Pre-Release Reviews of Latah Creek and Nodland Cellars

Every so often I’m reminded of the reason I love wine and the reason I love reviewing wine. Tonight’s review is an example of that. I get the privilege of sampling wine before most people in the world. I get a sneak peek into the passion and heart that a wine maker has put into his craft. One wine is a new flagship from a veteran wine maker, the other is a very special limited release of juice from a young winery.

Latah Creek is an icon in Washington Wine. Producing 20,000 cases per year, Latah Creek was one of the first 20 wineries in the state of Washington (currently at 650). – SEE MY INTERVIEW WITH MIKE CONWAY – For 28 years, Latah Creek has been synonymous with white and specialty sweet wine. Over the past five years Mike and daughter Natalie have been changing that. The Monarch series, of which the Monarch Red is the first, is a distinct departure in effort, direction and label. The Monarch Series will be a focus on premium reds including Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and stylistic blends. The label is their first NOT using their traditional wildlife artwork. The bold new label is a replica of a 30×36 painting from acclaimed Spokane artist Edward W. Gilmore. The new label releases April 23, 2010.

NV Latah Creek Monarch Red

• The Stuff: 50% Zinfandel 25% Syrah and Cabernet from Columbia Valley, 12.5%abv and 112 cases produced
• The Swirl: Dull plum color with garnet edges, about 80% opaque
• The Sniff: Mellow fruit with pleasing vanilla and red fruit notes
• The Sip: Very well balanced from front to back. The wine begins with a nice cherry vanilla and offers a hint of spice. The finish concludes with beautiful tannin and well played acidity. The velvet smoothness will play well with food or as a casual quality drinker.
• The Score: At $25 I can easily score this wine 3+ out of 5. It is well made and offers a good amount of character and complexity to please the casual drinker and the wine connoisseur.

Nodland Cellars 2006 Reserve Cab is simply one of the best 5 wines I’ve had this year (out of close to 100 formal reviews and dozens of other samples). Tim and Tracy Nodland began their boutique winery in 2007 with the release of the 2005 Reserve Blend and are committed to making “small amounts of the best wine we can make,” says Tracy Nodland. - SEE MY INTERVIEW WITH TIM AND TRACY – The 2006 Reserve Cabernet (from McClellan Vineyards) was born when making the 2006 Red Blend.  During blending the McClellan Cab was so over the top that each blending percentage they tried resulted in a Cab forward flavor. While they eventually ended up with a blend that represented all six Bordeaux grapes, they held back a few barrels of the 06 McClellan Cab for this reserve. The result is pure Cabernet bliss. The wine is bold without being over the top, provides drinkability while still letting you know it can be stored.

2006 Nodland Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

• The Stuff: 94% McClellan Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Seven Hills Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot; 50 cases produced, 14.9%abv
• The Swirl: Elegant dark black purple with hints of leathery brown. Edges are subdued tan. Color is about 90% opaque
• The Sniff: Ominous aromas of fresh pepper, big cherries, dark fruit and earthy soil. A hot alcohol smell when taking a deep breath.
• The Sip: Velvet blackberry and plums on the initial attack with a strong pepper mid-palate. Subtle hints of toasted cocoa add intrigue. Very bold tannin without being chalky. The acid is big and makes your mouth water. There is a slight high alcohol heat on the swallow. A beautifully elegant representation of Cabernet without being over worked by the oak.
• The Score: At $45, it may out of the price range for some consumers but rest assured I can score this wine a 4+ out of 5, being one of the five best wines I’ve had thus far in 2010.

For those reading this early enough and in the Spokane area, the release parties for these wines are below. For those NOT in Spokane and lucky quick enough to react, contact each of them directly to purchase.

Latah Creek Monarch Red – Release party is Friday April 23 from 5-7pm – call to order 1800-LatahCreek

Nodland Cellars 06 Cab – Release party is Saturday April 24 from 4-9pm – call to order 509-927-7770

Spokane Weekend Wine Time April 16-18

Chances are you’re on this page because you like wine and you live in the Spokane area. Spokane is home to 17 fantastic wineries (okay Overbluff Cellars won’t open for a few more weeks). Did you know that 9 of the wineries have tasting rooms within a 5 mile radius? You don’t have to travel to Walla Walla or Prosser for your wine journeys. Take a stay-vinocation and enjoy some local juice.

Having an event and don’t see it on the list? Email me josh@nectarcoffeeandwine.com

All Weekend

Spokane Tasting Room Tour – Most Spokane tasting rooms are open. Check out this tasting room map for contact information, hours of operation and video reviews.

