TASTE WA 2013 Endnotes: Palate Fatigue…and More

By L.m. Archer @lmarcherml

Welcome to binNotes, a blog for those who consider wine an art, not just a beverage.

As binNotes tilts towards palate fatigue after this weekend’s Taste Washington 2013, some final notes featuring favorite wineries, eateries, and seminars:

TASTE WASHINGTON 2013

EAT

Chocolate…chocolate…chocolate…binNotes’ fave find: Intrigue Chocolate Co.

Bacon Chocolate, anyone?  Chef Aaron Barthel handcrafts a chocoholic’s Willy Wonka Wonderland.

DRINK

binNotes faves:



Hedges Family Estate 2011 Estate Dry Cabernet Franc Rose, Red Mountain $18

Hidden gem, Old World soul of a pour. Dry, dusty, adaptable.

Jones of Washington: 2011 Pinot Gris $12

Scintillant Alsatian-style Pinot Gris that leaves you begging for more… which you can’t get right now…because it’s SOLD OUT.

So try the 2011 Jones of Washington Chardonnay $15…an insouciant skip across the taste buds that pairs well with others.

Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Cellars: 2010 Northern Lights Muscat Ice Wine $36

Sidereal, aromatic, uncloying ice wine that glimmers on the palate.

Honorable Mention:

Kaella Winery: 2010 Rosé of Sangiovese $17

and

 2010 Sangiovese, Red Mountain (Ripasso-style) $25

Clever use of Sangiovese for first crush rosé, with skins then added to the Sangiovese for a superb socially acceptable wine for any meal.

LEARN

binNotes attended the Sunday morning seminar:  Yakima Valley 30th Anniversary

Moderated by: Andy Purdue, greatnorthwestwines.com

Panelists: Bob Betz, MW – Betz Family Winery, Todd Newhouse – Upland Estate, Thomas Price,MS  -  Metropolitan Grill, W. Blake Gray – The Gray Report

Three wine guys and one out-of-state grenade-thrower riffing on Washington State’s oldest AVA, where they ask the question: ‘Why isn’t Yakima Valley better known?’ Is it the lack of B&B’s, as suggested by W. Blake Gray? Stay tuned for further developments.

Thanks to Washington State Wine and Visit Seattle.

Copyrighted 2013. All Rights Reserved. 

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Filed under: Foodie, Walla Walla, WA., Washington State Wineries, Washington Wines, Wine Tasting, Woodinville Wineries Tagged: andy purdue, betz family winery, blog, bob betz, challenger valley vineyard, food, food writing, greatnorthwestwines.com, hedges family estates, indulge chocolate co, jones of washington, lifestyle, metropolitan grill, the gray report, todd newhouse, travel, upland estates, visit seattle., w. blake gray, washington state wine, wine, wine writing, Yakima Valley, Yakima Valley AVA