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RED WINES
LISTED FROM LIGHTEST TO MOST FULL-BODIED
SANGIOVESE: WALLA WALLA VINTNERS [Columbia Valley, Washington] 10
[2006] Smooth, balanced and medium in body with aromas of strawberries and cherries. Easy tannins and creamy texture, this wine pairs well with most foods as well as a perfect wine to sip with friends.
PINOTAGE BACKSBURG ESTATE CELLARS [Suider-Paarl, South Africa] 8.50
[2004] Pinotage is a varietal unique to South Africa--a cross-breed of pinot noir and cinsault. The first sip reveals an earthy, brambly, smoky flavor that quickly yields to lush, ripe mulberry and strawberry. Juicy and supple with easy-drinking tannins.
MERLOT: KENNEDY SHAH CELLARS [Rattlesnake Hills, Washington] 8.5
[2007] Medium bodied with a delicate tannin delivery. Notes of raspberry, blueberry
and spice on the palate with nice acidity to support the fruit into the finish.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON: PORTTEUS VINEYARDS [Rattlesnake Hills, WA] 9
[vintage 2007] An extraordianary example of a fine, Washington cabernet produced from 22 year old estate vines. Modest tannins shape the smooth, silky body with ripe raspberry, blackberry and vanilla layers and just the slightest hint of dark, brown sugar. "One of America's great cabernets." Wine Enthusiast.
TANNAT: DON RODOLFO 'Vina Cornejo Costas' [Salta-Cafayete Valley, Argentina] 7.5
[2008] Everything about tannat says bold. This big, full-bodied wine from one of the world's highest vineyards expresses rich flavors of blackberries and dark cherries with firm, but restrained tannins.
SPARKLING WINE
CAVA: CRISTALINO [Penedes, Spain] 6.5
Dry and medium-bodied, this sparkler offers a zesty hint of lemon and green apples. Cava is Spain's premium sparkling wine. Racy, flush with pulsing acidity and a fun effervescence.
WHITE WINES
PINOT GRIGIO: CONTE BRANDOLINI D'ADDA [Fruili-Venezia, Italy] 8.5
[2006] Crisp and dry with nice layers of citrus and stony minerals. This wine is a top-flight example of the varietal - excellent structure and balance with energy on the finish.
GRENACHE BLANC: CHATEAU de NAGES [Rhone Valley, France] 7.5
[2007] Lean and dry with touches of granny smith apple, stony minerality and a long, crisp finish. Grenache blanc blended with just a touch of rousanne to bring structure, this wine epitomizes springtime in France.
CHARDONNAY LAPOSTOLLE 'Casa' [Casablanca Valley, Chile] 8.00
[2007] 'The Casa' (Casablanca Valley), Chile's premiere wine growing region, exhibits a cool, coastal climate rendering chardonnays of nice clarity, great fruit and racy acidity. Wild yeast and a combination of oak and stainless fermentation achieve a wine of great volume, density and enduring finish.
CHENIN BLANC: VIGNERONS de SAUMUR 'Les Epinats' [Loire Valley, France] 7
[2008] Elegant and harmonious. Uniquely fragrant and lush with lively layers of ripe, red raspberries and fresh cream. Coupled with a nice minerality and just enough acidity to sharpen the fruit.
PINOT GRIGIO/VIOGNIER BLEND: THURSTON WOLFE [Columbia Valley, WA] 9.50
[2006] A sophisticated, velvety union of floral honeysuckle and bright, citrus flavors. The initial sweetness from the viognier grape yields perfectly to the sharp finish courtesy the pinot grigio.
HALF BOTTLES OF WINE
RED WINES
LISTED FROM LIGHTEST TO MOST FULL-BODIED
PINOT NOIR PANTHER CREEK CELLARS [Willamette Valley, Oregon] 30
[2006] Rich, ripe and expressive with dark plum, raspberry and a hint of apricot. Nicely refined tannins pull the finish together. 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
VINHO TINTO QUINTA dos ROQUES [Dao Valley, Portugal] 16
[2006] Light in style, yet full of earthy richness. The Dao is home to many of Portugal's finest winmakers. Black currant and crushed berry flavors, soft tannins and a fantastic freshness. A hint of vanilla imprints elegance.
