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Episodes

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Episode 6 BONUS | Tasting Notes with Elephant Seven

Elephant Seven, Walla Walla, WA

Winemaker: Josh West

The winemaker was inspired by the Elephant 6 collective, who were a group of independent musicians dedicated to an individual and personal approach. This really resonated with Dave since he listened to several of those bands, and was astonished to have “guessed correctly” at this connection when we met them at the Taste Washington event in Seattle, WA.

We talk about two Rhone style wines and their no nonsense (and no shenanigans) approach.

2017 Blue Mountain Vineyard Viognier

Blue Mountain

2016 Yellow Bird Vineyard Grenache

Blue Mountain

Website

 

Episode 5 | Lisa Packer delivers a powerful, feminine approach to Warr-King Wines

Lisa Packer of Warr-King WinesLisa Packer, Warr-King Wines

On this episode, we interview the Double Gold award winning owner and winemaker, Lisa Packer of Warr-King Wines. She discusses the power behind her wines’ namesake, her winemaking style and business philosophy.

We recommend a visit to Warr-King in Woodinville, WA. You’ll realize immediately after stepping through the doors at Warr-King, that this is not your average tasting room. There’s a warmth and coziness that is partially due to a focus on artfulness; colorful, whimsical paintings adorn the walls, the barrel cabinets behind the tasting bar and the surprisingly mysterious, dark ceiling. On our first trip, and a recent follow-up, the tables were almost always full. This is not unheard of, but may be an indication that word has gotten out—Lisa Packard makes great wines.

Website

Northwest Women Stars of Food & Wine

Held at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle, WA, this highly anticipated event showcased trendsetting women chefs, winemakers and sommeliers of the Northwest. Sandi delivers the event 411 and dishes about a few of her favorite winemakers.

 

Wines we loved

Warr-King Wines

2017 Marie Noelle Rosé
Winery notes: This dry Rosé is light in color with aromas of strawberries, rose petals and a hint of lavender. Nice acid, great texture with an elegant mineral finish.

2014 Syrah
Awarded Double Gold Winner by San Francisco Chronicle Wine Awards 2018.
Winery notes: This wine has an old-world elegance; blackberry, olive and rosemary on the palate, with a peppery finish. Subtle with a lingering and memorable finish. The perfect wine to pair with all your BBQ favorites!

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery notes: This is our first ever Red Mountain Cabernet and it is stellar. Nice acidity with prominent tannins. Black cherry and cocoa powder on the nose, bursts of blackberry and baking spices on the palate. The finish is bold, yet elegant and complex.

Episode 4 | Navigate wine shopping with expert, Leonard “Lenny” Redé

Leonard “Lenny” Redé | NW Wine Academy

Lenny imparts a refreshing perspective to those who may be new to shopping at a well-curated wine shop and the advantages to having your own wine specialist.

Formerly, he was the Marketing Manager for Esquin Wine and Spirits, Seattle’s oldest and largest independent wine shop. He is well regarded in the wine industry for his knowledge of wine history and gastronomy. An instructor in the Wine Technology Program at South Seattle (NW Wine Academy), he wrote the curriculum for the Associate of Arts Degree in Food and Wine Pairing Sommelier Studies. A classically trained chef and pastry chef he garnered international attention at his award winning restaurant Sapphire kitchen and bar. He was nominated for educator of the year when he was a Chef Instructor at the world renowned Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. A restaurateur, wine steward, chef and educator with over 30 years of industry experience Chef Redé has an unique blend of culinary and wine expertise. He loves to share his passion for all things gastronomic and he’ll gladly help you navigate the world of wine and is always quick with a wine pairing or recipe.

Lenny is currently the Wine & Spirits Buyer for New Seasons on Mercer Island, WA.

Visit Esquin

Under $20 Bottle Shopping Challenge

In this episode, explore self-guided wine buying vs. seeking the advice of an expert at a curated wine shop, like Esquin. We give practical advice to those that may not have everyday access to quality, local wine buying resources or need to quickly pick a bottle up. Dave and I talk about a challenge we set up for ourselves—to find quality wines under $20 at common stores in our area like Walmart, Rite Aid, Safeway, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market and even an unlikely source, the Shell gas station.

 

Wines we loved—$20 and under

Barons Winery

2012 Petit Barone
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon | Winery notes: Quite inviting and utterly delicious. The nose suggests fresh black cherries, sweet forest scents and a stroll through a far-off spice bazaar. The first taste is lithe and elegant, with a precision of berry flavors and complex earthy notes, the tannins are round and supported by integrated acidity. Lush, but never heavy, it has a smoothness and sophistication that belies its price and a finish that is long and sweet/savory at the end.

Website | Esquin Wine and Spirits

Kevin White Winery

2016 Red Wine
45% Syrah, 32% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre | Winery notes: This wine jumps out as a lively blend of Bing cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas with floral and spice elements throughout. On the palate, these flavors are wrapped around a medium body with soft tannins leading toward a lovely finish. A very enjoyable wine to drink now. Pair this wine with food any night of the week!

