Walla Walla Wine Cellar

Every year, for the last 9 years at least, there is an elaborate corn maze just outside of town, up towards Mill Creek. And in all that time I have never gone. Not once. This was my year.

Friday night was my first free evening in ages, and I was looking forward to wandering through paths in a corn field, taking my relaxed sweet time chilling underneath the stars. Then we’d head home for some hot cocoa and revel in our country joys. At least that’s what I had in my head.

As it happened, we showed up on “Scary Night.” The only thing I knew about these nights was that one time my sister Heidi had been cornered by a guy with an axe and she honestly thought she was going to die. She was certain he didn’t work there, but was just a freak who got loose in the maze and actually ended up with his hand around someone’s throat. (Stress much?)

What on earth does any of this have to do with wine?

Before we left the house, my friends and I sat down for a civilized glass of wine, enjoying the Tertulia Cellars 2006 Sobra. Tertulia means circle, or gathering, of friends. Sobra? Well, see my comments at amyrootvik.com. Fascinating red blend. We sipped and talked and looked forward to our little adventure.

But after an hour in the maze on a scary night, we couldn’t wait to get back to the house and open another bottle!

There was something so reassuring about the taste of goodness coming from our local soil, after we’d had the $%&# scared out of us under a perfect starlit sky. No amount of chainsaw revving and ghoul-masked stalking could overpower the simple joy of a local wine. It was gone in no time and we moved on to Kahlua or cognac and other things depending on our differing tastes. Still, I think it will be some time before I forget how wonderfully alive and energetic the Sobra tasted that night. Full of fresh night air, herbs, cassis and wet rocks from along the shores of Mill Creek. Simultaneously soothing and uplifting.

Maybe someday I’ll get of the others to tell you more about our actual experience in the maze, but suffice it to say, we bonded. We bonded with each other and with the land which produces such marvelous fruit for our beloved wines.

So go to the Corn Maze! Have fun being a kid, regardless of your age. And enjoy the fruits of the valley, the products of harvest, the joy of wine.

So… I’ve decided that I want to be one of those people. The people that get to sit down and decide on the name of the wineries next release.

I absolutely love the names that are created to identify some of these wines today. Seriously where do they come from? Yes, some are obvious by using the varietal as a description, but others? Come on. Cowgirl Cab by DaMa, I love it! I had a friend who rides horses call the other day and wants a case just because of the name. She hasn’t even tasted it. And what about Kung Fu Girl? Will this wine really kick your ass or it could be a great gift to someone you need to make a point to? How about Motor City Kitty by K Vintners? This wine has had so many blogs and reviews just based on the name alone. And it would be a great gift for a cat lover. K Vintners also offers “Phil Lane” instead of memory lane. Hmmmm, where is Phil Lane? But yes, I want this job.

And hopefully it will run in line with the label designing. Wow, have you seen some of these labels? Amazing! I think my latest favorite is the Trio Vintners Sangiovese. Absolutely breathtaking label. I would have this bottle in my house just to be able to look at it every day. What about DaMa Cabernet very elegant, would look great in my red kitchen too. And who can’t laugh at the simplicity of the Holy Cow Merlot, not to mention it’s great tasting wine for the price.

So, I guess there is something to be said about a name and a face regarding first impressions.
Seriously, any openings out there??

I’ve always been a fan of cartoon superheroes. In fact, I was thrilled when the US Postal Service released their super heroes stamp series. I scooped some up and used them for everything: letters to friends, tax returns, graduate school dissertation submission packet. The adult world often takes itself too seriously, and I wanted to do my small part to help lighten the mood. Not that the image of a charging Batman isn’t intimidating. But it’s illustrated, somehow separating the action at least one degree from the frantic pace of daily life.

Unlike most superheroes, Batman has no superpowers. He relies on his intellect, his scientific knowledge , physical abilities and detective skills. Of course, he’s also know to be quite intimidating. And then there’s all that high-tech equipment.

When I entered the tank room at Tertulia Cellars yesterday, I noticed several things. First, it was incredibly clean. Good sign. Second, there were colorful images hanging from each of the tanks. I didn’t think too much of it as Ryan Raber, the winemaker, talked to us about the current projects, upcoming bottling, and showed us some of what had just been harvested, waiting for destemming. (We’re in full crush mode here.)

But as I got closer to the first tank, I realized that green image was… the Green Lantern?! And… wait… on the second tank was none other than Mr. Incredible. Not a DC classic, but a favorite nonetheless. So there sits a giant tank of Cabernet Sauvignon that the crew knows as Tank No. 4, aka

Mr. Incredible.

As Ryan explained it, the superheroes serve as a cross-check for the crew. Each tank is both numbered and given a superhero identity. When both are used there can be little confusion as to which tank is being discussed. The more clarity involved in the winemaking process, the better the final product, right? We hope so.

We talked in the barrel room about how important it is to Ryan to work with the wine all along the way to make sure that it is well structured, that the tannins are present but matched equally by all other parts of the wine. Balance. Softness, rather than a beat-you-over-the-head-with-my-wine product.

Before we left the tank room, I grabbed this shot of malbec and grenache side by side. Great comparison shot. Look at the striking difference in color.

Back in the tasting room, we were impressed by the 2006 Les Collines Vineyard Syrah. It beautifully exemplifies the terroir of this top class vineyard. Wonderful fruit makes wonderful wine. Earthy, dirty, peppery Syrah that screams Walla Walla Valley! I would love to try the 2006 and 2005 Les Collines Syrahs side by side. Hey wait. I can.

Last years Red Table Wine was outstanding, and we sold through it quickly. This year, Tertulia has released a different red blend. It is the 2006 Sobra (62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot).

Winery tasting notes read as follows:

Mineral notes of wet stone first hit the nose followed by caramel and coffee grounds. Next berry aromas of black current and dark cherries transform into eucalyptus. On the palate firm tannins evolve into a long smooth finish.

Unique. That’s what I had to say. I was intrigued and had to bring a few bottles home. The minerals are obvious. And the combination of fruit and herb entices. Lovely finish that keeps going and going and going. Surprising to say the least.

Upon reflection, I think Tertulia might be a big of a superhero themselves. But they, like Batman, rely on ability and intelligence rather than superpowers. Always fun, always surprising, Tertulia is a winery to watch.

Note: If you coordinate your visit just right, you’ll meet the Walla Walla Wine Princess!