Alexandria Nicole 2011 Shepherds Mark

Destiny Ridge Vineyards, Horse Heaven Hills AVA.

Photo: 2011 Shepherds Mark.

We hit 103 degrees in the Columbia Valley today. That my friends is hot. If you are in the area visiting, wear a hat, sunscreen and drink plenty of water. This kind of weather puts me in the mood for crisp, refreshing white wine. Which is one of the reasons I wholly enjoyed the Alexandria Nicole 2011 Shepherds Mark. This wine is dedicated to the sheepherders and Horse Heaven Hills pioneers who left their mark on the world. A sentiment I can relate to, since my grandfather William and his brother Jeff, both herded sheep. Their grandparents, my great-great grandparents, homesteaded the NW in the 1800's.

And the wine?

This wine had beautiful minerality on the nose, with stone fruit and incense. Good mouth feel, nice weight. Crisp, peach, pear, and more minerality. I like how this wine tastes and feels. Bright, long mineral finish. With all the heat this summer, this wine is a wonderful summer sipper and drinker. Refreshing. At home we enjoyed  with grilled chicken wings and fried rice. You don't need food to enjoy this wine. Even so, it would be great with salad, seafood and the best of friends.

Beautiful Rhone blend wine, my wife and I liked it. Recommended.

Blend: 68% Roussanne, 16% Marsanne, 16% Viognier
Stainless steel fermentation.
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Estate Grown
514 Cases
Suggested retail price: $20
Sample provided by the winery.
www.alexandrianicolecellars.com

Alexandria Nicole Cellars Tasting Rooms

Prosser Tasting Room
Open Daily: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily
2880 Lee Road, Suite D
Prosser, Washington 99350
509.786.3497
wineclub@alexandrianicolecellars.com

Hollywood Schoolhouse Tasting Room
Open: Thursday- Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Woodinville extended hours from 5-8pm Friday evening for wine club members.)
14810 Northeast 145th Street
Woodinville, WA
425.487.9463
shanahw@alexandrianicolecellars.com

Cheers!