WBC 2010 In Short

So the 2010 Wine Bloggers Conference has come to an end. I'm back in the car, not driving, but passengering back to Portland.

I'm sure everyone is writing similar summary posts on their respective blogs, so I'll keep this brief. Aside from seeing some good friends, meeting new friends, and trying a lot of wine here are some of my highlight moments:

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The Road to Walla Walla

So that time of year has come again - it's time for the annual American Wine Bloggers Conference. This year we're convening in the city of Walla Walla over the Washington side of the Columbia, the same river that runs through my new home in Portland. I drove past the area on my way to the Willamette Valley, and now I'm headed back, seeing the scenery from another angle.

It's a four hour drive from Portland to Walla Walla, but well worth the trip. The views and changing landscape along the Columbia are just amazing. And since Lynnette is driving, I can type on my new iPad!

The conference will offer a chance to reconnect with many people I met last year (and more importantly make a human connection with all the Facebook/Twitter wine folks I follow).

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Quick Sip: 2003 Soléna Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - grapes from the other side of the Columbia

Soléna Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (2003)
Soléna Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Mountain AVA, WA

The final warm weather varietal tasted at Soléna's Carlton tasting room with Lynnette.

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What?! Wine bloggers don't make any money?!

Well, for the most part it's true. Very few of us actually do what we love because it pays well. Sure, some have ad revenue, and some get sent samples... but really very little of the compensation in wine blogging is of the monetary sort. Many of us have regular jobs (in technology, marketing, healthcare, consulting, etc.) that pay our regular bills.

With those bills and such, I can tell you there isn't always a lot left over to go towards our hobby and passion, wine. Just last year I found myself in this very situation after learning about the 2nd Annual Wine Bloggers Conference in Santa Rosa, and knowing that it would be a great event for me to attend to network, meet other wine bloggers, and to learn. Then, as if the clouds parted and a shining bottle of Pinot Noir (likely held out by friend and chairperson, Thea Dwelle) descended towards me, I found out that there was a special fund for bloggers just like me! A bloggership if you will aimed at helping Citizen Bloggers get to attend WBC.

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Creamy Columbia Chardonnay

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay (2007)
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Chardonnay
Columbia Valley (Wash.)

I might be slightly biased towards this wine, because I am absolutely head over heels in love with this winery. I have never picked up a bottle of CSM that I didn't adore. Both flavorful and aromatic wines, everything from their line that I have samples is very approachable. I immediately recommend their Gewurtz and Riesling to people who like fruit-driven but crisp whites. See previous review for a perfect summer wine. And a recent bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon made my toes tingle with delight.

I was browsing American whites at Whole Foods, and found myself looking at Chardonnay. I don't know what it's been with me and Chard lately, but I've been drinking a lot of it. I think I'm trying to subtly force everyone to like them! I get why people are down on Chard, but really there are so many good ones out there that no one has given a second thought to. Really, go out and find one you like. Consider it a little secret that you don't have to tell anyone about.

So, without further pomp, here are my notes - I tried to keep the raving to a minimum - on this particular bottle:

Appearance: Clear with a medium lemon yellow color. Probably one of the more yellow hued wines I've seen a while.

Nose: Clean, medium intensity, youthful but developing. This wine is only 2 years old but it has some great development from the oak and sur lie aging. Buttery - like movie popcorn or butter cookies - yellow apple, soft citrus, flan, crème brûlée, caramel, vanilla, and white blossoms.

Palate: Yum! Dry, full bodied wine. Medium acidity, alcohol, and flavor intensity. The length goes for a long time. Mellow citrus, stone fruit like peaches, smooth oak integration, buttery, biscuit (malolactic), melon, kiwi, vanilla, and almond.

Complex, dry, soft acidity, full body. This is by no means overpowered with oak, but has just enough to make a powerful statement with many a meal. Pair this wine with creamy cheese (brie, camembert), cream based soups, lentils, any kind of dish based on a creamy or buttery sauce. And pastry. Good lord drink this wine with buttery pastries with just a little fruit.

Now I'll admit, whilst I'm nuts over the winery, I still kind of like the Blue Fin I had last time a little better. The oak integration of this bottle, and the wonderful layers of complexity from the sur lie aging are fabulous, but I like a touch more acidity. Lower acid wines don't have the perception of feeling as refreshing. Consider the difference between drinking a glass of whole milk versus a glass of ice water on a hot, muggy day.

Just drink some Chardonnay, dammit! You'll be better off having done so.

Cheers!

Wines we can't say, but that won't break your budget

Chatuea Ste. Michelle (2007)
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Gewürztraminer
Columbia Valley, Washington

So I've been away for a bit - a week out sick and then another week spent in San Francisco. Thusly I've not had time to update my blog. So to make up for my drought of writing I'm going to review three great wines that you can pick up for the holidays - especially Thanksgiving.

The first is one of my favorite whites - Cheateau Ste. Michelle's Gewürztraminer (say: guh-VURTS-trah-MEE-ner). This wine is amazing with Chinese, Thai, or Indian food. I also think it would make a killer addition to any meal that you expect to use either heat or spice in. It's medium to full bodied, so will really stand up to some great foods too.

Appearance: Clear, medium intensity, gold wine with slight pétillance.

Nose: Youthful, clean aromas. Medium intensity with high notes of yellow apple, stone fruit (peach and mango), and lychee nut. Floral, tropical (pineapple, lemon) and soft ginger and spice deeper in the glass.

Palate: Dry to off dry sweetness, medium plus, crisp acidity like from a fresh-picked apple. More pineapple and stone fruit, and citrus with a medium long finish. Medium alcohol and body.

Try this tongue-twisting German varietal with a nicely seasoned pork or turkey dish. Or better yet pair it up with some spiced pumpkin pie. Get a wickedly festive recipe using Satan's blood here from Heather's Heat & Flavor.

Fruit-driven and fresh, this should be an absolute must at under $10 a bottle. Just as versatile as Riesling and a wine that I'm sure many of your holiday guests will challenge one another to pronounce. And I can't think of anything better than trying to speak German after a few glasses of wine.

Cheers!