William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

When I bought this bottle at Costco, I did not realize that this wine was made by Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery and Mark Ryan McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery . After a little research, I learned that the 2010 ghost in the machine is part of a collaborative wine project now named The Giant Wine Company .  Chris and Marks goal? To produce reasonably priced wines for newer wine drinkers. In a word “accessible” wines. I've met Mark a couple of times, the first time was last year at Revelry on Red Mountain and the second was earlier this year at Taste Washington Seattle . He's tall of stature, friendly, a winemaker who's earned many accolades. Once you taste his wines, you'll understand why they are so highly sought-after. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gorman, he's now on my list. I suggest you buy this red wine. It will be the most affordable Mark Ryan/Chris Gorman wine you will ever find. It's also very good.  Photo: the ghost in the machine C...

Kirkland 2007 Napa Valley Meritage Here's the photo of the wine I enjoyed last night and tonight. While I'm mainly a Washington wine drinker, I did enjoy this Kirkland 2007 Napa Valley Meritage. On impulse I bought it at Costco for $11. It's a medium firm wine with flavors of cherry and vanilla with a bit of oak, but not too much oak. Tanins were just right to go with the grilled steak last night. Yes, I admit I liked it and found it a great value for the money. Call it, "broadening my palate." While I'm not a Napa wine drinker, it's good to sample and try wines from other regions you're not familiar with. I enjoyed this wine. And for $11 it's worth the money to evaluate and consider that Costco is selling some great wine under that Kirkland label. Maybe I'll visit Napa one of these years. But not too soon. Cheers!

Quick post. Grilled a most awesome steak tonight. Enjoyed the steak with hot peppers from my garden - they bit back - so good. And...I...enjoyed dinner with a...2007 Napa Meritage. That's right - Napa Meritage (it's a place in California). I know, this is a Washington wine blog. Well, my last five posts were about some fantastic Washington wines/wineries. Go read if you have not. Blame the local big box store (yes, Costco) for the great steak tonight, and that wine from California. Hey, I could not pass it up for $11. And I'm not a Napa wine drinker, so what the heck. Am I wrong to let you know I liked it? It was good...I'll consider adding more details and photo tomorrow. I have to sleep on it. Cheers!