March is Washington Wine Month

Welcome to Washington Wine Month! Did you know that our great state of Washington is the 2nd largest wine producing state in the country? Over 55,000 acres of vines give way to over 900 wineries producing nearly 18 million cases of roughly 70 different varietals. Whew! Who knew?

Following is a list of them all! Just kidding, that would be quite the task. Leschi Market does have an unparalleled selection of some of the state’s best offerings. For more stats and figures regarding the Washington Wine Industry, visit: www.washingtonwine.org. Meanwhile, enjoy reading about a few of the Market’s favorites. Our cellar selections always include highly sought after Leonetti and Quilceda Creek, among many others. Happy tasting!

RED

2015 Mark Ryan Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($59.99)

“A tiny 245-case production based on Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a very pretty, perfumed, fresh style in its violets, blueberry, mint and bay leaf aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and with good acidity, it has a firm, focused style. It will evolve nicely for 4–5 years than drink nicely for more than 10–15 years.” ~Wine Advocate, 93–95+ points.

2015 DeLille Cellars D2 Columbia Valley ($41.99)

“The notes of graphite, crushed rocks, caramelized black cherries and dark chocolate all define the ripe, sexy and full-bodied.58% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot. This beauty has tons of upfront fruit, as well as a firm, nicely structured core. Hats off to the team at DeLille for consistently producing this level of quality at this quantity.” ~Wine Advocate, 91–94 points.

2012 Tranche Blue Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla ($37.99)

“Aromas of plum, cranberry, wood spice and herb are followed by concentrated red and black-fruit flavors. A silky mouthfeel and firm tannins only add to the enjoyment. 756 cases made.” ~Sean P. Sullivan, 92 points.

2015 à Maurice Cellars Malbec Gamache Vineyard Columbia Valley ($35.99)

“Strong nose of ripe plum, grilled bread, cloves and blackest of black currants. The tannins hold the stage in this rich wine with notes of blackberries, blueberries, clove and plum on the palate. Medium acidity balances the density of the wine. The long finish persists with plum (flesh and skin) and clove.” ~Anna Schafer, Winemaker.

2014 Dunham Cellars Trutina Red Blend Columbia Valley ($27.99)

“Made from a blend of 44% Merlot, 38% Cab Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 8% Cab Franc, the 2014 Trutina gives up lots of graphite and cedary spice intermixed with notions of coffee bean, blackcurrants and licorice. Beautiful on the palate, with full-bodied richness and no hard edges. It should drink beautifully through 2024+.” ~Wine Advocate, 91 points.

2015 Avennia Les Trouvés Red Blend Columbia Valley ($19.99)

Mourvèdre (62%) takes the lead on this wine followed by Syrah (21%) and Grenache. It’s aromatic and appealing, with notes of roasted meat, black pepper, herb and plum. The red- and black-fruit flavors are concentrated and bring a compelling sense of texture. Smoke and savory flavors linger on the finish. It’s a standout at this price. Editors’ Choice.” ~Sean P. Sullivan, 92 points.

2016 Involuntary Commitment Red Columbia Valley ($17.99)

A new wine made by Chris and Will Camarda of Andrew Will Winery fame. A blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot that was aged in neutral oak for 11 months. The wine offers great depth of flavor at a price that is perfect. You can sense the black fruits, tobacco leaf and earthy aroma, yet on the palate it is more currants and plums.

WHITE

2015 Buty Sémillon/Sauvignon/Muscadelle Columbia Valley ($19.99)

“Combining grapes from the legendary Boushey Vineyard, with fruit from Lonesome Spring Ranch and the oldest block of Rosebud Ranch on the Wahluke Slope. The core of Sémillon provides eloquent white flower, golden fig and honey notes, while the Sauvignon and Muscadelle contribute layers of rose, jasmine and orange spice.” ~Winemaker notes.

2015 Ryan Patrick Sagemoor Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay ($17.99)

“I chose Sagemoor Vineyards because they have a history and pedigree for growing custom high tier fruit with phenomenal quality. The warm site and mature vines at Sagemoor lend to the ripe, rich style we are looking for in our Reserve Chardonnay. 100 cases produced.” ~Jeremy Santo, Winemaker. 2017 Seattle Wine Awards Double Gold.

2016 Cedergreen Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Yakima Valley ($13.99)

“Dry, brilliantly crisp and clean with juicy lemon, apricot and nectarine flavors. Think shrimp, scallops, crab and oysters sizzling over a wood fire, an icy cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc a fine partner.” ~Winemaker notes.

Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.