2006 Gramercy Cellars “Lagniappe” Syrah, Columbia Valley, WA

Derek Swanson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:25:44 +0000

This week’s pick comes from Nelson Daquip, wine director and sommelier at the famous Canlis restaurant in Seattle. He was glad to take the opportunity to recommend a Washington wine. Gramercy Cellars was started by Master Sommelier Greg Harrington in 2005, with the goal “to make wines – the kind I like to drink – with lower alcohol, higher acid.”

This wine displays an amazingly floral nose with hints of orange rind. Flavors of liquid stone and gravel, with smoked meat and red and black fruits. This wine is all about balance with fantastic acidity and intense fruit and earth flavors. The grapes were partially destemmed (some of the grapes were “whole cluster” fermented, ie still on the vine), co-fermented with Viognier in small, open top containers for 7-12 days, lightly pressed, allowed to settle and placed in neutral French Oak barrels. The wine was aged for 15 months. In New Orleans, Lagniappe means “a little something extra.”

The Canlis family’s restaurant has long been considered Seattle’s best, and one of the finest in the United States. Perched over Lake Union, its sweeping views of the city are just one element of what makes Canlis a destination. Nelson manages a staff of 7 sommeliers, all eager to help you choose from over 2,500 selections. His program has won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for 13 straight years. Canlis is hosting only the second ever wine dinner for Corliss Estates of Walla Walla on November 20th, 2009. ”Fantastic wines from the hottest new winery in Washington,” Nelson noted.

2007 Tamarack Cellars, Firehouse Red, Columbia Valley

Derek Swanson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:48:20 +0000

This week’s pick is offered by the Windy City Wine Guy, Michael Bottigliero. Michael tells everyone he knows about the Firehouse Red form Tamarack Cellars, “It’s a great bargain, available in most shops for around $17. A blend of 8 varietals from 5 different vineyard sites. This gives us a perfect balance of deep color, ripe fruit, tannins, acidity, spice, and alcohol. I have been enjoying this wine for years, from a number of vintages. Perfect to keep on your shelf for all occasions.”

You can hear more comments and watch Michael pair this red with dry-rubbed and grilled chicken on his website, windycitywineguy.com. A Chicago sommelier, Michael Bottigliero consults on wine lists and provides seminars and tastings for groups and events of all sizes. Michael possesses certifications from the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers, and manages the wine program at the Eno Wine Room at Chicago ‘s Intercontinental Hotel.

Find this wine at a retailer listed on Wine-Searcher.

WeeklyWinePick.com » Columbia Valley

2006 Gramercy Cellars “Lagniappe” Syrah, Columbia Valley, WA

2007 Tamarack Cellars, Firehouse Red, Columbia Valley