Drinking the 2007 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée at The Inn at Langley was not only pleasurable, but thought-provoking. The 2007 vintage in Oregon for Pinot Noir was characterized in great part by the large amounts of rain towards the end of the grape-growing season. The critical reports at the time were not encouraging. [More]
A Visit to The Inn at Langley
After a stop at Washington State’s Whidbey Island Winery, it was a short drive to The Inn at Langley for a leisurely and charming dining experience. Many of the highlights were the simple and fresh accompaniments perfectly rendered. Or in the case of the goat milk butter, perfectly churned. Served with a pretzel roll and [More]
Decoding Restaurant Wine Menus
I am quoted in the Seattle Weekly blog, giving my thoughts on what would help diners with decoding restaurant wine menus. I enjoyed the entire post by Hanna Raskin, who has some great ideas about how restaurants can help their customers have a more memorable experience with wine and spirits. When you are trying to [More]
Grape Vine Pruning at Whidbey Island Winery
Source: Uploaded by user via Jameson on Pinterest It may not be the sexiest part of winemaking, but grape vine pruning plays an essential function in ensuring you have lovely bunches of grapes to harvest later in the year. On a recent visit to Whidbey Island Winery, a short drive and pleasant ferry ride [More]
My Book Club Only Reads Wine Labels Tote
Source: notonthehighstreet.com via Jameson on Pinterest I think we’ve all been in a book club or two like this. (And not that it’s a bad thing.) And if your book club only reads wine labels, here’s one I recommend: Who wouldn’t want a visit from a Chateauneuf du Pape-bearing angel? (And I’m not going [More]
The Elemental Pleasures of Substance Malbec
Everything about the 2009 Substance Malbec is just right: from the brilliant Periodic Table of the Elements label design (which grace the full Wines of Substance lineup) to the quality and distinctiveness of the wine for the price. When font, design, and wine come together, I plead guilty to being smitten. Though Argentina put Malbec [More]
The Best Bloody Mary Needs a Beer Back
Style and flavor-wise, you can debate what makes the best Bloody Mary. But for me, it’s hard to call it the best unless it comes with a beer back. Add a cup of coffee, and you’ve got a perfect beverage trio for Sunday brunch. Thank you Hudson, in Seattle, for coming correct with the beer [More]
Sweet Sparkling Torrontes and White Roses
Now I can cross “sweet sparkling Torrontes” off my list of wines to try. I’ve been a fan of this aromatic grape that flourishes in Argentina, chiefly in its dry and still form. Torrontes remind me of Viognier, which can be gorgeously perfumed, but this Argentine grape makes for a lighter-style white wine. I don’t [More]
