2009, Pinot Gris - COLUMBIA VALLEY

Retail Price: $21.99
Member Price: $17.59

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio and perhaps the most well-known mutation of the noble Pinot Noir, produces flavorful wines with notable substance and color. This wine was fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks. An early October freeze in Vintage 2009 resulted in grape harvest about two weeks earlier than normal, resulting in a wine with food-friendly acidity and citrus notes on the finish, making it the perfect wine to pair with salads, sliced fruits, a variety of cheeses, and many hors d’oeuvres, as well as moderately seasoned fish, fowl, or vegetable entrées. It also serves as a good aperitif. Serve this wine chilled, but not cold, for best flavors. Santé!

2004, Merlot - Columbia Valley

Retail Price: $27.99
Member Price: $22.39

Merlot is one of the better-known grape varieties allowed in the classified red blends from the great Bordeaux region of France. Plantings of Merlot in Washington are vast, making perhaps the best-known red wine from the state. Merlot grapes, while prone to expressing the terroir of the vineyards where grown, typically produce wines with bright, forward-cherry flavors and smooth mouth-feels. Vintage 2004 was challenging due to an early-January freeze that resulted in the loss of grapes from many of the vineyards in eastern Washington. Nevertheless, this premium wine embodies the world-class character of Washington vineyards as manifested in the noble Merlot. Accompanying foods should be moderately herbed and spiced. Santé!

2004, Cabernet Sauvignon - Columbia Valley

Retail Price: $27.99
Member Price: $22.39

UPDATE - WON A SILVER MEDAL AT THE 2007 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL WINE CLALLENGE --- One of the best-known grape varieties world-wide, Cabernet Sauvignon defines elegance and structure in winemaking. Vintage 2004 was challenging due to an early-January freeze that resulted in the loss of grapes from many of the vineyards in eastern Washington. Nevertheless, this premium wine embodies the world-class character of Washington vineyards as manifested in the noble Cabernet Sauvignon. While approachable early, this wine will age under favorable storage conditions for several years. Accompanying foods should be boldly spiced, herbed, and peppered. Santé!

2005, Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley

Retail Price: $27.99
Member Price: $22.39

Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety usually employed in a blending role to uplift, with floral scents, the wines made from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. It also is the sole variety allowed in the classified red wines from the Chinon region of the Loire Valley in France. In this wine the forward flavors of the Cabernet Franc are complemented by the softer, more lush flavors of Merlot. Additionally, this wine’s structure is enhanced by the blending of Cabernet Sauvignon. Paired foods can range from lightly herbed and spiced dishes to those with much bolder flavors. This wine is a grand accompaniment for nearly all foods. Santé! Cabernet Franc (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Merlot (5%)

2005, Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley (Charbonneau Farms)

Retail Price: $31.99
Member Price: $25.59

Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety usually employed in a blending role to uplift, with floral scents, the wines made from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. It also is the sole variety allowed in the classified red wines from the Chinon region of the Loire Valley in France. Occasionally, Cabernet Franc can be a chameleon, exhibiting a rustic side and displaying its character in a cascade of dark, earthy flavors. This is such a wine. Its moderate flavors require similar preparation of complementary food. Such preparations might include moderate spices, herbs, and pepper, especially when applied to vegetables, mushrooms, and game meats. Santé!

2005, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills (Murto Vineyard)

Retail Price: $21.99
Member Price: $17.59

Murto Vineyard, near Dundee, OR, is a renowned grower of world-class Pinot Noir. This wine was made entirely from Dijon Clone 115 Pinot Noir grapes from the vineyard’s Terrace Block. Only two barrels of this beautifully balanced, pretty wine were made from this vintage. Bright cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors give way to pepper and earth tones on the lingering finish. Foods paired with this wine should be moderately herbed and spiced so as not to overwhelm the wine’s delicate nuances. Pouring at a temperature of about 62°F will yield optimum enjoyment. Santé!

2005, Syrah, Yakima Valley (Crawford Vineyard)

Retail Price: $31.99
Member Price: $25.59

Crawford Vineyard, near Prosser, WA, has a distinctive terroir. Syrahs from this vineyard are dense, complex wines with intense blueberry aromas and flavors that carry through to a lingering finish. These wines are superb when consumed young, but have the ability to age into wonderful, structured wines. This premium wine is best when paired with foods that have bold flavors, are substantially herbed and spiced, and have some basis of oil or fat. This wine will continue to please your senses to the last drop in your glass. Serve at cool room temperature for best flavors. Santé!

2008, Late Harvest Pinot Gris, Rattlesnake Hills (Elephant Mountain Vineyards) - 375ml

Retail Price: $17.99
Member Price: $14.39

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio and perhaps the most well-known mutation of the noble Pinot Noir, produces flavorful wines with notable substance and color. Late harvested with fermentation halted prior to dryness, the resulting residual sugar enhances this wine’s intense flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes, pears, and peaches, making it an ideal wine to pair with sliced fruits, a variety of nuts and cheeses, and desserts that are not overly sweet. It also can be enjoyed on its own as a perfect ending to a meal. Santé!