MERLOT: FIVE STAR CELLARS [Walla Walla Valley, Washington] 26
[2006] The only Washington merlot to have scored 90 points or higher from Wine Spectator five consecutive years, this vintage received 92 points. Lush and smooth, full of black cherry and pepper with dense ripe fruit and a knockout punch of vanilla and caramel on the very extended finish.
COTES du FRONTONNAIS: CHATEAU BOUISSEL [Southwest France] 18
[2005] The negrette grape is the secret to this truly interesting wine from a forgotten corner of France. Aromas of lavender and sage and an earthy, intense flavor that carries through with a long, satisfying finish.
WHITE WINES
LISTED FROM DRIEST TO MOST FRUIT-FORWARD
SANCERRE: DOMAINE HENRI BOURGEOIS 'Grand Reserve' [Sancerre, France] 26
[2005] Flinty minerality softens lively, bright citrus in this 100% sauvignon blanc wine from France's famed Sancerre region. Graceful and stylish, pair this wine with our flavorful fresh catch or entree salads.
WHITE BURGUNDY: DOMAINE TALMARD MACON [Bourgogne, France] 18
[2006] Burgundians tend not to age their chardonnays in oak. This creates wines of extraordinary clarity and structure. Yellow apples and stoney mineralness and long, lively finish.
CHARDONNAY: TREFETHEN VINEYARDS [Napa Valley, California] 26
[2006] Lovely wine. Moderately oaked with just enough crispness to bring out velvety layers of fresh pear and orange zest.
REISLING: LONG SHADOWS WINERY 'Poet's Leap' [Columbia Valley, Washington] 21
[2008] Crisp flavors of grapefruit,
hints of ripened pear, melon and tangy apple. A vibrant, clean, off-dry reisling full of bright acidity and complexity. 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast. 92 Points, Wine Advocate's Robert Parker. 92 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine.
BOTTLES OF SPARKLING WINE
CHAMPAGNE [375ml]: GOSSET EXCELLENCE BRUT [Champagne, France] 37
Founded in 1584, Gosset is Champagne's oldest wine house. This powerful and full-bodied sparkler flaunts aromas of pear and honeysuckle with a long, expressive finish.
BLANQUETTE de LIMOUX: BERNARD DELMAS [Languedoc, France] 40
First produced in the early 1500s by Benedictine monks near the southern French town of Limoux, this extraordinary sparkling wine offers crisp flavors of green apple and lemon with a light, creamy texture.
CHAMPAGNE PERRIER-JOUET 'Grand Brut' [Champagne, France] 78
Refreshing and uplifting and bright, this sparkling wine is remarkably complex suggesting mature stone fruits and honey on the nose. The palate features loam and flint with a hint of exotic fruits. This wine is produced using a 12-14% portion of reserve pinot noir and chardonnay aged two to three years in new French oak. A gorgeous example of a classic champagne.
CREMENT: MAISON LOUIS PICAMELOT [Bourgogne, France] 38
Crement is the sparkling wine of France's world-famous Burgundy region. This wine marries full flavors of summr fruits, loamy minerals and a fun, surprising brinyness you won't find in other bubblies.
BOTTLES OF RED WINE
BOLD STATEMENTS
OBIDOS TINTO QUINTA de SAO FRANCISCO [Obidos, Portugal] 32
[2006] Smooth and spicy with easy tannins and an intensity of red fruit and bittersweet chocolate that make Portuguese table wines so versatile and cherished worldwide. An easy-drinking blend of three, indigenous Portuguese varietals, this wine sport several international awards.
ZINFANDEL: TRIO VINTNERS [Columbia Valley, Washington] 49
[2006] 100% Washington zinfandel. Lively and assertive raspberry, bittersweet chocolate and vanilla harmonize the easy tannins that are a hallmark of Washington zins. A touch of maple rounds out the finish.
