Three lovely white wines from Sequim, Washington.
Where's Sequim? That is a fair question. Even people from Washington may have difficulty pointing out Sequim on the map. At least we know the proper way to pronounce "Sequim." Growing up, my parents took summer vacations as an opportunity to explore Washington. We drove all over the coast, through the rain forest and up the Olympic Peninsula. I recall a memorable trip to Port Angeles where we took the ferry to Vancouver Island. To get to the Port Angeles ferry we drove through Sequim. It's been many years since I've visited that area.
*Map: Map to Sequim and Wind Rose Cellars.
Sequim is located along the Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. The city has been increasing in population in recent years due to the influx of retirees from the Puget Sound region and California. Population as of 2010 was 6,600.
The city and the surrounding area are particularly known for the commercial cultivation of lavender, supported by the unique climate: it makes Sequim the "Lavender Capital of North America". The Sequim Lavender Festival is the third weekend in July. The area is also known for its Dungeness crab. I love Dungeness crab, reason alone to visit.
To the east along Highway 101 is Sequim Bay, a 4-mile long inlet from the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Along the western stretch is the Sequim Bay State Park. The inlet is a popular bird watching area.
At Wind Rose Cellars they select grapes based more on flavor development and balance. Sequim is on the west side of Washington, their grapes come from the east side of Washington. They source grapes from the following AVA's: Wahluke Slope, Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills. They focus on making wine from Italian varieties. Their wines tend to be more crisp and fruit forward by design.
If you are looking for refreshing, delicious summer white wines, think Wind Rose Cellars.
Tasting Notes Bell Bottom White 2013
Color: Pale silver straw.
Nose: Delicate, vanilla, floral, mineral, banana. Lovely after 20 minutes with pear blossom and banana. After 40 minutes orange blossom and very pretty.
Palate: Round with weight, banana, oak notes with pear, almost tart, long finish. At 40 minutes orange zest and vanilla. Liked. Enjoyed over three days.
Thoughts: A casual fun label. Looks like it is intended for the ladies. This is not a label design I would pick out for myself. I get the fun + casual look. Style should appeal to those looking for a fun, pretty white wine. Perfect for brunch and hanging out with your BFF. Terrific value too. Recommended.
Blend: 90% Orange Muscat, 10% Pinot Grigio
Closure: 2+1
ABV: 13.2%
SRP: $13.99
Sample provided by winery
Tasting Notes Pinot Grigio 2013
Color: Pale straw.
Nose: Tropical, mineral fresh, lime, cinnamon.
Palate: Clean, mineral, lime, cinnamon, tart finish at open, slate and pear on the clean medium finish. Satisfying, smoothed out after 20 minutes.
Thoughts: Enjoyed over three days and definitely my speed in a white wine. Whole cluster pressed and stainless fermented kept this wine light and fresh. Think seafood and marinas for this wine. This label is also my speed - cool design. Great value too. Recommended.
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio fermented in stainless
Closure: 2+1
ABV: 13.4%
SRP: $14.99
Sample provided by winery
Tasting Notes 2012 Pinot Grigio - Lavender Fields
Color: Straw.
Nose: Pear, ginger, vibrant river rock, petrol, almost smoky.
Palate: Medium soft body, pear, ginger, creamy, with a lingering Braeburn apple finish. Balanced wine delivered big time finish. Very big at 40 minutes, toasty.
Note: This bottling is a special project with musician and artist, Lee Oskar. The first wine label, “Lavender Fields Forever,” was painted by Lee and selected as the poster artwork for the 2014 Lavender Farmer’s Faire. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine will be donated to the Lavender Farmers Association.
Thoughts: Reminded me of an expensive Chardonnay. Discover what a little oak will do to enhance and expand the character of a wine. Lasted two days before the bottle was emptied. My wife loved this wine. Recommended.
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio, barrel aged 8 months in French oak 30% new.
Closure: 2+1
ABV: 13.2%
SRP: $19.99
Sample provided by winery
This was a wonderful introduction to Wind Rose Cellars. You are encouraged to seek them out.
Wind Rose Cellars
143 W Washington Sequim, WA 98382
360-681-0690
Tasting Room and Wine Bar Hours:
Monday- Wednesday 1-8pm (Wednesday live music 6pm) Thursday 1-10 (Live music 6:30pm) Friday 1-10 (LIVE MUSIC 7pm) Saturday 12-10 (LIVE MUSIC 7pm) Sunday 1-5
www.windrosecellars.com
About Wind Rose Cellars
Wind Rose Cellars is a joint project of husband and wife team David Volmut and Jennifer States. They began making wine professionally in 2009. Many of the varieties they select are very difficult to find in Washington. Small lots keeps the total production around 900 cases. They focus on food and wine pairing, Italian style, which is reflected in the character of their wines.
My next post will be about three Wind Rose Cellars red wines. Yes, Italian varieties! Specifically their Primitivo, Dolcetto and Sangiovese. Very interesting tasting.
Related post: Spotlight on Wind Rose Cellars Red Wines
Cheers!