We met Col Solare‘s resident winemaker, Marcus Notaro, at the Auction of Washington Wines picnic at Chateau Ste. Michelle yesterday, and we had an opportunity to taste their just-released 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon blend. We also met Gracie, who is the friendly manager of the @Col Solare Twitter account. (More on Twitter in a minute!)

All I have to say is this: If you like  full-bodied red blends, try this one at Col Solare’s release party on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at the Palace Ballroom in Seattle.

Want to know more? Col Solare is a complex blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Syrah. And it’s the first vintage made start-to-finish at their Red Mountain estate winery.

But don’t let me influence you – look at the tasting notes and decide for yourself: Aromas of black cherry, currants, and blackberry blend with subtle notes of vanilla and milk chocolate. Tannins are rich and refined on the finish, a characteristic of Red Mountain fruit, with flavors of berries, black fruit, and cocoa.

Tickets to the release party are $30, or you can follow @Col Solare on Twitter, like I do, and ask how you can enter the contest to win free tickets.

And while you’re at it, you can follow me on Twitter too: @writeforwine

And yes, I will write more soon about the AWW picnic!

Cheers!