We recently tasted the exciting lineup of Erica Orr Wines at Seifert & Jones in Bellingham, our favorite local wine shop. And we finally met Erica, whom we’ve know about for years but somehow hadn’t met before. In 2005, Erica started an enology business, running a wine lab to help WA winemakers in Woodinville. And while she still helps them, she also decided to create her own wines in 2013. Tim Johnson, a WA wine expert who works at S&J, joined Erica to pour her delightful wines, which have a wonderful QPR. Read on for our faves.
Category Archives: Sangiovese
San Felice Reds
We decided that autumn is a wonderful time to revisit San Felice reds. The historic San Felice estate in Tuscany honors tradition while being at the forefront of innovation and research to revive nearly extinct, ancient Tuscan grape varieties. The estate is also deeply committed to sustainability and biodiversity. We were delighted to sample these four wines: 2011 Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Riserva, 2018 Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino, 2022 Bell’Aja Bolgheri DOC Superiore, and 2021 Vigorello Toscana IGT. All are remarkable, and perfect to sip on by the fire or during the holidays.
Obelisco Estate
Back in 2012, we met Doug Long, co-owner and winemaker at Obelisco Estate, at a Washington Wine Commission event in the “other Washington” — D.C. We were immediately drawn to his friendliness, his humor, and his knowledge of the grape. Subsequently, we quickly became friends and frequently visited his Woodinville tasting room. At the time, I wrote “Obelisco meets our personal criteria for incredible wine and great people.” Sadly, Doug passed away in 2017. But his legacy continues. In August, we had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Doug’s daughter and Obelisco General Manager, Melissa Long Vilar, and her husband, Jacques Vilar. What lovely people. They poured six tasty wines in the Obelisco lineup. And they raved about their winemaker, David Rosenthal, who is returning to the winemaking style that Doug Long pursued, and we adored.
Summer Reds
Summer reds? Yes, please! Sure, most people think of whites, rosés, and bubbles for the deck in warm weather. But let’s not forget that red wine pairs perfectly with backyard barbecues. That’s right! Summertime means it’s grilling season. So fire up the BBQ. Here are a dozen bottles we served recently with grilled meat.
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