Our take on the WA offline

[Kcwhippet]

Well, it's my turn to put in my notes on the offline.

First off, I'd like to thank Kat - and Greg - for putting up with us all, and showing us such a great time. It was a shame more of the crew didn't make it, though I have to say with the smaller group we were able to be more spontaneous. We made a few last minute turns that would probably have left parts of a larger convoy aimed in the wrong direction. That said, we did miss the rest of you guys. The two dinners we had at Kat's home were wonderful and being able to interact with the local wine folks was a real treat. Some of us also got to enjoy a few of Greg's libations.

Well, on to the wineries. I was very impressed with the wines we tasted out of barrel at Willow Creek. As WoW said their young asst. winemaker is one to watch. The two wines I particularly liked aren't even on the list at their web site. The Grenache/Gewurtz was so good even Judy raved, and this is the first Grenache based wine she's liked in all our years tasting wine. Equally as wonderful was the Mourvedre from one barrel they'd singled out as special enough to be bottled separately. We have an order in for a case of each when they're bottled. Remember this one, Winoweenie.

I was surprised at Snoqualmie. This is part of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and I was sure this was going to be another wine factory. We carry a few Snoqualmie wines and, while they're quite good, they aren't exceptional. Of the wines we tasted there I came away with about a case - 4 2003 Cirque de Rose, 3 1997 Reserve Merlot and 3 1999 Reserve Merlot. Who'da thunk it.

We went to Hedges twice. The first time we were given a tour by Kat through the bowels of the winery, including the library. On Sunday we went back to buy some wine and met Christophe Hedges, who I first thought was just one of the workers. He was out front, shirtless, in the heat filling up the fountain. From what I gather Christophe and Greg (yes that Greg) are in the process of planting about 3500 lavender plants on the grounds, and are up to about 500. We left with 2 bottles of the rereleased 1996 Three Vineyards (about 60/40 CS/Merlot). We also were unfortunately entertained (not really) by the antics of Jeff (or Geoff - who knows) the tasting room manager. Never will you meet such a pompous, officious, self absorbed little twit in a winery such as he is. What a little jerk! I'd only go back if I knew he wasn't going to be there.

So much more to tell, but I've run out of time at the moment (have to go to a meeting). I'll continue this later.