Christopher Chan
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OREGON AND WASHINGTON WINE AWARDS AND DIRECTOR OF WINE AND SPIRITS, THE RAINIER CLUB
This is him, people: the guy in charge of the most serious wine honors in the state, doled out each year at the Rainier Club (don’t wear jeans) amidst much fanfare, hoopla, and fancy cheese. Christopher Chan is currently preparing his palate for the Advanced Court of Master Sommeliers Exam, which he’ll be taking in October. If you see him, wish him luck.
WHITE
2007 Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling, $12
Willamette Valley, Oregon
This riesling is a sweet tart of a wine with fresh peach, pear, and nectarine, and bright, steely acidity.
2007 Methven Family Vineyards Pinot Gris, $18
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Ripe crenshaw and honeydew melon flavors mix with white floral notes—it’s crisp and tart with a hint of residual sugar.
2007 Olsen Estates Chardonnay, $28
Yakima Valley, Washington
In Olsen Estates’ chard, tropical notes, gala apple, and stone fruit are wrapped in toasty French oak.
RED
2005 Anna Maria Tempranillo, $24
Applegate Valley, Oregon
Just darn tasty. This tempranillo offers red plums and red and black raspberries with hints of vanilla and toast on the palate, and bright acidity.
2006 Watermill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, $24
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
Black cherry and currant, a hint of spiced vanilla oak, and friendly wet tannins make this a food-friendly, mouthwatering winner.
2006 Stoller JV Estate Pinot Noir, $25
Dundee Hills, Oregon
This Oregon pinot noir features ripe red cherry and black raspberry fruit framed by caramel spiced oak and velvety tannins.
2006 Walla Walla Vintners Washington State Cuvée, $28
Washington
Here is an easy yet interesting recipe of seven grapes that is at once approachable and complex.
2007 Syncline Mourvèdre, $30
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington
Roasted plum, black pepper, and a hint of tar plus medium acidity makes for a long lush finish.
2006 Five Star Cellars Merlot, $32
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
Black cherry, boysenberry, clove, and baking spice make this merlot a real palate pleaser.
2006 àMaurice Cellars The Tsutakawa Red Blend, $35
Columbia Valley, Washington
A big-boy wine with layers of black fruits, cassis, cedar, and baking spice—it’s plush, structured, and long.
Next: Lucas St. Clair, wine director, Wild Ginger Bellevue
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!