PETITE SIRAH: ANIMALE [Yakima Valley, Washington] 44
[2006] Animale produces very small quantities of ultra-premium Washington wines. This petite sirah is lush in jammy blackberry and raspberry flavores but moderated with approachable tannins and a firm, long finish. This wine is true to its varietal character as well as its place, very Washington.
TEMPRANILLO: WIND RIVER CELLARS [Columbia Gorge, Washington] 45
[2005] Highly celebrated for its intensity, the tempranillo grape has long been a favorite of Spanish winemakers. A delicious and lively wine, handcrafted in southwest Washington. Powerful casis and bing cherry with a mild but lengthy oak finish. A lovely Washington imprint on a traditional, Spanish varietal.
BARBERA PICO MACCARIO 'La Vignone' [Piemonte, Italy] 33
[2007] Rich and lush. Rolling flavors of dark, ripened fruits with lively acidity and a 'drink-me-now' style. This wine offers a laid-back style but with plenty enough heft to accompany food. In other words: very Italian.
GIGONDAS: DOMAINE la FOURMONE [Rhone Valley, France] 62
[2005] Powerful and provacative. A beautiful blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre from the farthest reaches of the Rhone valley. The mistral, hurricane-force, maritime winds, nurture fruit of intense flavor near the Mediterranean coast. Warm, black fruits and spice with a hint of precious woods. 93 points, Wine Advocate.
SUPER TUSCAN: RENZO MASI-ERTA e CHINA [Toscana, Italy] 37
[2004] From award-winning Tuscan vines, this 50% sangiovese and 50% cabernet blend is classic Italian in style and New World-American in elegance. 89 points, Wine Spectator.
MEDOC [BORDEAUX] CHATEAU GREYSAC [Bordeaux, France] 47
[2004] Elegant and ample, delicate yet complex. This wine from the Medoc area of Bordeaux is a faithful expression of the terroir. Medium bodied with slight fruit and nimble tannins; a classic blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc.
MALBEC: BODEGAS ERAL BRAVO [Mendoza, Argentina] 39
[2006] Spicy and juicy, this wine explodes on the palate with ripe blackberries, plums and savory black pepper. Full-throttle tannins yielding to a flavor-packed fruit finish.
PETITE VERDOT/CABERNET FRANC: FIVE STAR CELLARS [Walla Walla Valley, WA] 67
[2007] This big, bold knockout wine opens with a burst of plum, fig, exotic spice and vibrant cherries with hints of chocolate and caramel. Lush, bright edges, good structure, a velvet complexity and a smooth, lingering finish mark this wine as one of the finest examples of what Walla Walla is all about.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
AIRFIELD ESTATES 'Reserve' [Yakima Valley, Washington] 70
[2006] Airfield Estates is a small, family-owned winery that is producing some of the best wines in our state. Our favorite was this reserve cabernet which features striking complexity and rich, lush layers of dark chocolate, vanilla and boysenberry and sports a 91 from Wine Spectator.
GUARDIAN CELLARS 'GUN METAL' [Columbia Valley, Washington] 64
[2006] Intense and spectacular. Black cherry, baked plum, spice, a hint of black tea. Elegant with a wild edge; the perfect balance of razor sharp acidity and full-throttle minerality brings the substantial fruit forward, gliding to a long brambly finish that doesn't give up. Placing in the top quarter of the 100 Best Wines of the Northwest by Seattle Metropolitan magazine. 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast. Cabernet/Merlot blend.
ABEJA [Columbia Valley, Washington] 82
[2006] Supple, expressive and impeccably balanced with rich, dark fruit, a touch of espresso and a hint of caramel. Some wine experts refer to Abeja cabernet as a show-off. They say that this wine flaunts meticulous vineyard management, painstaking, hand-sorting of fruit and select French oak barrel aging. We couldn't agree more. Of the handful of Washington wineries that have carefully cultivated a dedicated following, we think this wine is the most deserved of that reputation.
