VanArnam Vineyards brings Rattlesnake Hills AVA to the ‘Couv

Still considered a young winery, VanArnam Vineyards recently received a 91 from Wine Spectator for their 2013 Melange. Viki Eierdam

The newest winery to join Vancouver’s only co-op, Cellar 55 Tasting Room—located in Uptown Village—hosted their launch party on Saturday night and even Santa Claus was on hand for the occasion.

Ridgefield residents Kent and Allison VanArnam chose Zillah, Washington to plant their vineyard due to the area’s reputation as the ideal climate for producing premier wine grapes. They began back in 2007 and now harvest estate-grown cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot and syrah . Grapes for their white wines are sourced from neighboring vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.

Ridgefield residents Kent and Allison VanArnam , owners of VanArnam Vineyards, are the newest winery to join Vancouver’s Cellar 55 Tasting Room. Viki Eierdam

Once a vast orchard, VanArnam Vineyards is still home to 1,000 cherry trees, making for a striking scene during spring bloom and lending a cherry aroma that goes from a light hint to distinct nose in the entire red lineup.

Recognizing that some wines call for a more tannic structure to complement a juicy steak, a small amount of pressed wine is added to certain vintages and varietals but, predominantly, VanArnam wines are free-run (juice created by the weight of the grapes and crushing prior to pressing), resulting in a smoother mouth feel and less astringency than wines that are made up of the traditional 30-40 percent pressed juice.

Still considered a young winery, VanArnam Vineyards recently received a 91 from Wine Spectator for their 2013 Melange red which is a blend that changes from year to year with cabernet sauvignon making up the largest percentage of the grapes.

Even Santa Claus was on hand for the recent launch party of VanArnam Vineyards. Viki Eierdam

Their 2014 Viognier has the tell-tale honeysuckle bouquet with a waft of stone fruit leaning toward nectarine and the fuller body makes it an excellent suggestion with chicken, crab or scallops.

Just enough malbec in the Melange gives it a drier flavor profile that includes some spice notes, black cherry and a hint of smoke. My mind goes to Mexican food although this could be nice with barbeque or even eggplant parmesan.

Keri Buhmann (center), local restaurateur with extensive wine knowledge and Diplomat of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, had good things to say about VanArnam’s 2014 Viogner. Pictured here with a close friend from New Zealand and her husband, Justin. Viki Eierdam

VanArnam’s practice of aging their wines for nearly two years in French oak barrels lends subtle vanilla notes to their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon mingled with an herbal eucalyptus quality. The palate is black fruit with a touch of violet and medium plus tannins; a nice wine for a steak topped with sautéed mushrooms to bring out the earthiness of cab, a charred burger to bring out the smoky characteristics or roasted chicken accented with a sweet glaze to marry with the black fruit notes.

This new partnership between VanArnam Vineyards and Michelle Brinning, owner of Cellar 55, supports her commitment to bring hand-crafted Eastern Washington wines to the west side. Along with Walla Walla-based Five Star Cellars and Basel Cellars, VanArnam wines can be enjoyed Wednesday through Sunday at Cellar 55—an ideal respite during this busy Christmas season.

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Seattle Urban Wineries finally hitting their stride

Looking out from the fourth floor of The World Trade Center Seattle, the view of Elliott Bay, twinkling lights from waterside restaurants and the Seattle Great Wheel in the distance nearly made me wish The Washington State AVA Seattle Urban Wineries tasting had been set up outside. Viki Eierdam

Say what you want about Seattle’s traffic (and I’ll probably agree) but once you’re in the city, the rush of activity whispers to the possibilities around every corner.

I’ve found myself at wine events in Seattle a few times this year (none of them during the summer months) and the unseasonably mild weather has only punctuated the romantic notion of it all. Could my good fortune possibly hold for The Estates Wine Room opening in December?

November’s adventure was to attend The Washington State AVA Seattle Urban Wineries tasting. Held on the fourth floor of The World Trade Center Seattle, the view of Elliott Bay, the twinkling lights from waterside restaurants and the Seattle Great Wheel in the distance nearly made me wish the event had been set up outside. I sufficed with a few photos before joining the industry folks in the perfectly-situated room with a 180 degree view of that stunning water.

November’s Washington State AVA Seattle Urban Wineries tasting, held on the fourth floor of The World Trade Center Seattle, afforded a stunning 180-degree water view. Viki Eierdam

Guests of honor were over 20 urban wineries that make up Seattle Urban Wineries (SUW), a movement that actually began five years ago but is now finally hitting its stride with locals and visitors. The city center of Seattle is not far removed from the prominent wine region of Woodinville but the 520 toll bridge can be a hit on the pocketbook. Why not stay in town and enjoy the bounty of grapes trucked in to make elegant whites and luscious reds just for you?

Everything from earthy carménère sourced from the Columbia Valley (Bartholomew Winery) to the red fruit notes of Eight Bells Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon to a substantial 2009 Horse Heaven Hills Malbec (Elsom Cellars) to the violet bouquet of Kerloo Cellars 2012 Upland Grenache (which would make a terrific Thanksgiving wine) was represented.

