American Beauty

We have a lineup of beauties that are all grown and crafted stateside. Three wonderful whites, and 3 ripe reds. Starting with a blend of grapes popular in the south of France but grown in Yakima. Jumping down to southern Oregon for a Pinot Blanc from the Rouge Valley, and back home back home for a bright Sauvignon Blanc from Columbia Valley. Changing to reds we taste a “Claret” (which means a blend of grapes from Bordeaux France) from Washington. Then we will try a classic California Zinfandel. And back home for a Rhone inspired red from whiz kid Kevin Smith.

Try them on for size…

@ Humble Vine Saturday January 26th. 4pm till they run dry!

Waitsburg, “Three” White Blend, WA $16

A blend of Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, and Marsanne, a “Southern Rhone” blend from the Boushey Vineyards in Yakima. This wine is aromatic, dry and detailed. The first impression in both nose and mouth is of lemon cream, perhaps due to a small percentage being aged in new barrels for a short period of time. White peach, pink grapefruit and lemon. The finish is long, crisp and persistent.

Foris, Pinot Blanc, OR $16

Threads of dried pineapple, Granny Smith apple, Meyer lemon, brioche, wet stone and a hint of sage. The "feel" of the wine is greater than the flavors, leaning towards a zippy impression of ripe grapefruit and that distinctive streak of minerality with a tightly wound finish. Extended aging on the yeast (lees) for added richness and complexity.

Distefano, Sauvignon Blanc, WA $18

This Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from Horse Heaven Hills and represents classic Sauvignon Blanc with floral notes of honeysuckle and fruit notes of pear with a hint a grassy character. The fermentations is done in stainless steel tanks, with extended lees contact for added complexity.

Basel Cellars, Claret, WA $21

The vibrant bouquet shows hints of ripe cherry, cedar, perfume and pencil shavings. Ripe red berry fruits integrate well with soft toasty oak on the palate, with smooth tannins and good acidity framing the structure of this Claret. You will also notice a distinct mineral quality.

Biale Vineyards, Party Line Zinfandel, CA $24

This elegant, refined and almost Burgundian style wine is a blend of Biale's old vine parcels from the North coast. Brilliant garnet red in the glass with ripe raspberry and Bing cherry notes on a lifted and silky, pleasure packed palate of crushed, tangy-sweet berries. Biale crafts their Zin exactly in the style of Cru red Burgundy.

Kevin White, “Fraternite” Red Rhone Blend, WA $30

Fraternite pronounces bright red fruit from the moment you pull the cork. This Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah blend is a lively wine with layered aromas and flavors of strawberries, raspberries, kirsch, violets and spice. On the palate, these flavors wrap around a silky medium body with a smooth, fresh and lingering finish.