Summer Reds

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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.

Summer Reds

Summer RedsTo complement ribs, juicy hamburgers or steaks, here are some rich reds that we’ve tasted recently from Washington and British Columbia. For instance, we poured Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and some red blends. In addition, don’t forget the lighter reds that pair so well with salmon, halibut or swordfish barbecued on cedar planks. These include Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Sangiovese. Of course, we know one of these combos is in our future.

For Special Occasions

We celebrated a couple of special occasions in the last month, so we brought out two world-class bottles from our cellar. They’re both incredible now, but will be even more magical after at least five years of aging.

Special Summer Red: Trothe Cab Sauv 2022Trothe 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is so dazzling that it leaves us breathless – a mesmerizing example of why Trothe is known for finesse, elegance, and sophistication in world-class luxury wines. This bewitching wine (99.5% Cab Sauv with a pinch of Petit Verdot) is the fourth vintage of Trothe’s flagship bottling from Horse Heaven Hills. Of note, Trothe 2022 Cab Sauv will be available, through their allocation list in September. Only 210 cases were produced, so now is the time to sign up.

Saviah Cellars 2021 Stones Speak SyrahSaviah Cellars The Stones Speak 2021 Estate Syrah is one of our favorites from this magnificent Walla Walla winery. With four years on it, what a showstopper. The Stones Speak is impressive and opulent, offering all the smoky, briny and savory notes associated with a pure expression of Syrah from The Rocks District. The Stones Speak is both velvety and silky. The result – a hedonistic jewel in Saviah’s extensive portfolio. We liked it so much, we just placed another order.

More Summer Reds

Here are ten additional bottles we’ve opened in recent months (in alphabetical order).

  • Chaberton Estate 2019 Cabernet Franc Reserve: 100% Cab Franc
  • Chaberton 2020 Meritage: 41% Merlot, 33% Cab Sauvignon, 26% Cab Franc
  • Canvasback 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Longwinds: 99% Cab Sauv, 1% Merlot
  • Gramercy 2017 Lagniappe Syrah Red Willow: 100% Syrah
  • Fidelitas M100 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% Cab Sauv
  • JM Cellars 2020 Shaw Ridge Vineyard Red Mountain Syrah: 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier
  • Saviah Cellars 2022 Une Vallée: 56% Cab Sauv, 22% Merlot, 22% Cab Franc
  • Sleight of Hand Cellars 2018 “The Psychedelic” Rocks Syrah: 100% Syrah
  • Two Vintners 2018 Lola: 74% Syrah and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Upchurch LTL 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain: 100% Cab Sauv

Summary

In conclusion, many beautiful summer nights are perfect for grilling. Certainly, rich reds do well with juicy burgers, flank steaks, ribs and ribeyes. Moreover, salmon, halibut and swordfish can be barbecued on a cedar plank and served with a lovely Pinot Noir, Sangiovese or Gamay. For a special occasion, Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complement steak. Most importantly, pop that cork and enjoy the rest of these warm evenings.

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Cheers,
Margot and Dave