From Fine Wine and Cigars in Redmond:

As Charlie says, it’s just wine. Just wine crafted by one of Washington’s most-respected winemakers-a guy who knows just about every vineyard site in the region like the back of his hand. Just wine made from the finest grapes each appellation has to offer-harvested at their peak; crushed, destemmed, sorted, and obsessed over for weeks on end. Tested and tasted, examined and extracted, barrel-aged to perfection-all to ensure the right flavors come to fruition at precisely the right time. Some consider it an optimal blend of art and science. But we all know, it’s just wine.

2006 M100 White Wine, Columbia Valley
2006 M100 Red Wine, Columbia Valley
2005 Merlot, Columbia Valley
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Champoux Vineyard, HHH
2005 Eight Syrah, Coulmbia Valley

Took the gang out to lunch last week for a small celebration to Purple Cafe in Woodinville, and as usual the food was great and the service very attentive.

The noteworthy item(s) were that a delay in delivery of one of our entrees resulted in the entree being taken off our bill. Then one of my team then noticed a flaw in their order, and noted it to the waitress who alerted Sara Goodenow the manager. There was no major issue on his end, he just wanted to flag it so they could take action early. The result was another comped meal and a gift certificate for a future visit. Yet another example, of the “above and beyond” service The gang as Purple have internalized.

Nordstrom has become a legend due to their unflagging dedication to customer satisfaction. From this blogger’s point of view, Purple is on track to achieve similar status.

Note that Purple is NOT a sponsor of this site or any of our endeavors, and that I don’t love every restaurant I visit…

From Wine Spectator March 31, 2008 issue:
Betz Family Winery Syrah Red Mountain La Côte Rousse 2005
Highly Recommended 94 points
“Ripe and focused. A plush mouthful of raspberry, black cherry and rhubarb pie flavors play nicely against refined tannins and hints of roasted red peppers and pomegranate on the long, expressive finish. An intense Syrah that seems to float in midair. Best from 2010 through 2015.”

Betz Family Winery Syrah Columbia Valley Syrah Chapitre 3 2005
93 points
“Supple and generous, with a spicy, peach-like note adding interest to the currant, blackberry and tar flavors. Finishes with an open texture that makes this feel subtle and graceful. Drink now through 2015.”

Betz Family Winery Syrah Columbia Valley La Serenne 2005
91 points
“Lithe and appealing for its bright raspberry and blueberry flavors, wrapped softly in a blanket of fine tannins. The fruit persists against white pepper notes on the long finish. Drink now through 2012.”

According tot he Chateau Ste. Michelle event calendar, they’re hosting a 3-hour wine and cheese tasting on April 15th from 4:30 to 7:30.

The description, as posted in their calendar, explains:

We invite you to join us in our wineshop from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm as we pour our award winning wine with gourmet cheeses that enhance the wine tasting experience.

It’s going to be held at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Shop, and the cost to enter is only $20 dollars.

Everybody’s got to start somewhere, right? If you’re looking to get in on the basics of wine tasting, stopping through Silver Lake Winery’s Wine Tasting 101 event is probably a great way to get yourself started.

They’re hosting the event on March 29th at 1pm. Here are the details from their calendar:

We’ll challenge your senses and your brain with this fun class on the basics of wine tasting

followed by a little test of your wine knowledge. Space is limited so get here early! Cost is $10.00

at the door. Plus, everyone attending the class will receive 15% off the wine purchased that day!

I have always liked the idea of custom-crafted wine bottles, and obviously, even if you’re not the type to show off your own custom wine, it can make a great gift.

On March 8th and 9th, Silver Lake Winery is hosting a bottle your own wine event. Here’s the info from their calendar page:

You write the text for a one-of-a-kind gift or commemorate your own special occasion. Try before you buy free samples available. You’ll get to bottle it, cork it, foil it and label it. Red or white wine just $15.99 each (includes label) or $12.99 when you purchase four or more with the same label. Wine club members receive $2.00 off all pricing options.

WoodinvilleWineDiva.com recently posted their upcoming 2008 events calendar. If you’re looking to mix with women and wine and woodinville this year, any of these events would be a great choice:

Mark Your Calendar for our 2008 Diva Events:

* March 27, Thursday: Hollywood Schoolhouse - Bring your favorite Spring Wine

* May 15, Thursday: Novelty Hill/Januik Winery - Divas and Their Dates!

* June 19th, Thursday: Willows Lodge - Boutique Winery Summer Solstice Showcase

* September 23, Tuesday: Chateau Ste Michelle - Robin Pollard, WA Wine Commission

* November 12, Wednesday: The Herbfarm Restaurant - special education by Staff

The March 27th event has a March 24th registration deadline, and you’ll need to buy a ticket through PayPal ($28), plus bring your own bottle of wine ($12 max), which means the evening will run you around $40.

According to the South Seattle Community College events calendar, the Northwest Wine Academy is going to be hosting an open to the public, no RSVP required Spring barrel tasting on March 21st.

Here’s what the calendar says:

Northwest Wine Academy
Spring Barrel Tasting

Open to the Public! No RSVP required, please come to this public tasting of future vintages and the release of our 2007 Rosé, and our 2007 Riesling.

We’ll also have our 2006 Petit Verdot, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc for sale and tasting and several barrel samples available to taste.

The tasting is going to be from 3-6pm in the Wine and Welding Building. Make sure you don’t confuse the wine glasses with the welding equipment

On January 24th, the Eastside Business Journal reported the passing of Charles Lill of DeLille Cellars:

It is with great sadness and fond reflection that we share with you the passing of Charles Lill, co-founder of DeLille Cellars. Charles died peacefully on the morning of January 12 after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Business Leader. He was an amazing man and a true life force that positively touched the lives of so many people. Charles’ charming ways and his passion for family, the people he met, and life in general, was contagious.

The memorial services were held privately for the family, and they requested that in lieu of flowers people send contributions to the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.

This just in from our friends at the Mark Ryan Winery:

“As part of the St Nick’s event, we are pleased to announce our first art showing at the Winery. Famed rock poster artist Justin Hampton will be will be at the Mark Ryan Winery on December 1st & 2nd. Many of you have asked to purchase the posters on our walls, now you can just in time for the holidays! Justin will be there in person showing some amazing original works of art as well as prints that have made him one of the most well known artists in the genre. They will be displayed at the winery for you to view and purchase. We’re also excited to unveil that Mr. Hampton is designing a new label for Mark Ryan’s 2006 Dissident wine which is coming very soon. Check out Justin’s stuff at http://www.justinhampton.com/.

Justin Hampton has been creating high impact imagery since his arrival on the art scene in 1990. He began his tenure in Seattle working for famed graphic designers Art Chantry and Jeff Kleinsmith at the Rocket Magazine. A decade and a half later, he is renowned as one of the leaders in the modern rock poster scene and has garnered international attention. His bold line work and sublime color palette mixed with a vivid imagination are unmistakable. His work can be seen in various galleries in Europe, Asia and Australia as well as the in states.

If you are not attending the St Nick’s event, but would like to come to check out and purchase Justin’s art, just down load this page and show it to the person at the door to gain admittance.

Woodinville Wine Country’s annual St Nick’s event is this weekend, December 1st and 2nd. This year the format will be like Passport. $50 gets you in everywhere with an event glass and winery booklet. Check the website to purchase tickets. Tickets are NOT sold at the wineries.”