Niko’s Wine Bar – “WILD about Washington Chardonnay” Tour (2005) $10 for 3 wines, two ounces each pour. Here’s the flight: Chinook (Yakima) L’Ecole N 41 (Columbia Valley) and Buty (“Conner Lee” Columbia Valley). Cheers! 725 West Riverside Spokane 509 624-7444 (Thanks to Sip of Spokane for digging this one up) 

Lone Canary - Please note that Lone Canary winery will not be open this weekend.

Enjoy great local wine at The Davenport, Left Bank Wine Bar, Niko’s Wine Bar

Friday April 16

Whitestone Tasting Room Anniversary 111 S. Cedar – Celebrate the one year anniversary of the Whitestone tasting room in Spokane!

Davenport Hotel – Live music from 8pm – midnight 20% off all food and drink if you mention you’re a Facebook fan.

Left Bank Wine Bar – Live music ever Friday starting at 8pm, 60 wines by the glass

Saturday April 17

Rocket Market – Saturday drop in tastings, complimentary pours 3-6pm

Nodland Cellars – The tasting room is open Noon – 4pm at 11616 E Montgomery Rd. Get into their tasting room and get on the mailing list. The only way to be invited to the “special release” is to be on the mailing list.

Earth Day 40^th Anniversary – Taking it to the Streets, 11 am to past midnight! Community booths, vendors, and music/performance outside from 11a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. Live music, performers, and food/beverage vendors inside the Community Building Warehouse until midnight. On Main St. between Browne and Division.

Festival of Wine and Flowers The Festival of Wine and Flowers is Spokane’s most prestigious tasting and auction of ultra-premium Washington wines. This annual fundraising event supports the comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute provides to adults and children throughout our region. $125 for wine and auction; $200 for Winemakers Dinner

Sunday

Get out and enjoy one of the many tasting rooms in Spokane!

On the radar:

Check out this post featuring four amazing can’t miss Spokane Winery events

• April 20 – Madelines French Bistro Wine Dinner (w/ Vino Wine Shop)
• April 23 – Latah Creek releases a new wine with a new abstract art label
• April 24 – Nodland Cellars releases a very limited (40 cases) Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (p.s. DrinkNectar is the only media that has been invited to this event)
• April 30 – Barilli Cellars pre-release party (to Facebook friends and family)
• May 7-9 – Spring Barrel tasting weekend

Spokane Wine and some Killer Juice Releases

 

Spring is a beautiful time to be a wine lover in Spokane. The city seems to come alive with events. As the buds are breaking from Walla Walla to Wahluke Slope, the blossoms are blooming on the cherry trees across the Inland Northwest. Spring usually marks a wineries new release season as well. This is a chance to try red wines that have been aging for 1-3 years in beautiful oak barrels and white wines that were just plucked from the vine the previous fall. Below are the HIGHLIGHTS of three events that you MUST mark on your calendar.

Latah Creek Monarch Red Release

April 23: 5-7pm at 13030 E. Indiana

Mike Conway is a pioneer in Washington Wine. Latah Creek was one of the first 20 wineries in the state (see my interview with Mike here). I’ve noticed a new direction with Latah Creek forming over the last 3 years with the release of their Vinosity blend, and Petit Verdot. Now, Latah Creek is excited to announce the release of their Monarch Red. This potential flagship red is a bold blend of 50% Zinfandel, and 25% each of Syrah and Cabernet. In addition to the wine, the bottle is adorned with the first “new” Latah Creek label in nearly 30 years. In a partnership with Spokane Artist Edward Gilmore, Latah Creek departs from their wildlife label with bold modern art as big as the wine!

Experience the art that is Monarch Red

Nodland Cellars Walla Walla Reserve Release

April 24: 4-9pm at 11616 E Montgomery

Mike and Tracy Nodland typically release only two wines per year, a red blend and a divine Riesling. They sell out quickly. The quality is top notch. Last year a wine developed in the barrel that had such stunning quality and character that they held back from using it in their proprietors blend to save for a special release. This wine is the 2006 McClellan Vineyards Cabernet. With only 40 cases produced this extremely limited production will be made available ONLY to people on their mailing list. Here is your chance to drink something truly amazing. The party is April 24, but to be invited, YOU MUST be on their mailing list. “How do I get on the mailing list,” you ask? Get yourself to their tasting room Saturday, April 17 from Noon – 4pm.

Spring Barrel Tasting

May 7-9: 11pm – 5pm daily

Making wine is hard work. It’s farming, crushing, racking, bottling, sweat work. Spring barrel tasting is a way to experience the romantic side of winemaking. Mother’s day weekend is a rare opportunity to learn about the winemaking process, sample new wine, and in some cases sample wine that is still in the barrel waiting for it’s magical time to enter the world. Sixteen Spokane wineries are participating, including the brand new Overbluff Cellars and the return of Barilli Cellars. See a complete list of Spokane Wineries including an interactive map here.

