Fill del Temps 2004 Gran Seleccio Red Wine

*Bottle #50: Fill del Temps 2004 Gran Seleccio Terra Alta Red Wine
*Price Tag: $18
*Running Tab: $581

My wine shop owner tells me somewhere between here and Spain (via a LA importer), Spanish wines can tend to be a “little skunky,” often times one bottle per case falling into that descriptor.

“Skunky” wine*: An analogous smell, which is caused by mercaptans.
“Mercaptans*:” The result of hydrogen sulfide combining with the components of wine. The result is a pungently offensive, sour odor that can smell like garlic, stale sweat, skunk, or rubber.
*Definitions courtesy Epicurious.com

Cuillin Hills 2006 Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Franc

*Bottle #49: Cuillin Hills 2006 Weinbau Vineyards Cabernet Franc Wahluke Slope
*Price Tag: $26
*Running Tab: $563

Darren and Derek Des Voigne are brothers. They are also winemakers and owners of two separate wineries, sourcing from different vineyards, specializing in different varietals and varying price points. Darren’s wine feature “Tuscany-inspired” blends while Derek leans more toward Rhone and Bordeaux style varieties. Darren enjoys the smooth jazz of Miles Davis and Derek sometimes wears a kilt and plays the bagpipes – rumor has it that’s how he caught his Scottish wife’s eye.

Review: 2003 Vindication by Latitude 46 N

There was something unique about today. There was a nearly palpable buzz in the air. Everyone was participating in a single conversation. So, in honor of Tuesday, January 20, I picked up a bottle of wine for the occasion. Vindication was in order.

I had a full day of speeches and festivities to catch up on when I got home. What better way to soak it in than with a glass of vino?

WSU Viticulture and Enology Certificate Program Launches Self-directed Study Option

If you do not need a certificate for employment reasons, do not have the time or financial resources for the certificate program, or are anxious to start learning about winemaking and can’t wait until a seat in Washington State University’s professional certificate program opens up, then the new self-directed program may be the option for you.

“This self-directed option is perfect for those who are ready to start their enology education right away,” certificate program coordinator Theresa Beaver said.

Review: 2007 Sinister Hand by Owen Row winery

The Player:

• 2007 Sinister Hand, Owen Roe winery (www.owenroe.com)
• 62% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre (Rho-no!)
• Region: Columbia Valley
• Produced in Sunnyside, WA
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Price: $23.00 – $25.00

The Play:

Wickedly simple is the package for Owen Roe winery’s 2007 Sinister Hand release, with it’s minimalist, clean, rectangular orientation, and a severed, blood-oozing armor-clad hand. Though Owen Roe winery is in Oregon, owners/winemakers Jerry Owen and David O’Reilly have sourced fruit from the Columbia Valley here in Washington to create a textured and well-balanced experience. Well done, Oregon!

Gilbert Cellars 2006 Allobroges

*Bottle #46: Gilbert Cellars 2006 Columbia Valley Allobroges *Price Tag: $24
*Running Tab: $537

Here’s one of my favorite “industry perks:” Wine events, wine people, wine talk usually involves cheap or free wine. And there is nothing wrong with free, even if it’s not a good free, it’s still free.

This week’s freebie was a bottle of “Allobroges” from Gilbert Cellars, a Rhone Valley structured blend straight from Yakima, WA.

J. Calvet Reserve 2005 Medoc

*Bottle #45: J. Calvert Reserve De L’Estey 2005 Medoc
*Price Tag: $7
*Running Tab: $537

One thing: Trader frickin’ Joe’s. Bargain after bargain, I’ve shopped their aisles, grabbing $2 packages of gnocchi, single portion baby bokchoy and organic goodness of multiple splendors.

I have always been a good girl with self control and stayed away from the fully stocked shelves of wine. But this week’s trip, I decided to indulge in value wine.

The Naked Wine Show

When starting up a new online wine program, how do you set yourself apart from all the others out there? How do you compete with the likes of Gary Vaynerchuk and his Wine Library TV? Susan Sterling over at slurpswish.com had a bright idea. Do it naked.

The Naked Wine Show takes wine reviews surprisingly seriously considering Sterling isn’t wearing any clothes. (Spoiler: there’s nothing pornographic about NWS.) Sterling gives educational tidbits about wine, tastes and describes wines, and new episodes are posted roughly on a weekly basis. Tasting notes for each episode are available on their blog.

Will the Naked Wine Show compete with GVay and all the rest?  Time will tell. Have a look.