Giant Wine Red Blend & A Maryhill Cabernet

Tuesday, May 21, will mark the one year anniversary of The Washington Vine.  June will mark a year of my first encounter with a winery asking me to review their Tempranillo.  Little did I know, a new friendship formed that day with the amazing people of Patit Creek Cellars.  A shout-out to Big Ed for pulling through! And to Sonya and Edward who are working so hard to realize a dream of bringing their wonderful wine to Spokane.  It was this same review that was first picked up by The Washington Wine Report in Sean’s weekly round-up of blogger reviews.  While at times the blog gets quiet, this is still a creative outlet for me to escape from school work and (at least in my mind) help to promote the beauty that lies within the state of Washington and our wine industry.  To all of my readers, to Patit Creek, to Sean, and everyone else who has helped in some way to encourage me, I express my deepest gratitude.  Thank you.

With this being said, I happen to be sitting next to several books, with various other windows open on my computer pertaining to presentations I’m creating (sadly, not wine related), and articles of education law.  Jealous yet? ;)  But break time is over due, and I have a bottle of Giant Wine’s red blend and a Maryhill Cabernet Sauvignon waiting patiently for their review.

Ghost in the Machine Red Blend

Giant Wine Company is the collaborative efforts of Gorman Winery and Mark Ryan Winery, both from Woodinville, WA, to bring about an everyday wine at a price more affordable than most.  Strolling through Costco yesterday, my husband noticed this red blend called “Ghost in the Machine” from the Columbia Valley AVA.  He liked the label, liked the name, assumed I would too, and picked it up for me to pour over.  The Ghost in the Machine Red Blend 2010 by the Giant Wine Company is 95% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The nose is strong with smoky aromas, game, and black cherry.  On the palate is tart gooseberry and ripe cherry; a very fruit-forward front to this wine.  A smooth, oaky finish rounds out this medium-bodied wine.  This wine resembles a cool-climate syrah with the tartness in the palate.  While it has a nice flavor to it, I feel Ghost in the Machine lacks depth, and I’m left wanting more.  The winery offers this wine at $13 (www.giantwineco.com), I picked it up from Costco for just under $10.

Ghost in the Machine 2010 Red Blend:  ★★☆☆☆  (OK wine)

Cabernet Sauvignon: it has been some time since I have last reviewed this varietal.  Painful it has been, too.  My last review of Maryhill was their 2010 Winemaker’s Red Blend, a double gold winner at the 2012 Seattle Wine Awards.  I was promised the Maryhill Cabernet Sauvignon would be one to compete against my favorite H3 Cabernet from Columbia Crest when I purchased this bottle a few weeks ago.  The wine presents a bouquet of sweet black cherry, cassis, and tart berry fruit.  Another fruit-forward palate of cherries and fig.  Baker’s chocolate

Maryhill Cabernet Sauvignon

follows briefly with white pepper rounding out a bright, lingering finish.  A medium-bodied cabernet, this is not as bold as I generally experience with other cabernet sauvignon wines.  A very nice wine, nonetheless.  This wine is available at several stores ranging in price from $15 to $22.  The Maryhill website no longer lists the 2009, and has moved onto the 2010 vintage. I will look for that as a follow up to this review.  This 2009 took Silver medal from the 2012 Seattle Wine Awards.

Maryhill 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon:   ★★★★☆  (Great wine)

Winemaker’s notes were not available by website for either wine.

Have you tried either of these wines before? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

The 3 Horse Ranch from Idaho

Now would be a great time to have an interactive site to be able to ask, “by a show of hands, how many of you are aware that Idaho state makes wine?”  Yes, our beautiful neighbors to the east produce more than breathtaking scenery and the nation’s helping of mashed potatoes.  While I have known for some time that Idaho has stepped into the wonderful world of wine, the one and only bottle I’ve ever tried was enough to tell me, “Those grapes need more time to age.”

Most every Thursday night, I have the pleasure of having my dad provide some wonderful kitchen creation for myself and my two kids (husband too, when he can make it).  This all started a few months ago in an effort to provide me with some “down time” after a week of classes and endless hours of studying (insert *my dad is the greatest*  flashing sign). I at least try to provide the wine.  This past Thursday he informed me he had picked up a few bottles from Costco after meeting the winery owner, no need for me to stop, and  something for me to review.