As the evening wore on, the 180-degree water view was accented with twinkling lights from waterside restaurants at November’s Washington State AVA Seattle Urban Wineries tasting, held on the fourth floor of The World Trade Center Seattle. Viki Eierdam

In my book, a few stand-out wines were from Viscon Cellars and Structure Cellars. Not surprisingly, I’m not the first person to notice the humility and confidence of Structure’s winemaker/owner, Brian Grasso. One caveat; I’m a sucker for roussanne so he had me at his 2014 Blueprint White—a balanced blend of roussanne and viognier. The acid was spot on, the tropical notes enchanting and the body proved to me that this would be the Thanksgiving wine for diners who don’t care for reds. His 2013 “Foundation” Syrah had the anise characteristic and mild smokiness I like in a syrah with some black olive and rosemary characteristics. This is a solid barbecue wine or grilled steak with garlicky mashed potatoes and tender asparagus.

Winemaker Ben Viscon was pouring his Viscon Cellars 2014 Viognier with a soft honeysuckle nose and stone fruit palate that finished of delicate white pepper. It’d make a lovely aperitif or accompaniment to a mild cheese plate. His big, food-friendly 2011 Noir was on the opposite side of the spectrum. If his viognier could be classified as feminine, the Noir—a 60% cabernet sauvignon/40% syrah blend— was at least a tomboy. Deep plum and black pepper danced in my mouth with a mingling of vanilla and baking spice on the nose. A blackened steak or even blackened salmon would tame the edges on this bottle.

All Seattle Urban Wineries are open the second Saturday of each month and the majority of them are open at least every weekend. For exact tasting room hours, go to http://www.seattleurbanwineries.com.

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Maryhill Winery brings the Gorge to Vancouver

Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge hosted Maryhill Winery’s first ever large scale off-site tasting this past Friday night. Maryhill Winery

There seem to be a lot of ‘first evers’ happening in the local wine world not the least of which was Maryhill Winery’s first ever large scale off-site tasting this past Friday night at Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge.

Collaborating with Visit Vancouver USA, the Maryhill crew brought their award-winning wines from the Washington Gorge to pour for over 250 attendees. Maryhill Winery

Collaborating with Visit Vancouver USA, the Maryhill crew brought their award-winning wines from the Washington Gorge to pour for 250-300 attendees including wine connoisseurs that traveled the I-5 from Seattle. Co-owner, Craig Leuthold, said the turnout for this Vineyard Series Tasting Experience could be a sign of more roadshows to come. Those in attendance were able to taste through over 30 wines, join Maryhill Winery’s wine club and enjoy up to 35 percent off bottle prices from this winery named Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest.

While Northwest artist, John Nilsen, performed solo piano, the crowd mingled from table to table tasting varietals from over 15 vineyards comprising seven AVAs in Washington State. Maryhill Winery

While Northwest artist, John Nilsen, performed solo piano, the crowd mingled from table to table tasting varietals from over 15 vineyards comprising seven AVAs in Washington State. It was the perfect venue to stock up for the holidays, hostess gifts and Christmas gift giving. The atmosphere kicked off the season and being able to meet Craig and his lovely wife, Vicki, as they poured wines typically only available at their Goldendale tasting room was an absolute treat.

The Heathman Lodge was the perfect venue to stock up on Maryhill wines for the holidays, hostess gifts and Christmas gift giving. Maryhill Winery

Maryhill’s 2014 Columbia Valley Viognier paired beautifully with a sweeter cheese being served and would be seamless with a honey-baked ham bound for the Thanksgiving table as well as pumpkin pie. For folks who can’t be convinced that white can handle a holiday table, their Super Tuscan (sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon blend) 2011 Columbia Valley “Tavola Rosso” was versatile enough for a smokier ham, traditional turkey or prime rib. Lacking a rosé in the abundant lineup, it’s no stretch to imagine the 2012 Horse Heaven Hills Cinsault filling that spot. Its lower tannins, strawberry and perfume notes and earthy palate are a perfect substitute and would pair elegantly with the trimmings of the celebratory table (I.e. cranberry sauce, mushroom stuffing and green beans).

Maryhill Winery, named Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest, is an excellent representation of Washington terroir over 15 vineyards comprising seven AVAs throughout the State. Maryhill Winery

For those who missed Maryhill’s Vineyard Series Tasting Experience, their tasting room is open daily from 10 am-6 pm. Otherwise, Hudson’s Bar and Grill inside Vancouver’s Heathman Lodge features several wines from Maryhill that pair nicely with their extensive happy hour menu and Northwest-inspired entrées. With temperatures dipping down to winter norms, who wouldn’t want to kick back in front of a cozy fire with a few friends, a fine glass of wine and a plate of porcini-crusted scallops, smoked salmon BLT minis or some Hudson’s meatloaf?

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