Olivier Rivière 2008 Rayos Uva Rioja

*Bottle #85: Olivier Rivière 2008 Rayos Uva Rioja
*Price Tag: $18
*Running Tab: $1,179
*Retailer: Champion’s Wine Cellars, Seattle

When a eno-enthused Frenchman suggests a bottle of vino (regardless of its origin), you willingly accept. Even if the vintage isn’t listed, the varietals are unknown and the label is bland, you willingly accept. Especially when he is a client of yours…

Four hours later, with a failed cheese sauce (Harvati was a bad idea) for Trader Joe’s gnocchi that were accidentally boiled to a lovely soggy texture (don’t underestimate the recipe), any wine was needed.

Enter the Frenchman’s Spanish Rioja rec: the 2008 “Rayos Uva” from Olivier Rivière, Rioja made by a Frenchman… Getting the connection here…

Live @ Sapolil: Roads Less Travelled

February 26, 2010
8:00 pm	to	11:00 pm

Ted Willey on guitar, Mike Borowski on djembe and drums and Dave Barber belting out the blues on the harp accompanied by gritty vocals.

This three piece band provides great blues vocals, tight guitar work and exceptional percussion, all in all rounding out a fun, energetic, solid band.

8 – 11 p.m. Special No Cover Event

Sapolil Cellars Wine by the Glass (or the Bottle) or try ‘Johnny’s Famous Hot Spiced Wine’

Sapolil Cellars
15 E Main
Downtown Walla Walla

Live @ Sapolil: Bluestone Jazz & Groove Trio

February 19, 2010

8:00 pm

Tri Cities’ newest Jazz group, performing Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and intense Grooves.

Bluestone showcases three of the area’s most experienced and professional musicians : John Farey on keyboard, Greg Miner delivering intense saxophone, and Bruce Kirton on bass. This trio plays from the heart, with intensity and creativity.

8 – 12 a.m. $5 Cover (Includes Access to Library Wines)

On this night only, enjoy all of the Sapolil Cellars Library Wines, as well as current releases by the Glass, by the Bottle, or by the Case (Limited Inventory Available).

Sapolil Cellars
15 E Main
Downtown Walla Walla

Live @ Sapolil: Dr. Mark Brown & Gary Romjue

February 12, 2010
8:00 pm	to	11:00 pm

Dr. Mark Brown plays pure magic on the keyboard, throws in a little trumpet, blues harp and vocals. You’ll see why we call him the Good Doctor!

And the Good Doctor is joined by Gary Romjue of Seattle. Romjue brings to town his guitar and outstanding electric blue fiddle.

8 – 11 p.m. $5 Cover.

Sapolil Cellars Wine by the Glass (or the Bottle) or try ‘Johnny’s Famous Hot Spiced Wine’

Sapolil Cellars
15 E Main
Downtown Walla Walla

Live @ Sapolil: Papa Loves Mambo

February 5, 2010
8:00 pm	to	11:00 pm

Limited Return Engagement – Enjoy Sapolil Cellars’ original own Latin Infused Jazz group. This is the first evening since May of 2009 since the trio has made an appearance at Sapolil Cellars. Mike Friedman on keyboard, Glen Ayers on congo and bongo drums, and John Holmes on electric guitar.

8 – 11 p.m. Special No Cover Event

Sapolil Cellars Wine by the Glass (or the Bottle) or try ‘Johnny’s Famous Hot Spiced Wine’

Sapolil Cellars
15 E Main
Downtown Walla Walla

Bottleology – Desert Wind Winery with Greg Fries

Whether it’s a trip to your local grocer, a voyage through the back roads of the Northwest wine country, perhaps the magnetic draw into your favorite wine shop, or an in-depth read of your favorite WINO Magazine blog entry (Bottleology!), I can pretty much guarantee that you will cross paths with Greg Fries—or at least have a run-in with his value driven wines.

Greg Fries is a really nice guy, but FAR more importantly, Greg Fries is a winemaker. He’s worked very hard to get to where he is today, and he has spent many years managing and making wine for his very own Desert Wind Winery.  With the help of one very influential woman (Ms. Mother Nature—strictly business), some great vineyard sites in Eastern Washington and Oregon, a degree from UC Davis and a pilot’s license, Greg has been able to contribute to the world of wine in a big way.

[Purple] HAZE-lnuts: Commonly referred to as “filberts,” these nuts can be found all over Oregon. I refer to them as Greg’s family’s “gateway crop,” a crop that they ultimately replanted into vast g rapevine vineyards (vitis vinifera). When Greg was younger, his family farmed cotton and tomatoes in Californ ia. Growing up in that kind of environment most likely sparked his interest in agriculture and also played a key role in Greg’s decision to go to school for Agricultural business.