The winery is 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, located in Eagle, Idaho.  As I don’t know

Map of Eagle, ID

where Eagle is located, I provided a map :)  And conveniently found one to include Spokane, WA, as well. Now you know where I am located.  The owner, Gary Cunningham, began 3 Horse Ranch back in 2003 in the newly formed Snake River Valley AVA.  If organic is your preference (often it is mine), you are in luck as 3 Horse Ranch has been certified USDA Organic by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.  Being that I love horses, I find the label quite historically beautiful.  Up for review tonight are two 2012 vintages: the Vivacious white blend, and the Reserve Rosé.

2012 Vivacious white blend is dry feel with sweet taste

The 2012 Vivacious white blend is composed of 68% Viognier and 32% Roussane.  Both typically are dry white blends, and so “Dry” is what I was expecting.  On the nose, I was caught by surprise by aromas of sweet honeysuckle. The pear and hint of peach that followed were pleasant and welcoming on such a hot day.  Floral flavors are met with peaches on a brightly acidic palate; light oak accompany a sweet, lingering finish.  You may not notice it right away, but the wine does have a bright, dry mouthfeel to it.  So yes, this is a “dry white wine” as the back label indicates; though I don’t know I agree with the level of dryness, as the sweet peach does tend to mask it.  On a hot summer day, a chilled glass of Vivacious and a relaxing backyard setting?  I’m in!  This wine paired quite well with Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Spinach spaghetti.  Dad’s recipe :)  The 2012 Vivacious took a Silver medal at the 2011 Tri-Cities Wine Festival.  Not too shabby given the quality of wines that come from this area!

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2012 Vivacious White:  ★★★☆☆ (good wine!)

Winemaker’s Notes: A lightly oaked, perfectly balanced blend of two great white Rhone varietals, a most beautiful marriage. Blending the voluptuous mouth feel and aromatics of the Viognier grape to the more acidic, floral side of the Roussanne grape expresses the terroir of our vineyards as well as any wine we have produced. 12.9% Alcohol.

It appears we have seen the last of our hot summer weather, at least for the time being.  As I expect Spokane will have another scorcher of a summer, I will continue to search for new Rosé wines that will satisfy the hottest of hot days.  So far my favorite goes to Renegade Wines 2012 Rosé by Slight of Hand Cellars.  A virtual tasting of this wine was done a few weeks ago and the general consensus was “Buy!!”  And I agree. It may be my new house Rosé this year. The Washington Wine Report will give you more information on this fabulous little gem with a great price tag ($11-$15).  For tonight, however, we will continue with Idaho state: 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards and their 2012 Reserve Rosé.

Beautiful in salmon pink, this Rosé is comprised of 60% Merlot, 29% Grenache,

2012 Reserve Rosé

and 11% Mourvédre.  The nose opens up bright with strawberries.  Further sniffing reveals a tiny hint of citrus blossom.  The palate is equally bright with fresh, ripe strawberries and tart raspberry.  A crisp, acidic feel, and light oak lingers on this finish.  Like it’s Vivacious counterpart, this wine also scales itself as “Dry”.  I would say quite accurately stated.  After devoting 12 hours today to studying, opening this little jewel gave me a few moments of summertime “Ahhhhh….” The Rosé has been awarded the Silver medal as well from the 2011  Northwest Wine Summit.

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2012 Reserve Rosé:  ★★★★☆ (great wine)

Winemaker’s Notes: Our very dry French Style Rose is one of our most popular creations. This 5th vintage showcases the same beautiful nose of fresh garden strawberries and hints of raspberry. The crisp acidity makes this a perfect match for so many types of food and cheeses that you can enjoy a summer day in Provence and day of the year. 12.7% Alcohol.

I have inquired as to where one may be able to locate the wines of 3 Horse Ranch. I have seen their wines at Costco, but they are also available to order by contacting the winery at http://www.3horseranchvineyards.com.  Vivacious retails for approximately $16, and the Rosé runs $15 via the website.  When I receive this information, I will update this blog.

