Episode 5 | Lisa Packer delivers a powerful, feminine approach to Warr-King Wines
Lisa 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.
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 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
Episode 9 BONUS | There’s gold in the El Dorado Hills
“Gold Country” El Dorado AVA, California
There’s gold in the El Dorado Hills! Dave describes his wine tasting journey beyond Washington to California’s “Gold Country”, the El Dorado AVA sub-appellation where he explored the robust winemaking community in his old childhood stomping grounds. This AVA is high in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California, where many wineries are utilizing mountain-grown grapes in volcanic soil.
Check out these four notable wineries!
Nello Olivo Winery, Placerville, CA
California style Italian varietals since 2001—crafted by “The Grapefather.”
Website
Boeger Winery, Placerville, CA
In 1972, Boeger was the first post-Prohibition winery in the El Dorado AVA and they describe themselves as making wine with”underdog” varietals.
Website
Lava Cap Winery, Placerville, CA
Estate mountain grown grapes that are sourced from some of the highest vineyards in California from unique volcanic soils.
Website
Madroña Vineyards, Camino, CA
High elevation, naturally farmed vineyards that produce Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.
Website
Episode 13 BONUS | Fraser Valley B.C. wine tasting, in style
Dave’s surprise birthday weekend to Vancouver, B.C. started with one question—where can I find exceptional wineries no more than an hour outside of the city? The answer came from Alfred, who guided us on a private wine tasting tour through the western portion of the Fraser Valley, around Langley, British Columbia Canada. This well-curated trip featured some of the top wineries of the area and they source from the coveted Okanagan region, in addition to, producing from estate fruit. If you don’t have four days to explore the Okanagan, know there are tasting rooms and vineyards just over the border in Langley, B.C. that will expand your wine-mind.
Blackwood Lane Winery
Visit Blackwood Lane
Glass House Estate Winery
Visit Glass House
Chaberton Estate Winery & Bacchus Bistro
Visit Chaberton
Township 7 Wines
Visit Township 7
Interested in a private British Columbia wine tasting tour?
Vancouver Private Tours
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 10 | It was Destiny for Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Ali and Jarrod Boyle, Alexandria Nicole Cellars
It was Destiny for Ali and Jarrod Boyle. He is the winemaker of Alexandria Nicole Cellars and grower for their Destiny Ridge Vineyard. His wife, Ali, who the winery is named after, works on the business marketing side. On this episode of Decanted, this dynamic duo talk about their partnership and how their vineyards, winery and Destiny Ridge vineyard tiny houses came to be.
Vist Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Vist the ANC tasting rooms
Destiny Ridge’s Glamperous Tiny Houses
When you visit Alexandria Nicole Cellars in Paterson, WA, stay in a cozy tiny house as seen on HGTV Tiny House Big Living. Currently, there are four houses with a total of 10 planned through 2019. Jet Black and Gravity and were constructed in competition style on HGTV Tiny House Big Living. Jet Black is 392 sq. ft, with a contemporary design and gourmet kitchen. Gravity is 384 sq. ft. shabby-chic style using re-purposed materials and reclaimed wood. The 210 sq. ft. Affinity Alberiño house is perfect for a single traveler or a couple who crave closeness. The Epiphany Viognier house is 380 sq. ft. and has two sleeping areas, a cozy loft or a petite bedroom. Epiphany would be a great choice for a small family as there’s really room for four. Kids would love to sleep in the upstairs loft as you can’t get to adult standing height there, and climbing up the steep staircase has a tree-fort kind of feeling. And if you don’t have kids, the loft has a large meditation poof to sit on as you gaze at the view of the Columbia River.
Book a Tiny House
Horse Heaven Hills Trail Drive Event
The 13th Annual Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers Trail Drive event is coming up July 21, 2018 participants are Columbia Crest, Water From Wine, CSM Canoe Ridge Estate, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Destiny Ridge-Alexandria Nicole Cellars and Coyote Canyon Vineyard.
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