If you’re new to the site, welcome! You’ll find plenty of Northwest wine recommendations, a calendar of wine-related events, upcoming wine classes that I’ll be teaching and other useful information.

If you’re a return visitor, be sure to check out the Category titled Bellingham Herald Articles for weekly updates on wines, wineries, and related topics that I think you’ll find to be noteworthy.

I hope you’ll also join our mailing list or feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

Cheers!
Dan the Wine Guy

Here is the line-up of wine dinners Dan will be moderating at 9Nine Restaurant this fall and winter. The restaurant is located at North Bellingham Golf Course, 205 W. Smith Road in Bellingham.

Phone (360) 398-8300, extension 2 for more information and reservations.

December 10, 2011 - Whatcom County Wine Dinner Featuring Masquerade Wine Company, Dakota Creek Winery, and Dynasty Cellars

February 18, 2012 - Wine Dinner Featuring a Respresentative and Wines From Cline Cellars of Sonoma County, California

Mount Baker Vineyards’ Randy Finley could well be the role model for the old adage, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

As owner/winemaker, he’s dealt with his share of setbacks over the past several years yet continued to make consistently high quality wines as Whatcom County’s oldest winery.

For starters, Finley lost not one, but two promising winemakers to other wineries. He’s overcome those losses by making what he calls, “wine by committee,” drawing on his own experience along with the talents of this son, Maitland (formerly of A to Z Wineworks in Oregon), and the Mount Baker Vineyards staff.

Then Finley was faced with an under ripe crop of last year’s chasselas grapes at the winery’s Whatcom County vineyard that was unfit for making wine. Instead of tossing the lot, he bottled it as Verjus Blanc, a tart, tasty non-alcoholic grape juice that can be used for deglazing, as a cocktail sour mix or a refreshing aperitif.

I’ve always felt that there’s something for everyone’s tastes at Mount Baker Vineyards, and Finley does not disappoint by offering a huge selection of varietals. Here are a few of my favorites among his current releases:

2010 Estate Chasselas (about $13) – Blended with five-percent viognier, this perfectly balanced white is a bit fuller in body than the winery’s previous vintages. Gentle peach, pear and nectarine flavors are capped with a touch of sweetness and a splash of acidity.

2010 Market Cellars Chardonnay (about $16) – I loved the complexities of this well-priced chardonnay. It begins with a whiff of butterscotch and sandalwood on the nose, creamy toffee and caramel flavors at the mid-palate and a hint of espresso on the finish.

2008 Reserve Syrah (about $24) – Rich plum, black cherry, and black currant flavors are balanced with just the right amount of acidity to make this beautiful juice.

2008 Barbera (about $25) – Enticing aromatics of cherry and mint lead to ample red fruit flavors suggesting pomegranate and currant. A dash of pekoe tea and spice in the background nicely accompany the wine’s gentle tannins.

2009 Grenache/Syrah (about $25) – There’s a striking contrast between the bright, cranberry flavors of the grenache and the dark, slightly smoky notes of the reserve syrah. Together they add up to a flavorful red wine with incredible balance and texture.

2008 Market Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (about $34) – Blackberry, dark plum, and a hint of black coffee lead off; then a trace of raspberry wraps around the finishing tannins.

Mount Baker Vineyards has two tasting rooms: near Deming off the Mount Baker Highway and at the Market Cellar Winery near Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Posts on this web site under the category “Bellingham Herald Articles” were originally printed in the Bellingham Herald…the source for Whatcom County, Washington news.

For the latest updates in local, regional and national news, visit their web site at www.bellinghamherald.com

There’s an interesting story about the winemaking background of Victor Palencia, winemaker at Jones of Washington Wine in Quincy.

Palencia took an interest in winemaking when he was in his teens. Then he attended and graduated from Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture Institute, and went to work as winemaker at Willow Crest Winery in Prosser…all before he turned 21.

The catch, you see, was that Palencia was able to smell, sip and spit the wine, but not legally drink it. That all “magically” changed in January of 2006, when the turn of a calendar page marked his 21st birthday.

Now 26, and head winemaker at Jones of Washington, Palencia already has a decade of experience in the wine industry as both a vineyard worker and wine craftsman. He’s also part of the growing (and long overdue, but most welcome) trend of Hispanic winemakers making their presence known among those that enjoy premium Washington wines.

One thing that struck me when tasting Palencia’s wines is how solid and well-pronounced they come across on the palate. There’s virtually no mistaking their distinct, flavorful characteristics and that makes them an absolute pleasure to drink.

Here are my tasting notes on a few of Jones of Washington’s current releases:

2010 Rosé of Syrah (about $14) – For me, rosés generally fall into two categories: the savory, herby style and the fruitier, perfect-for-sipping variety. This one definitely falls into the latter…and in spades. Striking ruby color, strawberry cream on the nose, and big flavors of cranberry, cherry and candy apple all add up to this grand slam rosé.

2010 Chardonnay (about $17) – Here’s another substantial wine that will elevate your senses and leave you with a smile. Beautiful, round flavors of baked apple and nectarine glide into more of a tropical fruit edge and a lengthy finish that hints at crushed pineapple.

2008 Merlot (about $17) – Black cherry and fresh-brewed espresso aromas lead off, with a predominance of red fruit flavors including cranberry, cherry and currant. The wine’s bright acidity holds up nicely throughout a finish with traces of bittersweet chocolate.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $17) – This fruit-forward cabernet initially shines with plenty of pie cherry and red berry flavors. Mocha and toasted oak nuances come through later while firm, but unobtrusive tannins linger in the background.

According to the winery web site, you’ll find Jones of Washington wines locally at the Cordata Community Food Co-Op and Purple Smile Wines in Fairhaven. They can also be ordered on line at jonesofwashington.com.