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 and was given only brief ageing on the gross lees. Its resulting full body and mouth-feel, along with its intense flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes, pears, and peaches, make 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!

Roussanne, a white grape variety heretofore relatively unknown outside its native region of the Rhône Valley in France, is being embraced in the new world as a terrific alternative to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Like it’s sister variety, Viognier, Roussanne’s medium-to-full body and mouth-feel, along with it’s flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes, pears, peaches, and herb tea make 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. Serve this wine chilled, but not cold, for best flavors. In order not to strip this wine of flavor, it has not been cold-stabilized. Therefore, over time it will produce harmless crystalline tartrates, known as “wine diamonds,” in the bottom of the bottle, especially if chilled to cold temperatures for a long period of time. Pour the last glass carefully to avoid including the crystals. Santé!

Viognier (pronounced vee-own-yay), a white grape variety heretofore relatively unknown outside its native region of the northern Rhône Valley in France, is being embraced in the new world as a terrific alternative to Chardonnay. Its full body and mouth-feel, along with its intense flavors of tropical fruit, mangoes, pears, and peaches, make 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!

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!

UPDATE - WON A SILVER MEDAL AT THE 2007 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE --- 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. This wine should be vigorously decanted prior to serving. Santé!

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%)

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!

UPDATE -- WON A GOLD MEDAL AT THE 2009 SEATTLE WINE AWARDS - UPDATE -- WON A GOLD MEDAL AT THE 2009 WINE PRESS NW MAGAZINE PLATINUM AWARDS - The famous DuBrul Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA is known for producing grapes that result in wines of depth and character. Most recognized among the grape varieties grown there are those whose varietal origin is the great Bordeaux region of France. This wine was produced from three of the most well-known of those varieties. Dark cherry and some spice predominate the flavors, which carry through a strong mid-palate and extend into a long, tapered finish. Lush by itself, this wine also will pair well with boldly seasoned foods, particularly beef and bolder meats. Santé! Cabernet Sauvignon - 46%, Merlot - 46%, Cabernet Franc - 8%

Dolcetto is a major grape variety in the Piedmont region of Italy. Very little of this variety is grown in Washington State, and only one barrel of this boldly flavored wine was made from this vintage. Initial Bing cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas and flavors carry through on the lingering finish. This wine is structured to pair well with foods or to be consumed without accompaniment. Foods paired with this wine should be moderately herbed, spiced, and/or peppered. Best poured at a temperature of about 62°F, this wine needs no decanting. Santé!

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!

Originating in Croatia, where it’s known as Crljenak Kaštelanski, and migrating to the Puglia region of Italy, where it’s known as Primitivo, Zinfandel has become a mainstay in California winemaking. While no known Crljenak Kaštelanski is grown in WA state, very little of the Primitivo variant of this variety is grown here. This dry rosé wine was made from a very small amount of that variant and exhibits the typical spiciness of Zinfandel, but in a light, easy-drinking, fun wine. Pair it with lighter dishes, or quaff it on its own with your friends. Santé!

Stone Tree Vineyard, near Mattawa, WA, provided grapes to Willis Hall for this magnificent wine. A small amount (2%) of Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyard was blended with the Syrah to elevate the mouth-feel and round out the finish. The earthy notes in this Syrah contrast to the typical fruity tones usually apparent in WA Syrahs. The dark cherry, leather, and pencil-lead character of this rich wine and its intense, lingering finish require bold, complementary spices and herbs in whatever food is paired with it. If you’re feeling particularly hedonistic, just pour yourself a glass, relax, and luxuriate in this wine’s richness as it unfolds in your glass and envelops your senses. Santé!

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!

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!