MikeL's Guide to WA WineriesDate: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 08:27:24 -0700
Subject: Pre-Barrel Tasting
We took a short trip down to Zillah area and hit a few wineries yesterday afternoon since we will be gone next weekend. We went to Horizon's Edge, Wineglass, Hyatt and Bonair.
The Muscat Canelli at Horizon's Edge is always delightful. The new 97 is good, perhaps a little lighter as it should since it is younger. When we found out that Tom still had some older 95's left we took a case along with a half case of the new stuff. I don't normally like sweeter wines but this wine reminds of the Chinese Lychee fruit. Wonderful fragrant. It does go well with oriental food especially if it is a little spicy.
My son also liked their Pinot Noir Port. By the way, a new magazine dedicated for the Northwest wines by the name of Wine Press is available at Horizon's Edge. The premiere issue as well as the next issue coming out in the fall will be free. Fun reading! Website is at http://www.winepressnw.com.
The Wineglass 97 reserve Chardonnay in the barrel should be a great one. However, it will be next year around this time before it is available for sale.
Hyatt had a lot of nice wines! We enjoyed the 97 Sauvignon Blanc. Their 91 Cab was wonderful and a bargain at $14.95. Then there was the reserve 95 Cab, wow! For this one, they charge $2 for tasting you don't end up buying one. Well, it shouldn't be a problem. We brought along some Lindt dark chocolate for such a wine. Great pairing!
My wife liked the 95 merlot too. So, we ended up with a case and a half of stuff at Hyatt!
Bonair had some interesting blends. The Bonnie Bonair is blend of Gamay & Cab. Our hostess said that it can be thought of as a hamburger wine. It was pleasant. Karen likes their Sunset, a blend of Riesling with a little cabernet for color.
Food? My suggestion is to bring a nice loaf of bread, your favorite cold cuts, cheeses and fruit just in case. I always get the munchies tasting wine! There should be food at most wineries next weekend.
Places that we've had at least okay experiences are:
Squeeze Inn at 611 First Avenue, Zillah 509 829-6226 (I was told that they
may not be open Sundays)
Snipes Mountain Brewery (also a nice restaurant), 905 Yakima Valley highway,
Sunnyside 509 837-2739
Heritage Inn (behind the Yakama Nation museum) on Hiway 97, Toppenish 509
865-2551
Wine Country Inn, Prosser
Leo
Yakima, Washington
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