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008

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Picking our favorites from Tri-Cities Wine Festival

By Bob Woehler, Woehler on Wine

Let's cut to the chase with some favorite wines from the just-completed Tri-Cities Wine Festival.

I asked Eric Degerman, managing editor of Wine Press Northwest and a judge at the event, to give me a few of his favorites and then I'll list mine.

The event's 30th anniversary show featured a record 328 wines judged over a three-day period and then gave the public the best chance I know of to sample a large array of award-winning wines.

Here are four of Eric's favorites.

Anelare 2006 Nonna Viola Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $58 -- A gold winner and one of my favorite examples of blending Syrah into red table wines. In fact, it leads with Syrah (50 percent), which helps explain its juicy blackberries and fleshy texture. Next month, this winery is planning to open its tasting gallery in the Southridge area. Perfect with a lamb dish.

Columbia Crest, 2005 Walter Clore Private Reserve Red, Columbia Valley, $35 -- This topped perhaps the most gold-filled category of the judging. It's incredibly showy with opulent black fruit, toasty oak and tremendous balance. Great acidity means this likely will be drinking nicely when the Tri-Cities Wine Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Match a slow roasted prime rib with juice made from the dripping, beef stock and this wine.

Kestrel Vintners, nonvintage Pure Platinum, Fourth Edition, Yakima Valley, $9.99 -- A gold medal winner, hugely aromatic and a tasty blend of Gewurztraminer and Viognier. Akin to a fruit cocktail with pineapples and Mandarin oranges. Pleasing acidity gives it terrific balance. Pair with ceviche or sauted scallops.

Kiona Vineyards Winery, 2007 Ice Wine, Yakima Valley, $28 -- Kiona nearly won best of show with this blend of Chenin Blanc and Riesling. Huge tropical and orchard fruit aromas include a bit of straw from the Chenin Blanc. Mouthwatering acidity expertly balanced the residual sugar of 17 percent. A classic by itself with good friends.

My favorites

Tagaris Winery, 2006 Malbec, estate grown, $30 -- It won a richly deserved double gold with delicious silky smooth tannins and raspberry flavors. The best Malbec I've tasted. Match with barbecued ribs and some sweet red sauce.

Saint Laurent Estate Winery 2007 Riesling, estate bottled, $14 -- Won a gold and best of category. Lovely floral peach and pear aromas join juicy citrus and peach flavors in a semi-dry, food friendly style. Try with stir fry chicken with ginger and soy sauce.

Five Star Cellars 2005 Stella reserve red, $50 -- A stunning Bordeaux blend and the first reserve by one of the best small wineries of Walla Walla. Tasty and rich with berries and milk chocolate. Perfect with a beef tenderloin and some tarragon butter melted on top.

*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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