Walla Walla Wine Cellar

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?

Yes, we all know I LOVE Otis Kenyon wines. Not only are they made by the incredibly fabulous Dave Stephenson and Dreux Dillingham, but they are just undeniably delicious! And I much as I enjoy the drive out to the winery across the Oregon border, I was thrilled to see them open a tasting room in downtown Walla Walla. So dangerously close to my house!

Things are certainly taking shape. Still, they’ve stayed true to their label. Here’s a shot inside the tasting room the first day it was open.

Of course, just to the left of this photo there was pushing and shoving at the pouring stations, people anxious to try and buy the wine. They were pouring their 2005 Matchless Red, 2005 Merlot, 2005 Syrah, and 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. I like them all, and yet I am a huge fan specifically of the Syrah. What an amazing representation of what the Walla Walla Valley can do with Syrah!

But this display says a lot about the flavor and style of Otis Kenyon Wine. Their story is a good one, and we will be bringing you an interview this summer with more information on the family, the winery, and the wine.

Check out their new tasting room, in the old O’Con’s Flowers building, the oldest flower shop in town. It is right next to Merchants at 23 East Main Street. Look for this. You can’t miss it.