SHIRAZ and SYRAH
SYRAH O'SHEA SCARBOROUGH 'the Black Cask' [Yakima Valley, Washington] 60
[2006] From the prized fruit of the Lewis Vineyard, whole-cluster fermentation drives the richness and intensity of this wine. Baked blueberry flavors with lush, brooding, fruit-driven layers, strong, broad tannins, vibrant acidity and a warm kiss of chocolate-covered cherry on the finish. "Somewhere between the muscularity of Hermitage and the fruit exuberance of Barossa." Wine Press Northwest.
SYRAH TRUST CELLARS [Walla Walla Valley, Washington] 55
[2007] This gorgeous syrah celebrates the best of both New World and Old World styles of winemaking. Blackberry, cherry and raspberry ribbons sail through a backdrop of silky, bittersweet chocolate and maple. Big, but not over-the-top, this richly textured wine stays fresh throughout its long finish.
SHIRAZ LONGVIEW VINEYARD 'Yakka' [Adelaide Hills, Australia] 45
[2007] Aussie slang for hard work and longevity - Yakka embraces the fruits of vineyard management at its best. Brambly, deep, ripe fruit with a hint of vanilla and majectic tannins sweeping in light layers through the long, peppery finish. Winner of over 50 international awards.
PINOT NOIR
PINOT NOIR: WIND RIVER CELLARS [Columbia Gorge, Washington] 39
[2006] Don't let anyone tell you that great pinot noir isn't grown in Washington. This beautiful wine is powerful and plush. Unlike the lighter-style pinots from California and Oregon, this wine explodes with ripe, hand-crafted layers of ripened berries, plum, hints of spice and dark chocolate.
PATTON VALLEY VINEYARDS [Willamette Valley, Oregon] 59
[2007] The cool, damp summer in 2007 created many challenges for Oregon winemakers. This wine is a standout on how creative vineyard management can yield stellar wines even in tough years. Gentle, round and smooth with bright red fruits, dark cherries and a hint of balsamic on the finish.
SANTENAY DOMAINE CLAUDE NOUVEAU 'Les Charmes Dessus' [Bourgogne, France] 54
[2005] Silky and sturdy, this fine Burgundy brings fresh-picked currants and cherry aromas to the nose with rolling flavors of raspberries, dried, red fruits and cherries. The iron-laden soil of the Santenay showcases the amazing character of pinot noir, creating an equalibrium between acidity and fruit.
PINOT NOIR: AMITY VINEYARDS 'Reserve' [Willamette Valley, Oregon] 85
[2005] Wonderful nuance and elegant structure. Bright red berry and cherry flavors in the forefront and a long, soft, satisfying, creamy finish. Distinctively Oregon.
MERLOT
BARRISTER WINERY [Red Mountain, Washington] 45
[2005] This is a serious, rugged merlot with truckloads of cherry and vanilla fading to a smooth, mocha finish. Small, limited production ensures quality. 91 points, Wine Enthusiast. Gold Medal, Capital Wine Festival.
HIGHTOWER CELLARS [Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills, Washington] 50
[2006] Handpicked, hand-sorted and handmade is the motto at Hightower Cellars. Only the best fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain growing regions are used to make this nicely extracted merlot. Complex and brooding fruit, slight herbal tint on the finish and smooth, rolling tannins.
BOTTLES OF WHITE WINE
CRISP and LUSH
REISLING: DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER [Alsace, France] 36
[2004] Remarkable and dazzling. Dry with light flavors of lemon zest and white peaches. Surprising crispness, mild effervescence and discreet minerality.
PULGNY MONTRACHET: CHATEAU LABOURE-ROI [Bourgogne, France] 85
[2004] Elegantly balanced and classic. This is a gorgeous white burgundy chardonnay from one of France's most celebrated appellations. Velvet complexity and amazing structure offer layers of spring flowers, light fruit and loamy minerals. In a class by itself.
VIOGNIER: PORTTEUS VINEYARDS [Rattlesnake Hills, Washington] 39
[2007] Light, crisp and dry with a bouquet of tropical fruits, an abundance of fresh peach and apricot flavor plus a lingering, dry finish capped by a touch of vanilla. "A grand slam!" says Dan Radil of The Bellingham Herald.
