May 2010

France verses Washington

The Taste to Learn for May was Gewurztraminer. Two Gewurztraminer’s from Alsace, France were poured as the bench marks. The Wolfberger was a sweeter version and the Trimbach was drier. Two fine examples of the richness and spicy, floral nose of the grape and the velvety mouthfeel on the palate. All the other wines had less body and sometimes very faint if no nose at all. But, surprisingly a Washington wine actually received the most points by 0.5. It was a Hogue 2008. This actually was the wine we served at our Thanksgiving dinner last fall; quite a bargain at $7. We did one flight tasting on the Covey Run 2007 and Covey Run 2008. We tasted them side by side and found them quite different.

It was a beautiful day, great setting and wonderful wine enthusiasts to share the experience.

Place Points Wine Year Origin Alc% Price
1st 267.5 Hogue 2008 Washington 12.8% $7
2nd 267 Wolfberger – Benchmark
2007 Alsace France 13% $20
3rd 264.5 Trimbach -Benchmark
2005 Alsace France 13.5% $18
4th 260 Columbia Winery 2007 Washington 12% $8
5th 248 Columbia Crest Two Vines 2008 Washington 11.5% $5.50
6th 244 Snoqualmie – Naked 2009 Washington 12.% $10
7th 231 Chateau St Michelle 2008 Washington 12% $5.50
8th 229 Fetzer 2009 Washington 12% $7
9th 221 Covey Run 2007 Washington 12% $8
10th 217 New Gewurztraminer 2008 California 12.8% $7.30
11th 216 Covey Run 2008 Washington 13% $7