Three Wines Worth Noting From Seattle’s “Taste Washington”

Question: Where’s the largest regional wine tasting event in the United States? Answer: It’s right here in your own backyard at Taste Washington, where about 200 of the state’s nearly 500 wineries were featured at Seattle’s Qwest Field Event Center on April 15. The size of this event and the quality of the wines is proof positive that Washington’s wine industry is both immensely popular and deservedly earning of the recognition it has been receiving on national and worldwide levels.

Walking into the event was a bit like being a kid in a candy store, with so many wonderful selections to choose from and much too little time to try something from everyone. Interspersed throughout the wineries were food samples from nearly 60 local restaurants, making the event a food and wine lover’s dream.

Choosing a favorite wine was impossible, but there were a few that really stood out and merit special mention.

The San Juan Vineyards 2006 Siegerrebe is an incredible white wine, with a wonderfully aromatic aroma, complex spicy flavors, and an off-dry finish. This wine will be perfect for spring and summertime sipping and it’s expected to be released to the public next month.

An absolutely stunning Cabernet-based blend from Washington’s Red Mountain appellation is the Page Cellars 2004 Preface. It’s loaded with big, juicy blackberry flavors and capped by a velvety soft finish.

If you’re a Zinfandel enthusiast like me, you’ll go bonkers for the Zefina Winery 2003 Zinfandel. Fresh berries on the nose, intense brambly blackberry flavors, and a plush, yet spicy finish highlight this outstanding Washington wine.