Chateau Ste Michelle and Columbia.. the two big ones.

So Woodinville has two big wineries that are pretty much the ones that people think of when they think of Washington wines. Columbia and Chateau Ste. Michelle. Before all you wine snobs stick your nose up at these two (I know, you are whispering, "Carly, I can get it in the grocery store, so why would you want to even bother going to the winery") Shame on YOU! (OK, I thought it too..) Anyways, I packed myself a little nibble and headed on over a few days ago to give them a try, and I honestly hadn't been to either in a while. First stop: Columbia Winery

Columbia Winery- Columbia used to be one of the wine stops on the Washington Wine train, which is no longer running, and there were rumors running rampant that Columbia was leaving Woodinville. Well, my trusty tasting room pourer Tyler let me know that they in fact are NOT leaving Woodinville. Another note to you who may come visit: go on a weekday. If you value getting one on one time with an employee, and like to hear about the wine, this is the time to go. Ok, to the wine!

1. The Yakima Valley 2007 Viognier: Great slight sweetness on nose, but definitely not on palette. Would be fantastic with seafood.. crab cakes would be divine.

2. Red Willow Vineyard 2005 Cab Franc: A nice subtle smokiness on the nose, with a stone fruit finish on the tongue. Excellent with a hearty stew or casserole.

3. I then did a side by side with Otis Vineyard Valley 2004 Cab (blended with Merlot), and next to it, the Red Willow Vineyard 2004 Cab (blended with Malbec) They were completely different. The Otis didn't have the fullness and complexity I look for in wine. But then again, I don't usually care for Merlot. Ever. (My opinion is NOT based on the movie Sideways, but probably my overindulgence in good old two buck Chuck)

4. I had a taste of the Peninsula blend, which was Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec. That contained what I was looking for! Complexity! It was a 2001 and had opened up well. Would be fantastic with steak, or buffalo. (Note: if you haven't tried buffalo... do it! It's so good!)

5. Finally, the Columbia Valley 2006 Riesling Ice Wine. Buy it. Love it. 19% residual sugar.. it's pretty sweet... but it's has a nectar taste that a little bit will be enough for you.

I was very impressed with Columbia and thank you to Tyler for leading me through my wine tasting!

Chateau Ste Michelle- Kristina was my pourer at Chateau Ste Michelle. Luckily, again, it wasn't very busy so I got to get good one on one time. The grounds are breathtaking, and during the summer they have wine concerts, which I have yet to attend. So I tasted the basic four that are offered to the public, and then a couple other tastes as well.

1. 2007 Columbia Valley Viognier: another one that would pair well with seafood, but this one had a minerality to it. Probably would pair well with clams or mussels.

2. 2006 Columbia Valley Grenache: this had that great smoky flavor that I love... good full bodied wine. Would be great with pork tenderloin or even duck.

3. 2004 Indian Wells Merlot: I sipped, swirled, and spit out. It's Merlot. I can't get into it.

4. 2005 Wahluke Slope Syrah: Really good! not too peppery, it was full bodied. I took a bottle home.

*Notable mentions: Ethos 2005 Syrah: too tight, needed to open up..

Muscat Canelli only sold at winery: YUM. I bought a bottle. Sweet, without being too sweet.

Their ice wine is AMAZING so if you see it, buy it. But it will cost you $50!

Thank you Kristina for adding to a great afternoon!

Good wines from big wineries.... who would of thunk it?

Next stop... more smaller wineries in Woodinville.