GEWURTZTRAMINER: LATITUDE 46 NORTH [Columbia Gorge, Washington] 35
[2005] Old world methods and New World grapes produce a wine of amazing complexity, structure and elegant nuance. Dry with a sparkling effervescence and light, crisp flavors of lychee and fresh orange.
SANCERRE: 'Vieilles Vignes' ROGER et DIDIER RAIMBAULT [Sancerre, France] 48
[2006] Fifty year old sauvignon blanc vines bring gracious complexity and unique structure to this dry white wine from one of France's most celebrated growing regions. The bright lemon and citrus flavors sancerres are famous for are slightly muted with a stony minerality and sturdy flintiness.
SEMILLON: O'SHEA SCARBOROUGH 'Klipsun Vignoble' [Red Mountain, Washington] 38
[2007] True to its Bordeaux heritage, this wine from one of the hottest, young wineries in Washington is dry but not austere, racy but not over-the-top acidic. Scent of fresh pineapple on the nose, crisp melon and green apple on the palate with a lingering, dry creamy finish. This wine sports an impressive 89 point score.
TOUCH of SWEETNESS
PINOT GRIS: ELK COVE VINEYARDS [Willamette Valley, Oregon] 42
[2006] Aromatic, tropical fruits with a hint of residual sweetness give way to sturdy minerality and brigh citrus tones. Well-rounded, satisfying mouth feel. Great with salad entrees.
VOUVRAY: DOMAINE PICHOT [Loire Valley, France] 34
[2005] The warm, golden color is the first hint of what this chenin blanc wine offers. Classic, silky, lush and bursting with pear, honey and white flowers. The finish is viscous and lightly smokey.
CHARDONNAY
FACELLI WINERY [Columbia Valley, Washington] 37
[2005] Impeccable balance of fruit and oak with light hints of fresh, buttery cream. Piercing crispness of fresh apples layered luxuriously with smooth, round edges.
AU BON CLIMAT 'XXV - Twenty Fifth Anniversary' [Santa Maria Valley, CA] 69
[2005] Classically structured and perfectly balanced. Bright, crisp acidity minimizes the oak, bringing the lush fruit notes to the forefront. Apple, pear and a slight hint of tropical fruit with just enough creamy texture for added depth.
WEST CAPE HOWE 'Unoaked' [Western Australia] 35
[2006] Luscious and full-bodied. "Unwooded" to highlight the glorious nature of the chardonnay grape. Citrus and evident tropical fruit with a cool, refreshing finish.
CRISP AND CLEAN
ROUSSANNE J. SCOTT CELLARS [Columbia Valley, Washington] 35
[2008] Juicy, vibrant flavors of crisp pear, apricots and a mild twist of lemon. With a rich mouthfeel, graceful acidity and beautiful aromatics, this dry wine expresses it northern Rhone origins as well as the terroir of Washington's Columbia Valley.
VIOGNIER-ROUSANNE: DARBY CELLARS 'Le Deuce' [Columbia Valley, WA] 37
2008] From famed winemaker Darby English, this wine seamlessly bridges dryness, texture, crisp acidity, fruit and ample minerality all in the same bottle. Peach, apricot, honeysuckle and earthy loam dominate the palate and features a surprising leggyness not often present in white wines.
ALBARINO: SANTIAGO RUIZ [Rias Baixas, Spain] 36
[2006] A rounder, fatter albarino that pairs great with food or just kicking back. Mildly floral on the nose but zesty citrus and white peach on the palate and a lengthy, satisfying, minerally finish.
CHABLIS 1er CRU LAMBLIN et FILS 'Vaillons' [Chablis, France] 55
[2006] Aged in stainless steel, this chardonnay is round, complex and dry. The aroma of ripe, juicy fruit contrasts with the lacy blend of lime and crushed stone on the palate with pleasing layers of citrus and herb on the finish.
