Open That Bottle Night Wine Picks by Winemakers and Wine Writers

“When should I open this bottle of wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion?” That question was regularly posed to Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher in the days when they penned their renowned wine column for The Wall Street Journal. In response, the clever writers started “Open That Bottle Night.” The goal was to encourage the inquisitive to just go ahead and open that bottle. The event continues to take place on the last Saturday of every February. If you’ve ever wondered what wines are on the minds of winemakers and wine writers on Open That Bottle Night here’s a little insight.

Mari Womack, Damsel Cellars Winemaker and Proprietor

Winemaker Mari Womack Yearns for a Paso Wine

Mari Womack, winemaker and proprietor of Woodinville’s Damsel Cellars and a VinoSocial client, plans to open the Block B 100% Syrah from Epoch Wines in Paso Robles.

“I was lucky enough to try a tank sample of the Block B Syrah with winemaker Jordan Fiorentini when I visited last spring. I got my hands on a bottle and I can’t wait to open it – the Block B is a plush, layered mix of fruit, earth, and mineral.”

When it comes to her desired dish, “I can’t wait to pair it with grilled lamb meatballs with flavors of cumin, coriander, and allspice. Lamb and syrah always signal spring to me and are a classic pairing.”

Wine Writer Kathleen Willcox Soaks Up Paul Hobbs’ Finger Lake Project

Talented wine writer Kathleen Willcox is the co-founder of Thinking Outside the Bottle. Her captivating work frequently appears in Wine Industry Advisor, Wine Searcher, and Wine Enthusiast.

As an Open the Bottle option, “I would love to revisit Paul Hobbs’ Finger Lakes project, Hillick & Hobbs,” Kathleen says.

“It’s a tribute to his upbringing on his family’s farm in Upstate New York, and the traveling winemaker’s latest estate overlooking Seneca Lake in the FLX is producing some of the best Riesling I’ve ever had. Hobbs is known for running Sebastopol’s Paul Hobbs Winery, and Crossbarn, in addition to working with Mendoza’s Vina Cobos, Cahors’ Crocus, Armenia’s Yacoubin-Hobbs and Galicia’s Alvaredos-Hobbs. All delicious. His Seneca Lakes beauty more than lives up to his reputation for producing terroir-driven wines.”

As for pairing, “This one is delicate but powerful, tangerines, wildflowers, wet rocks, pears, lemons and limes. I love pairing it with chicken schnitzel—a family favorite—with buttered and salty egg noodles.”

Winemaker Jay Anderson Reminisces Over Vouvray

When it comes to memory wines, Jay Anderson of Foundry Vineyards in Walla Walla mentioned Vouvray during an interview for the Slow Wine Guide. The energetic Chenin Blanc comes from the region of the same name in France’s Loire Valley. It was the wine Jay’s father would always order with mussels when dining out. Therefore, it was especially meaningful to Jay when he got access to Chenin Blanc for Pet Project. Not yet familiar? It’s his exciting venture based on the ancestral method of winemaking. The grapes come from the 200-acre organic Arete Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. The result is a zippy effervescent wine with citrus up front and lemon-lime soda like character, contrasted by a rich finish.

Open That Bottle Night Wine Revives Travel Memories

Contemplating memory wines has me thirsty for a bottle over which the hubby and I may reminisce about our travels. A lone bottle from our visit to Castello Monte Vibiano in Italy’s Umbria region still resides in our cellar. I think it’s time to open that bottle.

What bottle are you inspired to open? Head on over to Instagram and #LetsTalkAboutWine using the hashtag #OTBN. You can also find the latest updates from Damsel Cellars, Kathleen Willcox, Foundry Vineyards, and Pet Project Wines.

 

Two Wine Soaked Days in Walla Walla

Walla Walla Valley is a must visit for wine lovers! I’m not the only one who thinks so. It has been named America’s Best Wine Region in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards two years in a row. If you’re wondering where to eat and drink in Walla Walla and want the perspective of a wine industry insider, just use this personal itinerary from my trip last June as a guide. These wineries and restaurants are not to be missed during two days in Walla Walla.

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Exposé on Rosé with Seattle Urban Wineries

If you’re ready to discover where to find your ideal rosé in Seattle, you’re in luck! Next week Seattle Urban Wineries has a fun FREE virtual chat featuring the folks behind the wine, moderated by yours truly. Join this “Exposé on Rosé” and meet six producers crafting six very different pink beverages, including sparkling wine and mead.

Exposé on Rosé

Wednesday, June 9
4-5pm Pacific
Register for the link and be entered in a drawing.

It would be a bit much if all of the 24 member wineries participated, so the following six will showcase their refreshing wines during this event.

John Patterson of Patterson Cellars spills the juice on his Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir. ($42)

Nina Depiesse of Nine Hats Wines will make us blush over the 2020 vintage of Julia’s Dazzle, crafted of Pinot Gris. ($18)

Todd and Anne, proprietors of T2 Cellar reveal all about their Rosé of Counoise. ($18)

Brandon of Mr. B’s Mead sweetens the conversation over his Rosé Mead made with raspberry honey. ($20 per 375ml or $30 per 750ml)

Bradley Sherman of Michael Florentino Cellars unveils his 2020 Rosé of Barbera. ($20)

Tim Narby of Nota Bene Cellars / MCM Wine Company gives the lowdown on his Divinia Rosé. ($22)

This is the perfect online event for those who want to virtually meet the makers and discover where to seek out favorite varieties and styles of wines for patio sipping. Invite friends to join the fun! Sign up today and you’ll be entered to win a fun drawing.

Let’s Talk About WineSmith Wines with Clark Smith

It’s not often that a winemaker initiates a discussion on consumer perceptions of wines and winemakers. Especially rare is a winemaker who openly discusses his use of oak chips in winemaking. Insists that wine tastes better paired with music. Or asserts that sulfite free wines age forever. Yet, all this and more was tackled head on during an online media tasting with Clark Smith, winemaker for WineSmith Wines & Consulting and author of Postmodern Winemaking.

I wasn’t sure what to anticipate from the virtual event. One thing was for sure, though. When I received the sample bottles, I was excited to see wines rarely associated with California such as Saint Laurent and Petit Manseng.

Here’s the first thing Clark wanted to say:

“My wines are highly manipulated. ALL wines are highly manipulated. Those are not grapes in the glass. No wine is as manipulated as any beer, and that’s the truth. The foundation of our brand is total honesty.”

Regarding Wine Lovers

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Let’s Talk About Ken Wright Cellars Wine Club

My husband and I have been members of the Ken Wright Cellars Wine Club for over eleven years. By wine club standards, that’s an extremely long time (18-36 months is typical). Also, Ken Wright Cellars is at least a 4 hour drive from our Seattle home. However, we don’t mind making that drive to Carlton, Oregon. Ken Wright and his team have made it worth our while by rewarding our membership in ways that no other winery has matched. Of course, let’s not forget the superb wine that drew us in from the start; membership keeps our home well supplied with our favorite Oregon Pinot Noir! So, let’s talk about the phenomenal Ken Wright Cellars Wine Club.

Ken Wright Cellars Wine Club Experience

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