Download the PDF map http://www.spokanewineries.net/SWA_map.pdf

 

Spokane’s Townshend Cellar

So, here I am sitting in the tasting room, with an amazing view of the hills north of Spokane. Like a typical Spring day in the Northwest, the clouds are simultaneously flirting with rain and sunshine. I’m sipping on a 2002 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with the wine maker. The wine has JUST NOW been released. How many wineries that you know are releasing their 2002 wines in 2009/2010?

Townshend Cellars has grown from a small production boutique winery to a powerhouse of quality producing over 20,000 cases per year from a selection of 20+ wines. Located 20 miles North of Spokane in beautiful Green Bluff, Townshend Cellars is a destination for wine in the heart of apples, strawberries and pumpkins. I’m ashamed to admit this was my first visit to Townshend, and even worse, my first experience with ANY Townshend wine. Before you discredit my wine experience, hear me out.

I first met Don Townshend for my review for the grand re-opening of Caterina Winery (Don recently took over ownership). While I’ve seen the T3, Vortex, and Table Wines in stores, I had yet to experience any Townshend wine. Upon my arrival, Don and Jill Rider (tasting room manager), welcomed me and the wine began flowing. What surprised me was the variety of wine that Townshend produces. From bubbles to Tempranillo, you can experience just about everything in the tasting room. – Seriously people, there are over 20 wines, including port, Rose, Chardonnay, Lemberger, Merlot, Malbec, Chenin Blanc and even Pinot Noir.

Townshend Cellars began in 2001 with the release of their 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon. That wine won the Inland Northwest’s best Cab and the praise has never stopped. Don attributes the success of Townshend to the Cab and the T3. T3 is a blend of Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc that was originally only available in restaurants. Customers can count on the wine to be consistent and a good value. Townshend’s signature wine spends up to 30 months in oak and another 3-4 years in bottle before being released. Sourcing 500 tons of grapes from Preston, Willard, Alder Creek and more, Townshend is committed to quality wine that releases when it’s ready, not when the cost sheet says so.

This winery visit included so many highlights. Don and Jill opened their 07 Malbec, 02 Cabernet Sauvignon, T3, and the biggest surprise, Huckleberry Brut. To be honest, this bubbly stuck with me so much that I’m still thinking about it. Made in the brut style, the sweetness of the huckleberry is subdued. Not a single Townshend wine is over $30. Check out the Diamond T club for 20% off of club shipments and 10% off wine and merchandise purchases.

While the current location was voted one of the top 10 places to have a picnic by Tasting Room Magazine, Don was excited to announce the ground breaking of a new tasting room further north in Green Bluff. The larger tasting room should be complete toward the end of summer with future expansion for wedding and meetings on the 20 acres coming in the next few years (check out the video for the amazing views).

It may have taken me a few years to experience Townshend Cellar but from what I’ve tasted, I can now relate to everyone who raves about the wine.

The Stats:

Townshend on the web: www.townshendcellar.com

Townshend on Twitter: @townshendcellar

Townshend on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Townshend-Cellar/107962877089

Open Thursday – Sunday Noon – 6pm

info@townshendcellar.com

509.238.1400

Episode #50 Exploring Port At Knipprath Cellars

Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Bordeaux…these may be the comfort wine of our world, but Spokane Winery Knipprath Cellars is making a bold departure and creating quite a stir with their Port line up and new focus on Iberian grape varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Touriga Nacional. German born, Henning Knipprath grew his passion for wine in California, then started a winery in the state of Washington with a focus on Spanish/Portuguese wine. Henning brings his global experience to wine making and offers a perfect way to travel, with our palate, to new places!

(Henning is little quiet so turn up your volume)

After attending school in California and graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree, in 1990 the Air Force brought Henning Knipprath to Spokane (thanks, Uncle Sam). With a longtime passion for wine, Henning started Knipprath cellars in 1993. As an Air Force pilot, military deployments kept Knipprath Cellars a part-time operation until 1999 when they moved into their current location at 5634 E Commerce Ave. With his European background, Henning produced the “standard” Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet, Merlot), but it was his Port product that began getting the attention of consumers. “We didn’t set out this direction,” says Henning, “we were nudged by the customer’s response.” The nudge is so strong that Port sales are 60% of Knipprath’s production of 3000 cases.

The Port selection consists of a traditional ruby port, tawny port and creative delicacies that can only be described as desert in a bottle. The Au Chocolate is an infusion of pure chocolate extracts, and grape spirits while the yang to that yin is the La V vanilla port. The newest addition is the soon-to-be released Coffee Port. Look for a formal review soon. One might imagine some interesting creations by mixing two or even all three. In addition to Port, Knipprath offers hints of Henning’s German heritage with a seasonal spiced red wine using a recipe from his mother’s cookbook (Alpine Wine, $16), and a refreshing summer Lagrima (best served with a slice of lemon.)

