Gorman Winery puts the Rock N Roll in Wine Tasting

You ever walk into a tasting room and think, "I really wish so and so was here"? The minute I walked into Gorman, I thought I wish my dad was here. My dad isn't the big wine fan, no no, he is a fan of AC/DC, much like Chris Gorman, the winemaker. In fact, it was all AC/DC all the time, but it never took away from the enjoyment of my experience. (I may be disowned for this, but AC/DC really isn't my type of music, but I digress)

Chris has been making wine since 2002, and keeps the amount limited to about 1500 cases a year. He focuses on the Red Mountain area for his grapes, which for those not familiar with that area, the Red Mountain area is kick ass. I was lucky enough to meet Chris, and I can tell you, he is a NICE guy, laid back... no stuffiness from him. Add to that some good wine, and makes for a highly enjoyable wine tasting experience. On to the wine:

Rose 2008 42-39-56: I am not a huge rose fan in general, but this wasn't bad at all. This would be a perfect picnic wine. Would pair well with a nice bbq, chicken salad, veggies, or fruit. (I apologize but I didn't write any notes on this wine other than the name).

Zachary's Ladder 2006: This was my favorite one I tasted, and I took a bottle home. This is a blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cab Sav, and 10% Petit Verdot. I know, shocking... it's mostly merlot, and I still like it! This wine a a wonderful inky color, and a nice smoky nose. Will pair wonderfully with some BBQ ribs, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.

Bully 2006: This wine is 80% Cab/10% Merlot/10% Petit Verdot. Another great cab dominant blend coming out of Washington! I would have loved to take a bottle of this home, but it was a little pricey for me. This one will develop more in the bottle, has that wonderful berry/earthy nose, and was delightful to drink.

If you feel like getting your inner rockstar on in Woodinville, go to Gorman. And try the wine while you are there.

Grand Reve is a "Great Dream" for Washington wine fans!

Grand Reve is another MUST TRY in the Woodinville circle of wineries. (To be honest, the tasting room is ACTUALLY in Kirkland, but close enough) Grand Reve is a collaboration of work with several prominent winemakers, with the best of the best grapes from the Red Mountain region. They are planting their own estate vineyards, so I am sure future vintages will be absolutely amazing.

The winemakers involved in this are:
Ben Smith of Cadence
Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan
Ross Mickel of Ross Andrew
Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei
Chris Gorman of Gorman
Not too shabby of a collaboration.

Onto the wine:
2006 Grand Reve Sangiovese by Mark Ryan McNeilly: This wine is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Syrah. Only 50 cases were made of this little gem. Not the typical big jammy sangiovese you may be used to, but still delicious. Although it does a bit of that jammyness on the palate, the syrah makes the finish a little longer, and a bit more enjoyable. I think that a bit more time in the bottle for this wine will do nothing but improve the body of this wine. (also to note, I am a huge fan of Mark Ryan wines, so this wonderful wine definitely falls into another masterpiece by Mark).
2005 Grand Reve Collaboration Series I by Ben Smith: This is a blend of 62% Cab Sav, 13% Cab Franc, 13% Petit Verdot, 12% Merlot. Now this wine had more cases produced: a whopping 198. This wine had a nice light ruby color, but a big earthy, almost mushroom like nose on it. It's delicious, but again, I would cellar this wine and wait for the true excellence of this wine to be revealed.
2006 Grand Reve Collaboration Series III by Mark Ryan McNeilly: This wine is 100% Syrah with 268 cases produced. Like many other Syrahs, this has the wonderful inky color and a blackberry nose. This has a long finish and is very well balanced.
2006 Grand Reve Collaboration Series II by Ross Andrew Mickel: This wine is 97% Syrah with 3% Viognier. Has a wonderful earthy nose and the small bit of viognier provides a bit floral on the nose. Like many of the other ones it will definitely get better with age. This one was definitely my favorite of the tasting.

I also got to try a Merlot not "on the list" but I didn't even take any notes on it. Like the other wines, it was tasty, but not as memorable. The tasting room is only open on Saturdays from 1-4, but I suggest you go. Now.

I am back, with an apology.

Goodness me... I look at how long it's been since my last post, and I have nothing to say but... I am SORRY!

I have been working in a new wine sales position and it's taking up a large amount of time. Therefore, my pobrecita little blog has been very neglected.

However, I am dedicating a few hours a week now to work on my blog from now on.

Just like a good wine, life has to have the right balance to be successful!

Carly