You See!: Going to school and getting an education CAN be fun! At UC Davis, Greg earned a degree in Fermentation Science. He took a beer brewing course, and as luck would have it, while he was there, his family started a winery!  It’s called Duck Pond Cellars. JEALOUS!!!

“Lick My Lips” Syrah Release at Page Cellars

February 6, 2010
12:00 pm	to	4:00 pm

Please join us for the release of the “2007 Lick My Lips” from Noon to 4 pm.

Don’t forget to bring your Lips. Jilly Eddy the Seattle Lipsologist will be on hand to read and review your lip prints. Enjoy the new release along with “LIVE RAGGAE” by “Higher Vibes”. (Sorry, no dead raggae available).

No charge for the visit.

The Lick My Lips will sell for $21 from noon to 1 pm.; $23 from 1pm. to 2pm; $25 from 2 to 3pm; $27 from 3 to 4pm. Come early, enjoy the music and have a snack. Our other wines will also be available to taste and purchase.

Make sure to leave your lip print to enter them in the “Get your lips on the next bottle of Page Cellars Lick my Lips” contest ! (I just couldn’t think of a shorter name.)

Page Cellars
19495 144th Ave. NE B205
Woodinville, Washington 98072
253-905-6020

Washington vs. The World at The Local Vine

February 8, 2010
6:00 pm	to	7:00 pm
February 15, 2010
6:00 pm	to	7:00 pm
February 22, 2010
6:00 pm	to	7:00 pm
March 1, 2010
6:00 pm	to	7:00 pm

Please join The Local Vine for an exclusive series of classes beginning Monday February 8th. Featuring eight of the world’s most respected winemakers, we will be tasting the wines they craft from both Washington and the regions that made them famous. Including wines made by Randy Dunn, Ernst Loosen, Philipe Melka and Piero Antinori this is a rare opportunity to indulge, learn, and experience first-hand the revolutionary impact Washington wine is making on the world stage.

All classes are from 6:00 – 7:00 and the cost is $25 per tasting or $80 for all four. This includes 10% off any additional food or wine purchases made the evening of the event. Each class will be limited to 12 people and we expect them to sell out fast.

For additional information or to make reservations please call 206-280-1429 or e-mail cole@thelocalvine.com.

Each tasting will feature a dynamic flight of four wines, two from each winemaker, guided by one of Washington’s wine industry leaders. Each flight will be served blind in order to highlight Washington’s quality and fantastic value.

Our goal is to share and explore the complex flavors of Washington’s amazing terroir as interpreted by the hands of some of the world’s most revered winemakers. Each tasting will showcase wines, often rare, made from the same varietals and the same winemaker.

The Local Vine presents Washington vs. The World

Please join The Local Vine for an exclusive series of classes beginning Monday February 8th. Featuring eight of the world’s most respected winemakers, we will be tasting the wines they craft from both Washington and the regions that made them famous. Including wines made by Randy Dunn, Ernst Loosen, Philipe Melka and Piero Antinori this is a rare opportunity to indulge, learn, and experience first-hand the revolutionary impact Washington wine is making on the world stage.

All classes are from 6:00 – 7:00 and the cost is $25 per tasting or $80 for all four. This includes 10% off any additional food or wine purchases made the evening of the event. Each class will be limited to 12 people and we expect them to sell out fast.

For additional information or to make reservations please call 206-280-1429 or e-mail cole@thelocalvine.com.

Each tasting will feature a dynamic flight of four wines, two from each winemaker, guided by one of Washington’s wine industry leaders. Each flight will be served blind in order to highlight Washington’s quality and fantastic value.

Our goal is to share and explore the complex flavors of Washington’s amazing terroir as interpreted by the hands of some of the world’s most revered winemakers. Each tasting will showcase wines, often rare, made from the same varietals and the same winemaker.

Pappas Wine Co. 2008 Pinot Blanc

*Bottle #84: Pappas Wine Co. 2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc
*Price Tag: $16
*Running Tab: $1,161
*Retailer: Sixth Avenue Wine Seller, Pacific Place, Seattle

From what I’ve been told, husband and wife operated-companies can be the best of times and the worst of times. I would think the path to doom comes down to the fact that you take your work home with you and take your home to work with you.

However, when it comes to any type of relationship, be it with your business or soul mate, it all about the effort put forth that makes it a success.

Likewise, when husband and wife duo, Stewart Boedecker and Athena Pappas, couldn’t come together on winemaking styles, they did what any stubborn individual would do – go their own way and try to kick more ass than your opponent, er, partner, with an outcome of two critically-acclaimed styles. And that’s just about their Pinot Noirs.

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