Getting started

I tried to do this as a website, but my techno-prowess is limited. Since Blogger is so easy, this is how I will now review wine.



First, the reason for creating this site is to have another vehicle to enhance my enjoyment of wine. I don't think I am by any defenition an expert; however I have invested considerable amounts of time and money to the education of my palate.



To give you an idea of where I fall in the wine tasting spectrum, I generally favor Washington wines. Call it home field advantage, palate training, whatever, but I love my home's produce. I think it represents an OUTSTANDING value. I am very value conscious. I don't mind spending good money on a bottle, but a $50 bottle better taste like it. Likewise, I find great fun out of getting great stuff out of a $7 bottle. (Chateau Ste. Michelle's Reislings are perfect examples)
I generally agree with Parker, but not always. I like tannin. There's nothing worse to me than a wine that tastes like flat grape juice (think cheap California Merlot). If a white is oaked, I like it to be a component, preferably in the background, of a white, not something that obliterates the flavor of the fruit (sorry, California, but you again are a big offender).

Just so you know what I like, here are some examples of wines I really love:

Cabernet Sauvignon
-Januick, Woodinville, WA

Pinot Noir
-Argyle, Dundee, OR
-Acacia, Carneros, CA

Syrah
-L'Ecole No. 41, Walla Walla, WA
-Hogue Genesis
-Callaghan Vineyards, AZ

Reisling
-Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
-Okanagan Cellars, Oroville, WA

Sauvignon Blanc
-Kim Crawford, NZ
-Claar Cellars, WA

Bordeaux Blends
-Chateau Margaux 1986 =) (yes, I really got to try it!)

There you have it- Just a smattering of stuff I like for reference where I'm coming from. All reviews are by me unless otherwise noted...I have some wonderful friends I hope to get to contribute! Let's crack a bottle!



Please, leave comments, tell me I'm crazy or you agree completely.