William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

Before I forget. I've mentioned the Barnard Griffin 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in previous posts. This wine sold out two months ago at the winery. Wine Spectator magazine just reviewed and rated this wine at 92 points! Also, Wine Enthusiast magazine just reviewed and rated this wine at 93 points!! My confidants at the Barnard Griffin winery tell me that they just received 10 cases of this outstanding vintage... This is your last opportunity to grab some of this spectacular wine direct from the winery. This wine is priced at $40 a bottle. Enjoy!

Growers conference in February introduced many to the Columbia Valley. I finally have some time to post to this blog, so lets catch up. Last month the annual Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers Meeting was held in Kennewick, Washington. Growers and winemakers from the U.S. and Canada attended. And local growers and winemakers presented. I personally had some time to visit with four growers from the NAPA Valley. They appeard a bit dazed and overwhelmed when I met with them after the conference. They had questions about the Columbia Valley, climate, soil and appellations. They did not believe everything I told them and they seemed doubtful about the whole Washington state wine phenomena. But, as they say, the truth is in the tasting. They were politely interested in white wines, but unimpressed. They were very interested in red wines and were blown away by a 2004 Barnard Griffin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. I swear their eyes popped open at the same time - looks were exchange...

T ime to score some Barnard Griffin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon - tulip lable. My sources tell me that this wine is getting scarce. A delicious Cabernet, the 2004 Cab Sav is dry, smooth and supple - wonderful cherry and vanilla flavors - not "sweet" as some Cabs in this price range, about $17. Wine Spectator magazine rated this wine at 89 points and the Wall Street Journal recommended it earlier this year - I think it has improved since those reviews. It is not as highly awarded as the 2004 Reserve Cabernet, about $30 - but then it does not cost as much either. Good tannins, so I think this has some potential to hold for a few years. This is another wine on my "drink me now!" list. Cheers! Update: This wine won Gold Medal January 2007 at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The tasting room still has some 10 February 2007.