Monday, March 16, 2009

3 courses for $30? In "this economy"? Yes.

I will be heading back into the trenches to work on my blog this weekend, but wanted to suggest you folks in the Seattle area check out some of the great restaurants that are having 3 course meals for $30 this month.

It's a great time to treat yourself to a good meal.

I may suggest the Barking Frog out in Woodinville, that has an amazing Washington wine list as well.

I'll be back in a couple days!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Woodhouse Family Cellars

Magic in the NW continued on the day we went to Hollywood Hills... after words we headed to Woodhouse Family Cellars. This is tucked away in a warehouse area... and is a massive space. Kevin greeted us and we jumped right in to the wines. (Luckily I knew Kevin from Brian Carter Crush, so that was a nice bonus!)
Here we go:
Kennedy Shah 2006 Picnic Blend: This is a blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. It's a nice golden color with peach, pear, and honey on nose an palette. After getting my mind blown at Hollywood Hills with their Rousanne, this white was very underwhelming.
Kennedy Shah 2003 La Vie en Rouge: Ok, NOW we are talking. This is a blend of Malbec/Syrah/Cab Sav/Merlot. The Malbec makes up 41% of this wine, which if you like Malbec... you will love this wine. It has great silky tannins and a small bit of spice on the palette. It's really a good everyday drinking wine, and the value on it: $20!
2003 USS John C Stennis Malbec: Interesting history on this wine. The winemakers at Woodhouse made this especially for the crew of the USS Stennis when in town. The crew and ship are now out for a few years, so their loss is our gain. It actually has a nice, smoky peppery finish, which is GREAT for BBQ. Think brisket or ribs, slathered in sauce. It is a medium bodied wine and is versatile for food pairing.
2002 Kennedy Shah Syrah: This Syrah actually has a bit of Cab and Vioginer (yes Viognier, only 2%) It has a good inky color and good berry fruit on the nose. Kevin recommended this one with pizza... and that night I made a flatbread with salami, goat cheese, caramelized onions and kalamata olives and it paired wonderfully!

We also got to try the newly released 2007 Tempranillo. Which is delish, but needs to open up a little more. (It's what we would call "young") A little more time in the bottle will be great. *I picked up a bottle myself.

Thanks to Kevin!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Hollywood Hills... a gem.

First of all, I am a big dummy and didn't take any pics this time around, because some of you may not believe it... it was a GORGEOUS sunny quasi-warm day here in the PNW. (Of course the day after some random snowstorm). I had a little time to kill waiting for my friend of 30 years, Robyn, to get done with a work thingy, so I did some research on where in the french toast to head to in Woodinville. First stop: The new tasting room for Hollywood Hills winery.

Hollywood Hills: Hollywood, here we come! I gave a call to make sure they would actually be open, and to my joy... YES! I went into their cute, modest tasting room where the absolutely adorable Becky Snyder (wife of winemaker, Steve) was there to greet us. Quick history: They actually had their old tasting room in the detached garage on their own property, where they do have some grapes growing. Becky showed us a picture: so pretty! They took the plunge and decided to get a tasting room in "tasting room country". I'll say... GOOD Move. They have great wine.
Hollywood Hills 2008 Rousanne from Horse Heaven Hills: HOLY &&&*(&*%^! Get this wine! Love this wine! I am NOT a big white wine drinker, but this is one that anyone could fall in love with. First, you don't see Rousanne very often in wines, let alone a straight varietal here in Washington. Secondly, try this wine. (Did I already say that?) This gem was just released and has a golden color with like honey and apricot on the nose. Palette wise.. a little sweet without being too sweet. PERFECT with seafood. This wine is $23 a bottle and worth every penny.
2005 Syrah Yakima Valley: So we got to try 3 syrahs, this being the first. It's a blend of 60% red mountain syrah and 40% Rattlesnake Hills (these being the places where the grapes are from) This one was in the bottle for 2 years prior to release. Nice, well balanced with hints of cherry and pepper.
2006 Syrah Rattlesnake Hills: So now you get a chance to taste the different areas of grapes on their own: awesome. This is what we could say is a masculine wine. Very European in style, tobacco and earth on the nose. Very plummy and bold on the palette. For $30, this is a great bold red. (I am loving on this one. Love the earthy nose!)
2006 Syrah Red Mountain: Nice jammy ripeness, without the spiciness that deters me from syrahs. Another must have in your wine collection.

Big thanks to Becky and Steve for letting me taste the wine. I see great things happening with this wine. If you are in the area, CHECK them out.