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Summer is for Purple Star 2013 Chardonnay and 2011 Syrah @purplestarwines

Is it summer yet? 

I have a new grill and it is getting daily use in the sunshine of eastern Washington. When I think grilled foods I also think wine. Are you looking for affordable delicious wines for summer? My friends at Purple Star Wines are producing tasty wines at reasonable prices.

These are perfect summer wines, serve chilled and enjoy with grilled foods.


Tasting Notes Purple Star 2013 Chardonnay
Color: Polished gold
Nose: Mineral, toast, pear skin, whiff of allspice.
Palate: Fresh pear, juicy, brioche, hint of cinnamon with pear skin on the lightly creamy finish. Tingle on the gums. Enjoyed with dinner and with the setting sun.

Day two: Lush, juicy, spicy pear, most of the action mid-palate, creamy pear, with a lingering floral flourish. Very good now and likely to improve in the bottle.

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Thoughts: Tremendous value in this Washington Chardonnay. No summer BBQ would be complete without a bottle of Purple Star Chardonnay. A balanced tasty white wine, refreshing and perfect for summer. I enjoyed this wine with grilled chicken, corn and potatoes. Recommended.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyards: 95% Caliche Lake Vineyard - Ancient Lakes AVA, 5% Kiona Vineyard - Red Mountain
Closure: Natural cork
ABV 13.9%
Production: 1200 cases
Paid $9.99

Note: 15% of the proceeds from Purple Star Wines will benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital.

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Summer is for Syrah too! 

Do not be afraid of serving red wine chilled. In the summer months I prefer to put my red wine in the refrigerator before serving. If you think your red wine is too cold to enjoy, it does not take long in the heat to reach optimal temperature. I encourage you to try serving your red wines chilled this summer.

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Tasting Notes Purple Star 2011 Syrah
Color: Dusky garnet.
Nose: Coffee fresh ground, red fruit, lilac, focused and vibrant.
Palate: Boysenberry, blackberry, lavender, bright with berry and coffee on the finish, modest tannin at opening. Pretty.

After 30 minutes: Black cherry, acai berry and white pepper on the nose. More depth to the finish, drier, with blueberry and root beer. Mouth watering.
60 minutes: Deeper still, tannin more noticeable on the gums, bright finish.
Five hours: Acid driven. Distinct Syrah bright nose.

Day two: Inky dark color. Deep violets, tar, earthy leather, orange zest aromas. Silky mouth feel, dark fruit, black pepper, tar, medium body, bright with spice, boysenberry, cola, coffee on medium finish.

Thoughts: This wine wants tangy, crisp food. Pair with fresh seafood drizzled in lemon juice. Shrimp cocktail, Gazpacho, beef Carpacio, grilled sardines, and ceviche. Extremely versatile wine, think lemon juice and tomato based dishes and you will be happy. Recommended.



Blend: 100% Syrah
Vineyards: Weinbau (71%), Wahluke Slope AVA, Red Heaven (14%), Red Mountain AVA, Olsen (12%), Yakima Valley AVA, Emory (3%), Red Mountain AVA
ABV: 14.7%
Production: 1036 cases
Purchased: $15.99

Note: 15% of the proceeds from Purple Star Wines will benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital.



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@PurpleStarWines


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Amy and Kyle Johnson.

Winemaker Kyle Johnson has over 11 years of Washington winemaking experience and it shows in the quality of his wines. In 2008, he and his wife Amy Johnson decided to start their own label emphasizing family, friends and the enjoyment of wine. Purple Star Wines.

Amy and Kyle are in the construction phase of their new winery near Kennewick, Washington. Good luck guys!

Cheers!

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