Auction of Washinton Wines: Attack of the Picnic

It’s kind of ironic that I usually find the most hooking part of a wine event to be the food. From the good to the bad and, of course, the heinously unattractive, enologically-inclined cuisine can swing whatever way the experienced (or lack there of) chef turn sends it.

The Auction of Washington Wines Picnic was a turn for the good. With innovative and creative menu items and presentation options, the restaurants of the Tulalip Casino wow’d their audience for the second year in a row.

Here’s a few of my favorites…

 

 

Although the barrel auction samplers were the focus of the event, I found myself chasing down the rosé options. Be it the blazing 72 degree weather (hey, Northwesterner at heart, always and fo-eva), but I wanted something chilled and pink.

The noteworthy:

Waterbrook 2010 Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley: Cold-soaked for 50 hours on the skins to attain its solid cherry color, this rosé is crisp and briskly acidic, booming in watermelon and strawberry aromas and flavors.

Dusted Valley 2010 Stoney Vine Vineyard Ramblin’ Rose, Walla Walla Valley: Rhone-inspired and comprised of 34% Mourvedre, 28% Cinsault, 26% Grenache and  12% Syrah, this rosé is jammy and fruit forward, full of spice and a bright roundness in the palate.

Page Cellars 2009 Rose-eh, Columbia Valley: 50% Cabernet, 44% Syrahwith a dash of Mourvedre, this blend is juicy and luscious in red fruits and melon flavors. Rich in the finish with sprightly acidity.

Always a good time and always for a good cause, the Auction of Washington Wines did its due diligence for the Seattle Children’s Hospital once again, with a crowd nearly double the size of last year’s and the sunshine bringing out charitable guests and the party.