The entire production of Knipprath wine (from grape to bottle) is done in the historic 6700 square foot Parkwater schoolhouse. Every inch of this building oozes character showing small hints of its use as a parochial school, military typing depot, and convalescence home. Henning has big plans for the space as he continues to think toward the future of expanded production, events space and expansive tasting room.

Next on the horizon for Knipprath Cellars is the release of a new label, La Bodega Del Norte. With Knipprath being so synonymous with Port, people often have a hard time recognizing the other quality wine. La Bodega Del Norte will focus on Tempranillo, Garnacha, and other Iberian grapes.  Watch for these new releases in the near future.

The Stats:

Knipprath on the web: www.knipprathcellars.com

Knipprath on Facebook: search for Knipprath Cellars

Tasting Room Hours: Wed-Sun, Noon – 5pm

Old fashion phone call: 509.534.5121

Spokane Weekend Wine Time March 26-28

Spokane is an amazing place for wine. As you sit there in your robe and bunny slippers, I think it’s time to get out there and explore at least one of the sixteen Spokane wineries. I’ve tasted all but 2 (sorry Barili and Trezzi Farms – soon, I promise), and you can find just about anything to fit your tastes. Big bold cabernet from Robert Karl, award winning Cab Franc from Barrister, specialty Huckleberry d’Latah from Latah Creek and even small production effin’ Merlot from Liberty Lake.

What’s happening in the world of wine for March 26-28? This is your one stop shop for all wine events in Spokane! If I missed your event, let me know. I can update this post!

All Weekend

Spokane Tasting Room Tour – Most Spokane tasting rooms are open. Check out this tasting room map for contact information, hours of operation and video reviews.

Enjoy great local wine at The Davenport, Left Bank Wine Bar, Niko’s Wine Bar

Friday 3/26

Hospice of Spokane Taste of Life: Fifth annual Taste of Life! Enjoy fine wines from local wineries including: Arbor Crest, Barrister, Caterina, Grande Ronde, Knipprath, Latah Creek, Liberty Lake, Lone Canary, Robert Karl, Townshend Cellars and Vintage Hills. Spokane Club, $75, 5:30-8:30 – 509.456.0438

Music and Merlot at Whitestone Winery: Live music with Blue Eyed Soul a band from Seattle!
wine tasting, appetizers! 6-9pm at 111 S. Cedar; no charge!

Spokane Valley Firefighters Benevolence Fund: Tickets for the annual Spokane Valley Firefighters Benevolent Association’s Cask and Keg/Auction are available.  Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.  With each ticket you get a set number of tasting tickets, a free wine glass with the SVFFBA logo,  a light buffet meal, access to the silent and live auction, as well as the entertainment of our D.J. and M.C. throughout the evening.  If you would like tickets contact station 81; Steve Bailey 995.8318

Vino! A Wine Shop: Tastings from Hard Row to How (Chelan) 3:00 – 5:30; 222 S. Washington

Rocket Market: 43^rd and Hatch, Cabernet Olympics, 343-2253     

Left Bank Wine Bar: Live music at 8pm

Wine Styles: Wine Education: 6 Pm at WineStyles on 8801 N Indian Trail Rd. Join us Friday night for Wineaux University. Our guest speaker is Matt from Odom. We will be sampling 4 to 5 wines with a glass of your favorite. Only 25 Seats available, so please RSVP. Cost $15. Call: 468-WINE.

Saturday 3/27

Taste Washington (Seattle): Join us for a weekend of wine and food tasting at one of the nation’s premier wine & food events. Seminars – Saturday, March 27 at Bell Harbor International Conference Center. Watch for exclusive LIVE VIDEO FEEDS from DrinkNectar.com (facebook.com/drinknectar)

Vino! A Wine Shop: Selections from Vinum Distributor, 2:00 – 4:30pm

Left Bank Wine Bar: Jazz at 8pm

Sunday 3/28

A great time to get thee to a winery after church! Most local wineries are open.

Taste Washington (Seattle) Grand Tasting – Sunday, March 28 at Qwest Field Event Center

Things coming NEXT WEEK

Caterina Winery Winemaker Dinner Join winemaker Don Townshend and chef Jeremy Hansen at Santé Restaurant & Charcuterie for an extraordinary evening and an unforgettable seven course journey through local artisan-quality foods and wines. Monday, March 29 $100 per person

Lone Canary “Last Wednesday”: Our 2nd “Last Wednesday” event featuring Lone Canary Winemaker, Mike Scott, is themed “The Italian Job” (“The original Michael Caine version, though, not the overweight remake,” says Mike). Call in advance 534.9062 (space is limited)

First Friday is April 2 (various locations downtown)

For Local Wine Event information in Spokane and other cities, check out LocalWineEvents.com

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