Walla Walla Wine Cellar

Originally published November 7, 2007 on amyrootvik.com

So I opened up a bottle of House Wine, 2005 Columbia Valley red wine from The Magnificent Wine Company. Measures in at 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 3% Malbec, and an enticing 2% Cabernet Franc.

Almost mustard on the nose once it’s breathed a bit. Or maybe that’s just the burnt jalapeno seeds from the stir fry made a couple hours ago still clinging to my cotton shirt. Although there’s a fair bit of alcohol on the nose, the Cab Sauv delivers the expected big fruit, compensating in part. Also smells of lichen and moss berries. Reminds me of eating ripe figs from the market in Paris. All the aromas of the city streets mixed with grass in the parks, fleshy fruit, dirt, the river, old bridges. It’s solid.

It’s surprisingly smooth. And I know many might want something bigger, but tonight I’m going to give it a go. I’m watching Bionic Woman and discussing casting problems. This wine is a great example. The lead character isn’t bad. She’s cute, personable, a devoted sister. She’s got guts, kicks ass, and believes in her rights. A primary criticism of the show, however, is that Katie Sackhoff (as Sarah Corvus — “the original”) has such a strong presence on the screen that Michelle Ryan (as Jaime Sommers), the supposed lead, pales in comparison. Is there anything wrong with Michelle? No! But she’s no Katee.

That’s how I feel about this wine tonight. Is there anything wrong with it? No! It’s easy drinking, pleasant, fun. Yet it seems less in the company of some other Walla Walla reds I’ve been recently drinking.

Perhaps these are not fair comparisons. Still, at about $10 a bottle, House Wine is never a bad choice. And I happily pour another glass as “To be continued…” flashes across the screen.

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Originally published November 1, 2007 on amyrootvik.com:

I know it’s a few weeks old. But I think the Vayniac comments might be worth as much as Gary’s vlog. He also explains the dearth of 2004 Walla Walla wines. The freeze! So many Walla Walla producers made Columbia Valley wine.

There are some fantastic wines produced in the state. And the most important thing is enjoyment. What do you, the drinker, like? I’m pleased with the shift in the wine industry toward simple enjoyment. There is less pretension, more fun. I think Gary is pushing the wine world so far out of its comfort zone that space is made for each of us to spread our elbows, take a deep breath, relax, and discover our own tastes. He’s right. He is transforming the industry. Whether we like it or not.