I recently had the chance to taste through a few new wines coming to the regular list at the LCBO. As it stands right now California makes up 89% of the total production of wine coming from the United States with Washington state coming in a distant second at 4%. That being said the wines coming from the Pacific Northwest are definitely noteworthy.
Juan Munoz Oca is the head winemaker for Columbia Crest Winery. I had the opportunity to talk to him about what’s going on in Washington. He explained to me that the climate is very hot and dry in the summer. This is a desert region and they need to use irrigation to help the vines thrive. Juan told me that this climate gives him control over the grapes and using technology they are able to keep track of how much water is getting to the vines.
To be honest Juan had me Hot and Dry summer. All three of the wines making their way into the LCBO have intense, warm climate flavours but they hold onto their acidity. If this is what Washington is capable of at this price point I hope this sets the bar and we see more of these wines on the shelves.
(August 14 release) 2014 Columbia Crest Chardonnay – LCBO 462846 – $17.95 – **** – The nose on this wine smells like it could be from California. Butterscotch, Vanilla and roasted Pineapple with great intensity leap out of the glass. But immediately on your first sip the acidity of this wine leaves the palate refreshed. The finish on this wine is long with the strong pressence of vanilla that lingers for a long time. This is an easy wine to enjoy on a patio. The balanced acidity will make this a good match to fried chicken or fish.
(August 14 release) 2013 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon – LCBO 460154 – $17.95 – **** – Not every bottle of red wine needs to spend time in a cellar. I love pulling a dusty bottle out of the cellar for a special occasion … but what are you supposed to drink while you’re waiting? This Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and fruity on the nose with heavy aromas or Black Currant, Blackberry, Dark Cherry, Licorice and a nice smokiness. The smoke and licorice give the wine nice depth but are buried and a complete invasion of fruit on the palate. The fruit is perfectly ripe walking right up to the edge of being jammy but the acidity in this bottle hold everything together like a photograph in perfect focus. Enjoy this with medium rare steak.
2013 Columbia Crest Merlot – LCBO 454835 – $17.95 – **** – In a few words this is a perfect wine for that BBQ you’ve got planned. It would be easier to pour beer but you want to bring your A game. This wine is easy drinking and straightforward. Driven completely by fruit you have hints of Cocoa and Cherry on the nose and in your mouth. The fruit is very ripe and jammy filling your mouth with cherry from cheek to cheek. The finish is smooth with soft tannin and balanced acidity. Enjoy this with Burgers, or Pizza.
