Our take on the WA offline

[Kcwhippet]

How I spent My Summer Vacation: Part Deux

OK, I've done Willow Crest, Snoqualmie and Hedges but there's so much more and I think I'll take them by AVA, or close. First was the Kestrel I missed yesterday. Liked their stuff. Got 2 each of their Lady in Red 3rd Edition, 04 Esprit Froisse Chard (sorry ww), 99 CS and 02 Estate Sangiovese.

As mentioned, we went to J. Bookwalter after dinner at Anthony's, where we were met by Jarrod Boyle the principal of Alexandria Nicole. A very nice man, and I'd buy more of his wines (if I can get them shipped here). Met John Bookwalter's parents, also nice folks - all the folks we met were really nice. Great blues/jazz group there.

Next day we went to Walla Walla - on fumes as Dan mentioned. Went to James Leigh Cellars and later met Jamie (and his young son - precocious). Jamie's a big fan of heavily hopped beers, and I'll send him some from local brewers when the weather cools. Also went to SYZYGY where the wines were not too bad. The highlight there was the logo togs. Unfortunately, Judy wasn't receptive to me getting her the logo thong underwear. Maybe next time. We also went to Tamarack (the Hitching Post lady) where I didn't get anything, and Saviah. Very nice wines and I picked up a bunch of their Red Mountain Syrah. Pepper Bridge was another stop where I picked up a 750 and mag of the 2001 CS - very nice wine and something the Weener would like.

The last day was a jaunt around the Yakima Valley (along with the stop over at Hedges in Red Mountain - and Jeff (yuck!!!)). If you ever have an opportunity to visit Portteus Winery - pass! Great fruit - very, very poor execution. Don't believe we've ever seen a winery screw up good fruit so badly. Two Mountains with Matt No. 1 was wonderful. Hotter than Hades, but the view of Mt. Ranier and Mt. Adams cloaked in snow (hence the Two Mountains) was spectacular. Left after tasting everything and buying a mixed case - check their 2001 Lemberger and 2002 Syrah, WW. We found 3 apricots the birds hadn't found. Went to Tucker Cellars on the way to 2 Mts. Wine sucks, but the gift shop is nice. Went to Bonair - don't know why, but the grounds with the koi pond and gazebo were nice - so were the rest rooms. Claar Cellars was something else. Wine was really nice - got a bunch. The tasting room person was a real throwback to the 60's, but a really nice person. Finally, we hit Piety Flats. the winemaker is Dave Minick, the President/Winemaker at Willow Crest, Came away with a couple bottles of LH Viognier - a slightly unusual wine, but I really liked it.

That's about it - almost. As I said before, we really enjoyed having WoW travelling with us. It was a real treat finally meeting Dananne - actually Dan and Anne. I'd travel wine country (or any country) with them again. Wonderful folks - all of them! Once again, thanks to Kat and Greg for their incredible hospitality. They are folks we'd like to party with with again - great fun. Also, all the other miscellaneous people we met were a joy to meet and interact with - Matt #1, Matt #2, Victor, Jarrod, Jamie, Rich and his wife at Saviah (where we got to taste their Star Meadows wine at Kat's urging even though it's been sold out for ages), and all the other wonderfully, friendly people we met everywhere. Loved it.


[This message has been edited by Kcwhippet (edited 08-16-2005).]