A Bottle for the Road: Columbia Winery Tasting

People have recently decided that I am a writer.

This is something that I’ve known for, oh, 15 years when I was writing short stories about fantastic voyages staring my grandfather as a detective and conducting interviews with relatives for my bi-monthly family newsletter that ran for almost a year. Hey, I was 12, I got bored.

Now, on my 70-somethingth post and 17th month writing abottle/aweek, rest assured boredom is not an issue. Fret not, faithful readers/Mom.

The People’s decision is a heavy one and seems to be gaining weight by the week. I guess people actually read my stuff! I am a writer! This week’s post is a direct result of this increased exposure to this blog/nonsense/wine drinking problem of mine.

After being contacted via Facebook, email and strangely enough on my cell (am I in some directory or something?), wineries and PR people are starting to track me down. It could be due to the fact that I have been “networking” (aka stalking down media relations folk) with people who know people who make decisions.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to come out and taste at Columbia Winery. I went yesterday morning and tasted 17 wines before noon. I’m like a pro.

Unlikely Pairings: Wine and Fireworks

Twice makes a tradition, right? Year two, nice evening for the Fourth of July and although I can see fireworks from my deck if I’m on my tippy toes, the roof is more comfortable.

The tough decision is what glass of wine to bring up on the roof, knowing that refills are unlikely once it gets dark (too much hassle up and down the ladder).

Short version is that wine and fireworks from the roof is a rare treat in Seattle. Although I supposed I could climb up there for the New Year, I imagine it would be somewhat chillier. Plus, there have been some Fourths that have had more January-esque weather than July weather, so this treat is rarer still. Probably the folks downtown had a better view, but I can guarantee that my commute back was better than theirs. Trade-offs, right?

Ross Andrew Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

*Bottle #69: Ross Andrew Winery 2005 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
*Price Tag: $32
*Running Tab: $943

As I continue to kneel in the honor of all that is Winemaker Extraordinaire, Bob Betz, I also have to give it to the guy for the talented and young group of grape killers he has produced. From his own cellar workers, yet to be exposed, to assistants that now have their own assistants, Betz really is the bee’s knees in Washington wine.

And what a resume reference to build off of when you are a former assistant of Bob’s. What I’ve gathered about the fruit purchasing process in Washington is that it is a power and privilege to buy good grapes. Good grapes meaning older vines, more concentrated flavors and aromas from the better fruit, optimal soil and sloping, prime birthplace for perfection. To get those good grapes, you have to produce better wine. In some cases, you have to have good grapes to produce better wine… So what comes first?

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