SAUVIGNON BLANC: GUARDIAN CELLARS 'Angel' [Columbia Valley, Washington] 37
[2009] Crisp and bright yet lush and nicely-structured. This beauty spent time in new French oak before being transferred to stainless steel tanks. The result is a wine thoughtfully put-together with clean flavors of citrus and green apples and a hint of weight and creamy texture. Very limited production and a faithful following means this wine disappears quickly.
DOURO BRANCO CASTELLA D'ALBA 'Reserve' 31
[2007] Unique and interesting, wet stone and fruit contrast with layers of marcona almond fattiness and earthy mineral notes. A blend of indigenous Portuguese varietals malavasia fina, donzelinho branco and bical, this wine pairs exceptionally well with food or as an aperitif.
REISLING O'SHEA SCARBOROUGH 'Cease & Desist' [Columbia Valley, Washington] 37
[2007] Dry and complex with subtle notes of lemon, piercing apple and crisp pear flavors. Artisan wine making and single vineyard fruit produce a reisling with a razonr's edge of brightness.
ROSE: DOMAINE MABY 'La Forcadiere' [Tavel Controlee, Rhone Valley, France] 31
[2008] Tavel is famous for making exceptional rose. Layers and layers of classic, southern French flavors of strawberries, tart cherries and slight hints of fresh peach. This wine offers delightful dryness; clean, fresh tones and a beautiful, full and round elegance.
PORT/SHERRY
PORTO KOPKE COLHEITA 1984 TAWNY PORT [Portugal] 10.50
PORTO KOPKE, 10 YEAR TAWNY PORT [Portugal] 7.5
DON PX GRAN RESERVA, 1982 SHERRY [Spain] 11
PORTO ROCHA EXTRA DRY WHITE PORT (Chilled) [Portugal] 7.5
BOTTLED BEER
SORRY, NO BEER ON TAP
RED MENACE BIG AMBER ALE: HALE'S BREWERY [Seattle, Washington]
Big, bold and expertly crafted with just enough malt to temper the extra hops. Smooth with just a touch of hoppy bitterness. A perfect brew year round.
SLIM CHANCE [LIGHT BEER]: RED HOOK BREWERY [Woodinville, Washington]
The world's first light, craft beer. Rich and refreshing made from Palouse wheat and Yakima Valley alchemy hops. The taste of a microbrew without the extra calories.
PORTER: GREAT DIVIDE BREWING COMPANY 'St. Bridgets Porter'[Denver, Colorado]
Named after an Irish saint famous for transforming her bathwater into suds; this rich, smooth and robust beer brims with coffee and chocolate flavors. Gold Medal, World Beer Cup.
PALE ALE FLYING DOG BREWERY 'Doggie Style' [Denver, Colorado]
A perfectly balanced beer. Opens with nutty caramel flavors followed by the rich earthiness of buckets of cascade hops. Multiple awards including gold medal at The Great American Beer Festival.
PILSNER LAGER: RADEBERGER [Saxony, Germany]
Crisp and dry with a fine, creamy foam and subtle hoppiness. The original German pilsner, Radeberger has been continuously brewed since 1872 when it was appointed purveyor to the Royal Court of Saxony.
NON-ALCOHOLIC: CLAUSTHALER [Frankfurt, Germany]
Celebrated for it near-indistinguishable flavor from regular German beers, Clausthaler offers a pleasant taste bouquet full of crisp hops and vibrant effervescence. Multiple gold medals and fully compliant with German Purity Laws.
NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
CRATER LAKE ROOT BEER
SANTA VITTORIA SPARKLING MINERAL WATER FROM ITALY'S DOLIMITI MOUNTAINS. 750 mL.
FRESH MADE LEMONADEor LIMEADE
VANILLA LIMEADE
RASPBERRY LEMONADE
FRESH ORANGE JUICE
CRANBERRY JUICE
PINEAPPLE JUICE
GRAPEFRUIT JUICE
FONTE COFFEE and ESPRESSO
LATTE/ MOCHA/ CAPPUCCINO/ AMERICANO/ MACCHIATO