I raise my glass to Idaho and the 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards.

Have you tried this wine before? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

Summer of Rosé is Officially Back!!! Thanks to Locati Cellars

Happy evening, my fellow wine enthusiasts!  It has been quite some time since my last post…. three weeks or more I believe.  I’d say “darn that grad school for keeping me away!” again.. while so very true… it’s the same song and dance. And I signed up for it, knowing full well what it would entail.  While this quarter has been a brüt – and not in the sparkling way – I do have much to be thankful for.  Today is no exception with bright sunshine that I was able to partially enjoy, hot temps, and relaxing once again in the backyard with my husband, sipping on rosé, and having the chance to write this between reading journal articles.

When the temperature starts soaring above 77*-80* (for us Washingtonians just coming out of a long winter, 80* feels pretty darn warm!), beer is often my first choice.  Who doesn’t enjoy coming home after a long day, relaxing in the hot sun with a cold beer in hand?  No matter what, I’ll always be a beer girl at heart :)  But then I discovered rosé last summer.  And it turned out, you can find some excellent ones that don’t taste like “cheap five dollar wine” (words of my dearest mom).  I was eyeballing my husband’s Longboard Island Lager, such a great beer.  But then I uncorked a Rosé of Sangiovese by Locati Cellars. I think I’m good now.

Locati Cellars is a family-owned vineyard, located in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington state.  While conservative in the wine varietals offered, Locati does boast a number of awards for their wines.  I purchased their red blend, Innovation, last fall with the purpose of review, but it went too quickly, and I never jotted any notes down.  I’ll pick it up again, as should you.  But tonight I’m sitting in a freshly-mowed backyard reading articles on intelligence testing, watching my kids play some made up game with bean bags and a trampoline.  Life is certainly not all roses, but for now I can put aside my crazy to-do list.  Rosés have a way of slowing the world down; just what this not-yet-psychologist needed.

Rosé of Sangiovese 2011

The color of this Rosé is a bright coral pink.  While I’m not one to often place too much into color, I do get particular with my Rosés.  Too pink or too deep of color seems to me to be too sweet, at least from my own experiences.  But I like the color of this Locati Cellar – not too light, very summery.  The nose is light and  welcomes you with creamy strawberry taffy and fresh, tart cranberry.  On the palate, the cranberry intensely follows through in from the nose.  While light on the palate, I do pick up hints of apricot with a brief hint of buttery pie crust, before coming into a bright, lingering finish and tangerine.  Take this as you will, but I compare this to a mild, less tart cranberry wine (specifically one from Pasek Cellars).  I’m not generally a fan of “other fruit” wine, but Pasek Cellars does have an amazing cranberry wine. Oh so perfect for hot summer days.  On the scale, this  Rosé, as you may expect, is dry.

Locati Cellars 2011 Estate Rosé of Sangiovese:  ★★★★☆  great wine

Admittedly, this is not the most complex or flavor-packed wine I have had.  But then, not all great wines are.  For a hot summer day, such as like we have seen in Spokane all week, this Rosé is a perfect companion.  With the strong notes of cranberry, I suspect this will be a must-have at the holiday table with turkey and cranberry sauce.  Almost has me yearning for Thanksgiving.  Almost.

Winemaker’s notes: 100% Mission Hills Vineyard – This marvelous wine is bone dry, not sweet, has whispers of strawberry taffy, cranberry, apricot and tutti frutti. A linger-longer kind of wine – your mouth will be happy; its approach is easy to get into with tastes of more strawberry, apricot and tangerine. It’s capped with a big rush of pie cherry acidity at the end.  

Pulled from http://www.locaticellars.com

If you live in the Spokane area, I grabbed this little gem from a local market: William’s Seafood and Wine Market; I have not seen Locati anywhere else in Spokane.  However, if you contact the winery, I’m sure they could help you out. Otherwise, for $16 (comparable to what I grabbed it for – yes, I did buy this one), you can order this wine from Locati Cellars at http://www.locaticellars.com.  While you do that, I think I will locate a bottle of cranberry wine.  That may be one to review….

Have you tried this wine before? Please share your thoughts in the comment below!

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