William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

You're Invited Made a run to Red Mountain today; I timed my driving and it took 13 minutes from home to Red Mountain. Isn't that convenient? Owner/Winemaker Neil "Coop" Cooper and his dog DB The reason today for my drive, is that there’s a new winery on Red Mountain – Cooper “A Red Mountain Winery”. The owner/winemaker is Neil “Coop” Cooper. His winery is to open very soon. While Coop did not have time to review his wines today, he did take time for an amiable chat. Thanks Coop. Cooper Winery is now the first winery you see when you turn onto Red Mountain’s Sunset Road. Traces of the previous winery have been carefully removed. Coop has worked hard on getting his winery ready for visitors – the exterior of his facility is due to be painted soon. Soon enough for his Grand Opening on September 11th. You’re Invited While we were visiting today, Coop invited me and all my wine friends (that’s you too) to join him on Saturday 11 September, 3pm until 9pm for his...

Write that name down and remember it - Anna Schafer. How many of you know that earlier this year the 500th winery was bonded in Washington State? Some 200 wineries opened their doors in the last three years alone. As passionate as I am about wine, Washington wine, I am a creature of habit. Yes, I do tend to drink the wines I know. Well, guess what? This weekend I was bumped off my comfortable log in Yakima , Washington . Saturday I poured at the 2007 Washington Wine Country Grand Gala in Yakima , Washington . A truly deluxe fundraiser for Washington Wine Country. I was unexpectedly paired with Anna Schafer. Anna Schafer is the co-winemaker for her family owned àMaurice Cellars in Walla Walla , Washington . She my friends is the future of Washington wine. Did you write down her name? You should. Pouring with Anna Schafer I was fortunate to enjoy an hour in the company of an intelligent, serious and passionate Washington winemaker. She's engaging, knowledgeable and managed ...

Grenache is supposed to be the most widely planted red grape on the planet. Grenache, Garnacha Tinta, is the most widely planted varietal in Spain and many countries use it to make some fabulous wines (you may be familiar with Chateauneuf-du-pape in France). So it may be no suprise, to some of you, that it is finally making an appearance in Washington. A lucky few enjoyed a 2004 Grenache from Rob Griffin this Fall. Released in October to his Wine Club, the wine sold out by November - not so much was produced. I heard that this was the first harvest from some young vines - so more Grenache may be on the way for 2007. I hope. How was the wine? Very, very good. You can think of this wine as classic Grenache - raspberry on the palette, gentle spicy finish and very tasty. At release the wine was light and lovely, (perfect for Thanksgiving) by the end of November it had gained some body and the finish was longer and very good - what a nice change of pace from the regulars. If any of you have...