The Best of Taste Washington

Long due my piece for Taste Washington 2014. This year I decided to go for Washington State white blends and other interesting varieties. Here are my discoveries.

AniChe Cellars

The 2011 Lizzy White Rhône Blend from Columbia Valley ($22) was a nice marriage of the Marsanne and Roussanne varieties. I loved the earthy minerality of this combination with a pleasant nose and satisfying palate.

Maryhill Winery

The 2011 Aurelia White Rhône Blend, Horse Heaven Hills ($20) was another discovery. I am not sure for the grape blend but it had strong aromas of melon and pear and a fruity medium body. This elegant wine is  good choice for seafood and grilled poultry.

Cave B Estate Winery

The 2012 Cuvee Blanc White Bordeaux Blend ($25) was a wonderful blend of 79% Semillon and 21% Sauvignon Blanc. It gave aromas of kiwi in the first sip mixed with those of rich lemon and ripe nectarines. The wine was perfectly balanced and I would pair it with seared seafood and maybe with a risotto. 

Mellissoni Vineyards

The 2012 Pinot Gris from Lake Chelan ($35) was pleasant and refreshing. Great for a summer aperitif. 

The Tamarack Cellars Viognier, Columbia Valley ($24) has strong aromas of fresh peaches and nectarines and an amazing bright finish. Well done Tamarack Cellars.

Array Cellars

The 2011 Chardonnay Dijon Clone, Yakima Valley ($32) was also a wonderful surprise from the State that can produce some decent Chardonnays.

Laurelhurst Cellars

The Late Harvest 2012 White Rhône Blend ($28) was a perfectly balanced Viognier and Roussanne. The wine had a honey color and aromas of dried apricot, pear and honeysuckle.  

With over 200 wineries exhibiting their wines, my selection is really small. But I can guarantee the quality and the elegance of those wines so whenever you have the chance, buy a bottle. 

I was conservative with food. I only did seafood and some tasty meats including Hook & Plow’s house-cured pork pastrami, the whiskey-glazed smoked salmon with arugula salad from Ivar’s and Uli’s Famous Sausage gourmet sausage. I also had the house-made citrus gravlax with herb-cucumber salad from Urbane.  I dared to take a sip from the spicy nettle soup with crispy razor clams courtesy of the SkyCity at the Needle.  And the roasted pork belly with seasonal vegetable from Outside the Box Food Truck was delightful. 

The Taste Washington event is a must-do every year. If you are in the Seattle area, don't miss it.