David Leclaire
OWNER, SEATTLE WINE EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS
David LeClaire is a sommelier on the move: He’s a prof at North Seattle Community College, has founded wine clubs in Portland and Seattle, and runs a business organizing tasting events for corporate and private parties.
WHITE
2006 Steppe Cellars Dry Riesling, $19
Rattlesnake Hills, Washington
Fresh, with crisp acidity and soft fruit, it is perfect on a hot day.
2007 Buty Sémillon-Sauvignon-Muscadelle, $25
Columbia Valley, Washington
A touch of muscadelle gives this year’s Buty a hint of a floral backdrop. It is refreshing and interesting as ever.
ROSÉ
2008 Yellow Hawk Cellar Rosato, $12
Columbia Valley, Washington
Northwest rosés range from bone dry to sweet, but this lovely rosato is nestled just in between.
RED
2006 Gilbert Cellars Estate Malbec, $26
Wahluke Slope, Washington
This malbec is a soft, supple wine that lingers and leaves you wanting more.
2006 Des Voigne Cellars Montreux Syrah, $30
Red Mountain, Washington
If syrah has a fault, it’s that it can be too jammy and Australianish. Not the 2006 Montreux—it’s solid and deep, never overly ripe or fruity.
2007 Vin du Lac Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, $35
Columbia Valley, Washington
Cab franc sometimes has too many green notes for me, but this one has no veggie flavors or aromas.
2006 Fielding Hills Winery Merlot Riverbend Vineyard, $36
Wahluke Slope, Washington
This winery has quietly earned industry respect over the past few years, thanks in part to its success with merlot. Deep, brooding, and powerful, this is an amazing wine.
2006 Baer Winery Ursa, $39
Columbia Valley, Washington
A truly balanced, not over-the-top blend of cab, cab franc, and merlot.
Next: Sarah Munson, cofounder, The Local Vine
Published: September 2009
It would be great if there were links to the wineries and/or stores that sold these wines
Very interesting!
Agree with Thairu, a great list from Jeffrey Dorgan and others, but don’t make it so hard for us to follow up and find these wines if we want to try them…links would have been perfect….The Stevens Divio and the DeLille AIX are great!!
Really looking forward to trying out John Howie Steak in Bellevue’s Bravern – there has been a lot of talk around John Howie’s new establishment and from what I’m hearing so far, it’s really that good – a steakhouse w/ not only a dream team, but with soul – locally owned, locally sourced products, etc.
If you are looking for Watermill’s wine go to www.watermillwinery.com, they have an online store where you can buy the wine. Enjoy!