WAugust!
We’re going out with a bang: Grüner Veltliner, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. From the windswept Columbia Gorge to the sun-soaked slopes of Royal City, we’re taking a whirlwind tour through some of Washington State’s best fruit and most talented winemakers. Four wines, four different personalities, and one delicious finale.
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, August 26th
HOURS: 2PM - 8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Landmass, Grüner Veltliner Columbia Gorge, Washington $29
This Grüner comes from Underwood Mountain on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, where big winds and volcanic soils help keep the fruit beautifully bright. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s signature white grape, this Washington version leans delightfully quirky, with passionfruit curd, jasmine, spring grass, peach stone, and whisper of petrichor. It is not an all-steel Grüner: the wine sees 25% Hungarian oak, 50% neutral French oak, and 25% stainless steel, which gives it a some without taking away that electric freshness.
Novelty Hill, “Stillwater Creek” Viognier Royal Slope, Washington $28
Novelty Hill planted their Royal Slope estate vineyard in 1999 and founded the winery in 2000, with Washington icon Mike Januik helping guide the project from the start. 95% Viognier and 5% Roussanne, whole-cluster pressed, barrel fermented, and aged on its lees for five months in neutral French oak. White flowers, tangerine, ripe white peach, apricot, citrus zest, honey, and a rich but polished texture.
K Vintners, “Stoneridge” Cabernet Sauvignon Royal Slope, Washington $49
K Vintners is Charles Smith’s original Walla Walla project that he began with just 330 cases of 1999 Syrah sold from the back of his Chevy Astro van. Stoneridge Vineyard sits high on the south slope of the Saddle Mountains in the hot, dry Wahluke Slope. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon here, bringing blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar, savory herbs, mint, eucalyptus, graphite, and firm tannin. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 months in French oak barriques (50% new).
Saviah Cellars, “The Funk” Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla, Washington $75
Richard and Anita Funk founded Saviah Cellars in Walla Walla in 2000. This single-vineyard Cabernet grows among the alluvial cobblestones, basalt pebbles, and boulders washed down from the Blue Mountains. Deep garnet in the glass, it rolls out blueberry, black cherry, ripe plum, cassis, and cocoa, followed by savory herbs, earth, and a touch of umami. Aged 20 months in French oak, including some new barrels, this is a fantastic showing of what Washington Cabernet can do when vineyard and winemaker are firing on all cylinders.
