Skip to main content

2007 Col Solare Release

An Evening at Col Solare

Evening View of Col Solare

What a lovely time we had last Saturday. My wife and I were at Col Solare for the release of their 2007 Col Solare red wine. We ran into friends and ended up staying longer than planned. A strong crowd attended the event, happy to sample the newly released 2007 vintage and to barrel sample the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon from Klipsun Vineyards. Indeed, there were many cheerful faces. I found the facility quite striking; along with the live music and plentiful finger food, everyone was kept entertained.

Afternoon View of Col Solare from the Vineyards

Col Solare Vineyards in Front of the Winery

Since Col Solare is typically not open to the general public, this was one of the few opportunities to visit the facility and sample their wine. Interestingly, Col Solare is a collaboration between Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori and Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle. The winery is located on Red Mountain, in the Red Mountain AVA. In 2007 the winery opened and their estate vineyard on Red Mountain was planted. They are producing some excellent wines.

Winemaker Marcus Notaro Pouring the 2007 Col Solare

The 2007 Col Solare is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. A full fact sheet on the 2007 vintage is available here. Marcus Notaro is doing a terrific job as winemaker. He's been the winemaker since the 2003 vintage, you can read his bio here.

Tasting Room Wine Bar

Darel Allwine, Assistant Winemaker, Surrounded by the Crowd
Barrel Sampling 2009 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Patricia Gelles of Klipsun Vineyards Poses for Me

Tasty Glass of 2006 Col Solare

I'm happy to report that we were warmly welcomed by Col Solare and their staff. Everyone seemed pleased to see us and eager to share the story of Col Solare. Wendi Warner, Tasting Room Manager, did a fantastic job Saturday and is excited about upcoming events. Thanks Wendi, it was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to future visits.

If you are not on the Col Solare mailing list, sign up now.

I'm sorry the photos are not better. I shoot best with a tripod - but I'm unwilling to drag a tripod around with me - I suspect my wife would refuse to go with me if I did.

Cheers!
Klipsun Vineyards: http://www.klipsun.com/
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Spirit Review: Ole Smokey Tennessee Moonshine White Lightnin' @OleSmoky

Today I have crossed the line from wine to spirits. At 100 proof the Ole Smokey Tennessee Moonshine is definitely turning up the volume (ABV 50%). "Moonshine, white lightning, mountain dew, hooch, and Tennessee white whiskey are terms used to describe high-proof distilled spirits, generally produced illicitly...The word "moonshine" is believed to derive from the term "moonrakers" used for early English smugglers and the clandestine (i.e., by the light of the moon) nature of the operations of illegal Appalachian distillers who produced and distributed whiskey." Source Wikipedia My family is no stranger to Moonshine.  That is, my great-grandfather and grandfather were not strangers. Evidently the family occasionally produced their own spirits on their Oregon ranch. My grandfather told me about his younger brother getting into his dads stash with predictable results. Grandmother also told me stories about midnight runs and secretive deliveries d...
Read more

Review: Sho Chiku Bai, Unfiltered Sake

Last month in Seattle, I purchased a bottle of Nigori sake at Uwajimaya. Uwajimaya is one of the largest Asian grocery retailers in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been visiting Uwajimaya for almost 40 years. When I was much younger, I’d buy model ship and plane kits, Japanese comic books (manga) and I never left without at least one steaming Humbow in hand. Today I buy the manga for my son; while I still enjoy the tasty steamed Humbows, now I never leave without at least one bottle of Sake in hand. Uwajimaya has a terrific selection of imported sake. This most recent visit, I left with a bottle of Sho Chiku Bai Nigori sake. Nigori sake is generally the sweetest of all sakes, with a fruity nose and a mild flavor, making a great drink to complement spicy foods or as a dessert wine. Typical sake is usually filtered to remove grain solids left behind after the fermentation process; however Nigori sake remains unfiltered, resulting in a cloudier beverage. Before serving, the bottle ...
Read more

Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon. The style has changed.

“There is something special going on at Col Solare." In mid-June 2022, I began working for Col Solare winery on the Red Mountain AVA in Washington state. The Red Mountain AVA and Col Solare are famous for stunning Cabernet Sauvignon. That I knew going in.  We are not here to make more wine... We are here to showcase place. At the end of June 2022, Col Solare winemaker Darel Allwine retired. Darel had been winemaker since 2013. Prior, he had been Col Solare assistant winemaker for Marcus Notaro. Marcus had been Col Solare winemaker when the Red Mountain facility opened and was winemaker before we had our Red Mountain facility.  On July 1, 2022, Col Solare assistant winemaker, Stephanie Cohen, was promoted to Col Solare winemaker. I was present for this change. It was the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. Col Solare is the third winery I have worked for. I chose well.  Often, I am asked by Col Solare guests, as I was last week, “Tell me about Col Solare. Wh...
Read more