November
Van Vino Vineyards 2021 GRENACHE
As a writer who represents the wine industry in our region, I must crumple and toss out the complaint of, “Oh, you’re covering too much local!” After all: We Speak to Where You Live. So yes, I will write about Van Vino a second time, because they do a great job! I am honored to present their Grenache as my November Wine Pick of the Month.
Grenache is an expression of one of the world’s most highly planted variations of vitis vinifera. It is seductive, gentile, layered, rousing, and wildly flexible. It is the dichotomy, which is humanity, the universe. Winemaker Zach Delooff doesn’t particularly even like Grenache, but he had family connections (Arthur “Arf” den Hoed—big time grape grower) in Yakima Valley and wanted to give it a shot. I’m certainly glad he did!
This wine is available on their website or at their tasting room (by appointment). Van Vino will be at the Bellingham Wine Walk on Nov. 15, so be sure to check it out!
Tasting Notes: Aromas of dried red rose petals, cedar sauna, fresh dill, cranberries, and faint patchouli introduce the zing of cinnamon bark, ripe blackberries, plum flesh and forest floor followed by a cashmere finish of cedar and rosemary.
Pairing Suggestion: Castelvetrano olives, arugula-feta nectarine salad, prosciutto-wrapped jumbo prawns, citrus asparagus, roasted rack of lamb, pistachio cream croissant, ice cream sandwich.
Song Pair: Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
December
GLM Winery 2022 AMBERLEIGH Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
After 20 months with you, dear readers, it’s time for me to say goodbye! For my final Wine Pick, I just had to feature the newly-released Amberleigh. Not only does it bear my name, but it’s made in Whatcom County with passion and humble history. So It would be a fine holiday gift, and also worthy of a toast on New Years Eve.
When I asked Winemaker Tom Davis what his inspiration was for the sixth iteration Amberleigh label, he said, “I wanted it to be like a riddle.” The image was flipped and zoomed—the only way you can tell the contents is by looking closely at the irises. Of course, more details can be found on the back, including the blend: 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is hand-harvested, unfined, and unfiltered, and is a comprehensive expression of its blend. Find out more on their website at glmwine.com. GLM will also be at the Bellingham Wine Walk.
Tasting Notes: The nose arises with vanilla, black licorice, youthful leather, cherry cola, butterscotch and mild old spice. Ensuing flavors of velvety blackberry, cracked pepper, black olives, bing cherry.
Pairing Suggestion: Bleu cheese frisée salad, coconut-carrot puree, capicola, cranberry sauce, veal with blackberry glaze, duck confit with roasted garlic, mixed berry cheesecake, pomegranate sorbet.
Song Pair: The Prayer by Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli
MEET OUR SOMMELIER | Amberleigh Brownson
Amberleigh Brownson has been a local sommelier and international wine judge in Whatcom county for eight years. She is a four-time award winner from Wine Spectator for her wine program and wine pairing dinners, and has become an opinion leader in the Washington wine world, particularly in Whatcom County.
