Walla Walla Wine Cellar

You know it’s a good night when you get a hug from the winemaker (Tom Glase) after his hip surgery and are then told that you can buy the $110 bottle of wine at an 80% discount. Perhaps the cute guy behind the bar was pulling my leg about the prices, but I told him I would have paid just about any price for that delicious Balboa Candy Mountain 2006 Sangiovese. Deeee-licious. Dangerously delicious. Balanced, pomegranate, tobacco, ripe plum.

So I bought the rest of the bottles they had in stock. Don’t get your hopes up about finding any in the tasting room this weekend, because I bought them out. Yes, I did. Sorry folks, but it had to be done. It was too good to pass up. Especially at an 80% discount [smile]. Okay, really, at $22 a bottle it’s a steal. If you find some on a shelf somewhere, buy it! Although I do believe it was a wine club only selection.

From the fabulous new Balboa tasting room at 7 South 2nd Ave, where Amy Glase’s artwork is currently displayed on the walls as well as on the wine labels, I went to Flying Trout located at 37 South Palouse Street. There I tried four outstanding wines. The Deep River Red ($28), NV Malbec ($35), 2006 Phinny Hill Malbec ($35), and one more special red wine that you’ll have to stop by the tasting room to find out about. It was a tough choice, but I ended up leaving with several bottles.

From there we ventured to 26 Brix for some dinner and cocktails. Industry folks packed the bar, all well into a busy weekend. And there are plenty of tourists about, wine lovers in their element.

Tomorrow you’ll find me out and about, dodging the biggest crowds, but enjoying the buzz that is holiday barrel tasting.

Walla Walla Wine Cellar will be open from 12 - 4pm both Saturday and Sunday for those of you who would like to see the inventory in our shipping center. Rootielicious jewelry will also be on display. So please enjoy the weekend, drive safely, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat good food. And most importantly, have a good time.

Happy barrel tasting!

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!

I published an interview with Dawn and Mary last weekend. You can find it here.

We talk about their tasting room, something they’ve gained a reputation for.

“The chandeliers, they’re so bad they’re good!”

We also talk about Oprah, bicycles, community, “bazillions of dollars,” and what success looks like. Of course, don’t forget their wine, labels, and tasting notes!

These women are fun. They make a late Spring afternoon fly by and before I know it the interview is over and it’s time for me to go.

Check out the actual interview at amyrootvik.com.

We are proud to offer their wines here in our shop.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking so well right now.
The 2006 Riesling is our Wine Pick of the Month.
2005 Cowgirl Cab (red blend) has just been added. Great new label. Fantastic price!

One of the points both Dawn and Mary make is the good price point of their wines. They could be charging more, but they don’t want to. They want their wines to be accessible, affordable, and fun. That is an experience I fully enjoy.

Please let us know if there are any other questions you would like for us to ask Dawn and Mary. What do YOU want to know about DaMa Wines?