If you’re into bold, fruit-forward wines and good values, then you’re going to love the Columbia Valley AVA. This statement might seem counterintuitive since we tend to think of Washington as a place where the sun doesn’t shine, but the eastern side of the state receives about 300 days of sunshine a year. (Compare that to the Napa Valley, which receives about 260 days/year.) Washington also often enjoys a long, consistent growing season which allows it to produce some of the boldest wine varieties around.

We will taste:

Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Vineyard Viognier 2019 — Novelty Hill is a small, independent winery that crafts limited quantities of elegant wines from Washington State's finest vineyards. There were only 500 cases of the Viognier produced. This wine is bright and focused with perfumed floral aromas and an undertone of jasmine tea. Juicy apricot mingles with layers of tropical fruit flavors, an appealing hint of spice, and just the right amount of acidity for a fresh, long finish. Rating: 90, Wine Enthusiast. $24.99/$9

Dunham Cellars Three-Legged Red Blend 2018 — The winery makes its home in a remodeled World War II era airplane hangar in Walla Walla, and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020. Each year, Dunham Cellars blends a portion of its wines into this red table wine. Featuring fruit from their estate vineyards and using the same barrels in which they age their finest Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, they are able to maintain a consistent high quality. The nose of this wine is loaded with aromas of savory herb, raspberry and cherry. The palate brings lush, fruit-forward flavors that deliver a big impact. It's currently tight in tannins and bright in acidity, but has impressive stuffing for a wine at this price. Rating: 91, Wine Enthusiast. $22.99/$8

L’Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 — L'Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. It has been recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for fourteen consecutive years. With a nod to the old world, this Cab shows savory aromas, mingled with expressive black currant and cocoa. Notes of black cherry, fresh plum, and blackberry, as well as espresso , graphite, dried herb and dark chocolate, this well-integrated wine further expresses enticing damp earth and cigar box notes, and finishes with polished tannins on a smooth, powerful finish. The flavors are rich, the acidity high, and the tannins bring a firm grip. Rich and structured. Best from 2021 through 2028. Rating: 92, Wine Enthusiast. $32.99/$10

We are continuing with a combination of tableside and barside, depending on your party size! C’mon in when you’re ready. Please continue to select and sit at a table that matches your party size so that we can accommodate everyone.

As always, feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). AND, don’t forget the cheese shop, St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese. They are introducing new cheeses regularly.

Thanks y’all, see you Friday!!