Newsletter from Canoe Ridge Vineyard rcvd 19-Nov-1998 ---------------------- Canoe Ridge Vineyard Winter 1998-99 Vintage 1998 has been completed at last. The vines have started into their slumber as the last leaves, brown and lignified, fall from their once lush canopy. We believe that this deep dormancy is one of the key components to what makes Washington wine so special. It is a year for ripe, rich flavors with red wines that are loaded with deep color and intensity. As these new wines work toward finishing malolactic fermentation, the last leaves fall from the trees and I am struck by what a beautiful autumn it has been. Harvest is a time when we can be so busy as to not notice. We hope this finds you tucked in and ready for winter. A winter filled with festivities and joy, family and friends, and a fantastic new year. CHRISTMAS BARREL TASTING December 5th & 6th - 11am-4pm If you are close enough to Walla Walla, join Canoe Ridge Vineyard and other area wineries for a weekend of wonderful festivities including barrel tasting, new releases, music, art, food, and opportunities for making charitable contributions. At Canoe Rdige Vineyard, we are delighted to offer the following: The Early Music Consort of Calgary returns! Last year, this courageous foursome from Canada drove 16 hours to get to the winery and proceeded to put on a most amazing performance of medieval and renaissance Christmas carols, for which, the acoustics in our cellar are perfect. We are ever so furtunate to welcome them again. Performances: each hour starting at 11:30, Saturday only. Turtles, Turtles, and more Turtles... an art show in honor of our new Christmas Cuvee label. The show will feature additional work from the artist, Kerrie Abbott, as well as pieces by Monica Stobie, Linda McKean, and Justina Parsons-Bernstein. Food & Blanket Drive -- Decmeber 5th-13th we'll be collecting food and blankets for local families in need this winter. Ice Luminaries -- created by our own staff, a beautiful display of frozen masterpieces. For The Kids -- cozy up to a glowing bonfire with a cup of hot cider and roast a marshmallow or two. Any age welcome! ...And Of Course -- new releases and barrel tasting. 1998/1999 CALENDAR OF EVENTS feel free to call us for more information on any of these events Dec 5,6 Christmas Barrel Tasting................ Walla Walla WA Dec 8,10 WWCC Wine Sensory Class @ CRV .......... Walla Walla WA Feb 27 Metropolitan Family Services Auction ... Portland OR Mar 19 CRV Winemaker Dinner WAC ............... Seattle WA Mar 20 A Celebration of WA3 Winemaking ........ Leavenworth WA May 8,9 Balloon Stampede ....................... Walla Walla WA May 22 Chalone Wine Group Annual Shareholder Celebration ........................................ Soledad CA Jul 24 Sun Valley WIne Auction ................ Sun Valley ID Aug 21 Auction NW Wines ....................... Woodinville WA THE WINES 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, early release Dec. 5th tasting room only. A lovely perfumed nose with a lush mouthful of fruit, excellent balance and big structure. btl $25/case $270 1996 Christmas Cuvee 1.5L, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, new release, new label Our Red Table Wine in a fun, festive package just for the season. A blend of 75% Cab. Sauv. and 25% Merlot. Perfect for holiday entertaining. btl $33/case $178.20. 1997 Chardonnay, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, new release Bright and aromatic with exotic aromas of Asian pear, green gauva, and white peach layered with honeyd spice. Sixty percent barrel fermentation, and 100% malolactic fermentation give a rich round mouthfeel with a balanced long finish. btl $12.50/case $135. [Remaining available wine list and Christmas specials omitted, sorry, I don't have the time to type it all in, it's long -- MikeL] Canoe Ridge Vineyard PO Box 684 Walla Walla WA 99362 Phone 509-527-0885, fax 509-527-0886 email: canoerdg@bmi.net ----------------------