New Releases Can Hit the Market Any Time of Year

It’s a busy, yet exciting time of the year for Pacific Northwest wineries as grapes from the 2006 vintage are being harvested and crushed.

So when do winemakers release their latest vintages? There’s no hard and fast rule on this one. White wines fermented in stainless steel are usually released in the spring following harvest, while reds and whites that are barrel fermented generally make their appearance anywhere from 12 to 24 months after harvesting.

Mount Baker Vineyards has a handful of very nice, new wines that hit the shelves in September. The 2005 Reserve Viognier (about $20) is an absolutely delicious, must-try white wine. It has a big, full-bodied mouth-feel with plump, lush peach and apricot flavors and a lengthy finish.

Also now available is their 2005 Reserve Pinot Gris (about $20). The wine begins with a nose of fresh pears, followed by more pear flavors and a pleasant, slightly mineral quality. Serve it with mild cheeses such as Muenster or fontina, and you may detect a scant bit of residual sugar. Toss in some fresh fruit and roasted walnuts and you’ve got an ideal food/wine pairing.

An outstanding Eastern Washington red wine that was just released a few months ago is the Lost River Winery 2004 Syrah (about $22). The wine has a lovely cherry aroma and flavors of red cherry, blackberry and hints of coffee and chocolate. This isn’t a big fruit bomb – like some Washington Syrahs – which makes it an excellent food wine. Try it with a lightly seasoned chicken or duck entrée or medium-aged cheeses.