The Flight 4 - 8pm $16 for 5 pours with 3 additional for purchase
Bordeaux, as a whole, is France’s largest appellation d’origine côntrolée (AOC) area, though it’s not the country’s largest winegrowing area. It makes up 25 percent of France’s AOC vineyard area but accounts for only 14 percent of the country’s total vineyard area. Although Bordeaux is famous for its 1855 classification, only 5 percent of the vineyard area is devoted to the production of cru classés.
Vineyards in Bordeaux are typically associated with estates, or châteaux, rather than plots of land, as in Burgundy. There are approximately 6,300 winegrowers in Bordeaux (half of what there was 20 years ago). The average size of a Bordeaux wine estate is 17.6 hectares of vines, and nearly 60 percent of the region’s estates are still owned and run by families.
Additionally, there are 300 Maisons de Négoce, which sell more than two-thirds of Bordeaux’s wine across 170 countries. Bordeaux has 33 regional wine cooperatives and three cooperative unions. There are also 82 wine brokers that facilitate transactions between négociants and the estates.
Although a relatively young wine industry, Washington State is the nation's second largest wine producer with more than 900 wineries, and is ranked among the world's top wine regions. Washington wines are found nationally in all 50 states and internationally in more than 40 countries.
With more than 50,000 acres planted, Washington State has ideal geography and conditions for growing premium vinifera grapes. Primarily grown on their own root stocks, vines produce grapes of consistent quality year after year. While Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling and Chardonnay dominate in terms of production, over 40 different varieties are produced throughout the state.
Washington has consistently outperformed other leading wine regions with a higher percentage of wines scoring 90 points and above, while maintaining a lower average cost for these wines, based on Wine Spectator magazine’s ratings.
Lone Birch Cabernet Sauvignon WA 2024 $15 - In the shadow of the Rattlesnake Mountains stands the 70-year-old Lone Birch Tree, providing shade to vineyard workers, a landmark to travelers, and inspiration to generations of descendants of Howard Miller, entrepreneur, successful realtor, and visionary. Bouquet of black currant and toasted oak leading to a smooth finish with soft lingering tannins.
Château Fage, Graves de Vayres Rouge 2022 $18 - 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec. Medium-bodied and supple, with silky tannins and rounded acidity. Flavors of black cherry, dark raspberry, and blackberry mingle with notes of cocoa, leather, and clove.
Luke Red Blend Wahluke Slope WA 2021 $22 - Aromas of ripe red and dark berries with hints of spiced oak, ground cloves and cedar. Full-bodied with an opulent mouthfeel and generous fruit. It has some sandy texture to its tannins. Plush and velvety on the finish. Drink or hold. Cabernet + Merlot.
Château de Ribebon, Bordeaux Supérieur 2019 $20 - Intense color, shiny ruby reflections. On the nose is red and black fruit ripe and concentrated tannins Complex and sophisticated wine, well balanced throughout the tasting. Generous volume, full bodied and rich and elegant nal taste. The tasting reacts the expression of the terroir and the quality of the grapes. Merlot, Cabernet and Cab Franc.
Château Recougne, Bordeaux Supérieur 2022 $21 - Ripe dark berries, ground cloves and licorice on the nose, with a subtle stony character. Tight and chewy, with a medium body, firm tannins and a bitter, spiced, walnuty finish. Merlot.
Bonus Wines
Board Track Racer, The Vincent Red Columbia Valley 2022 $25 - Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc. Starts out with intense, aromatic dark fruits on the nose mingled with notes of oak spice and slight herbs. It's full bodied and bold on the palate, giving deep flavors of black and red cherry, blackberry, and hints of cedar box and spice.
Château Piney, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2021 $31 - A small, under-the-radar Bordeaux, this excellent value shows a deep ruby color enhanced by aromas of tobacco, cedar, leather and blueberries. Dry, with firm tannins, the palate provides flavors of dark berries, mocha, and leather. Very enjoyable and excellent at this price point.
Andrew Januik, Cabernet Sauvignon Lady Hawk Horse Heaven Hills 2022 $55 - Lady Hawk represents the unique quality of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. This Cabernet Sauvignon brings together three of the Horse Heaven Hills' finest vineyards, Lady Hawk, Andrews and Discovery, to create a supple, beautifully complex wine that offers both power and finesse. 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot. This is dense and delicious stuff that has a great acid streak. Creme de cassis, anise, dark chocolate and graphite all fill the palate with excellent volume. Great now, enjoy over the next fifteen years.