Website | Esquin Wine and Spirits

Gifford Hirlinger

2014 Stateline Red
53% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 8% Tempranillo and 2% Petit Verdot | Winery notes: The 2013 Stateline Red from Gifford Hirlinger is a bit of a “kitchen sink” blend, containing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tempranillo, and a little bit of Petit Verdot. This wine is all about the fruit, with clean and well-ripened cherry, raspberry, and a touch of cassis. The mouth follows with red fruits, notes of ripe plum, and baking spices rounding it all out. The tannins are young and firm, and the acidity keeps it fresh and clean.

Website | Esquin Wine and Spirits

Jones of Washington

2012 Merlot
Winery notes: This Merlot opens up with bright aromas of ripe blackberry and dark cherry with nuances of baking spices and cigar box. On the palate, it is well balanced with integrated tannins, acidity and flavor. This wine evolves from dark plum, bright cherry and rich raspberry upfront to a touch of earthy tones and toasty mocha. Finishing with hints of nutmeg and clove and sweet, velvety tannins.

Website | Esquin Wine and Spirits

MERF

2015 Chardonnay
Winery notes: From David “Merf” Merfeld winemaker for Northstar comes this new project. This inaugural Chardonnay shows a lot of promise of great things to come. No wilting flower this wine is rich, smooth and balanced, with flavors of fresh tropical fruits, honey, ripe citrus and vanilla. The wine finishes with smooth oak notes with a crisp, complex finish. A lot of wine for the money!

Website | Esquin Wine and Spirits

Nathan Gray

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery notes: Made by II Vintners and Covington Cellars winemaker, Morgan Lee, this wine has aromas of black cherries and other dark fruits. Rich and full, with a chocolaty velvet smoothness on the palate. This Cabernet is best enjoyed with grilled meats BBQ and a big juicy steak.

Esquin Wine and Spirits

Canoe Ridge

2014 The Explorer Red Blend

49% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Franc, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon | Winery notes: This fruit forward blend offers notes of cassis, blackberry, plum, and a kiss of cedar on the long, lingering finish.

Website

Chateau Ste Michelle

2016 Dry Riesling
Winery notes: The Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is a dry, refreshing style of Riesling with beautiful fruit flavors, crisp acidity and an elegant finish. It offers inviting sweet citrus aromas and flavors. This is an incredibly versatile food wine and my favorite with oysters.

Website

Episode 1 | Follow urban vintner Bart Fawbush’s expansion to eastern Washington

Bart Fawbush, Bartholomew Winery

On this episode of Decanted, Bart Fawbush, owner and vintner of Bartholomew Winery talks about his journey into winemaking, his move from Seattle to Kennewick, WA. Bart shares his thoughts on pricing, learning from mistakes and dedication to every aspect of wine production.

First Annual POUR Event

POUR is put on by the Seattle Urban Wineries Collective and held at the old Rainier Brewery. This is an opportunity for us urban dwellers to experience many under-the-radar wine producers in one place and at a good ticket price. We talk wine event tips and the bottles we felt stood out.

Visit Bartholomew

 

Wines we loved

Bartholomew Winery

2014 Cabernet Franc
Fan of Cab Franc? This one may be perfect for you.
2013 Reciprocity
Medium- bodied Carménère and fruit forward, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon

Elsom Cellars

2014 Red Mountain Rosé
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot | Deep salmon color with bright fruit flavors.
2010 Malbec
88% Malbec, 12% Merlot | Meaty, chewy tannins, tomato paste, dark fruit

Website

Cloudlift Cellars

2013 Zephyr
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM) | Well rounded with a long, velvety finish.

Laurelhurst Cellars 

2012 Late Harvest Viognier – Roussanne
Winery notes: dried apricot, pear, herbal tea and honeysuckle

Wilridge Winery

2014 Syrah
90% Syrah, 10% Cabernet | Smooth drinking here.

Website

Preview Episode | Let’s decant this

Welcome to Decanted

Join us as we adventure around Washington State tasting rooms, hotels, tours and events. With almost 1000 wineries, exploring our state will keep us busy.
In this introductory episode, we briefly talk about our journey into wine and what we plan to bring to the podcast and website.
We also visit JM Cellars in Woodinville, WA which is nestled on a hill called “Bramble Bump” among a private, seven-acre arboretum. We see why it was voted “Best Tasting Room” by Seattle Magazine. We taste their now sold out, 2016 Cinsaut Rosé.

 

Wines we loved

JM Cellars

2016 Cinsaut Rosé
SOLD OUT (Bummer. Next year!)
2015 Cinsaut Red
100% Cinsaut | Winery notes: light tannins, delicious raspberry flavors and great balance

Visit JM Cellars
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