EventsOffice News January 24, 2023

Kerloo Cellars

Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop 11

Our 11th stop of the tasting took us to Lilac and Lemon to use our bonus token on a wine tasting with Kerloo Cellars. If you have stuck with us throughout our series, you will know that this was our final tasting of the event. Our rushed efforts were rewarded when we crossed the proverbial finish line through the front swinging door of Lilac and Lemon. We continued into the boutique with our prize filled wine glasses in hand and browsed their wares.

 A Brief History of Kerloo Cellars

Ryan Crane, head winemaker and owner, founded Kerloo Cellars in 2007 here in Washington state. He began his journey as a volunteer and furthered his skillset by working at Forgeron Cellars, which is a winery I have previously blogged about. Eventually, he established Kerloo Cellars. He and his team are currently in the process of revamping his business locations. If you would like to try out Kerloo Cellars wines you should head to their Woodinville tasting room

 Kerriann’s tasting notes on the Kerloo Cellars 2019 Columbia Valley Cabernet:

I thought this wine was aromatic with notes of dark red berries and spice. This wine tasted supple and full bodied with short notes of raspberries deepened by ripened cherries and grapes. The red fruit tastes and herbal spices were present, but all restrained by tannins that went on and on. Overall, I found this to be a smooth, sophisticated, and delicious cabernet.

 

Chasity’s tasting notes on the 2019 Majestic GSM Blend:

Ok last stop on the wine walk, yay!!!! We ran into one of our peers we work with Kelly Clark with First American Title and had a little too much fun. I tried the Majestic GSM Blend, with my first sip was like a cherry tart explosion on my palate. It quickly changed into a smooth bright mouthful with hints of cinnamon, which I really enjoyed. It ended with a nice tannin finish that left me wanting more and overall I enjoyed this tasting.   

 

 

We Did It!

It was such tough work but somehow, we managed to use up all our tickets and tokens and had a great time at the Mill Creek Town Center Wine Walk. I will give a shout out to the wineries we missed: Rider Cellars and RR Poet, maybe there will be a next time for us; and close by saying if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out one of these events, you should! They are a lot of fun.

Wine Tasting Notes From This Event:

Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars

 

 

 

Written by Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

 

Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez

Office News December 16, 2022

Naches Heights Vineyard Wine Tasting

Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop #9

Our ninth stop of the evening led us to Expedia CruiseShipCenters to taste wine by Naches Heights Vineyard. I remembered having their Crooked Red Blend at a prior wine walk and I enjoyed that. So naturally, I was looking forward to branching out and trying another wine by them.

Naches Heights Vineyard hosted by Expedia CruiseShipCenters

I was equally as excited to try another wine as I was excited to visit Expedia CruiseShipCenters. At a previous tasting event they had live music, food, and drinks. This time they extended the same hospitality. It was a nice spot to linger and grab a small bite to eat while watching their live performance with Aidan Rufer. Check him out, he is a Singer/Songwriter and guitarist from Seattle WA currently studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now that I’ve made note of the top-notch hospitality, let’s get into the wine!

 

 

Brief Background on Naches Heights Vineyard

Again, this was another Winery that I have previously written on so I will insert a brief history from that blog here:

Naches Heights Vineyard and Winery is a family owned and operated business based out of Yakima. Owner Phil Cline is a third-generation farmer who entered the wine business in 2002. Refreshingly although Cline was born into farming land that has been in his family for over 75 years, he credits his team with the success of winemaking and helping to propel his business venture forward. Naches Heights area was established as an American Viticultural Area in 2012 lending even more credibility to the NHV brand.

Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2019 Two Dancers (Syrah Blend):

I remember this wine being a bolder red blend. It smelled of red fruits and had an earthy component to it. It tasted of full-flavored fruit profiles, like blackberry and cherry. It was dry and yet acidic. While I found this wine to be fruit presenting, there were also undercurrents of spices present. Overall, it was a good wine.

Chasity’s Tasting Notes on 2019 Can Can (White Blend):

The 2019 Can Can is a blend of Riesling, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, and Gewurztraminer. I really enjoyed the smell of this white wine blend, it was sweet and crisp in smell. I was super excited to taste it! My first taste was dry which I didn’t mind because it quickly turned as I was able to grab hints of  pear, green apple, then later discovered apricot and peach. A surprising twist at the end as it had a slightly spicy bite mid-way but finishing with a citrus melon taste. It was yummy to the palate and I really enjoyed this one and would try it again!

Two More Stops To Go

If you’ve been following along, we only have two wine tastings left to post! Keep checking in because I will be updating the links below as we post them!

Wine Tasting Notes to Come!

Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars

 

Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez

 

Office News November 22, 2022

Free Christmas Events

Free Christmas Events

There are a lot of cool things happening this Christmas season. But the rising cost of EVERYTHING these days has put the financial freeze on many of us. Meaning, many will not be able to afford unnecessary holiday events this year. To keep your holly jolly vibes going strong throughout the holiday season, I have compiled a list of FREE Christmas Events worth checking out!

Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village

Sheraton Grand Seattle | 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 | November 22nd – January 1st | Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Credit: Sheraton Grand Seattle

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I repeat, this is not a drill! For the first time since the pandemic, the iconic Sheraton Grand Gingerbread Village is returning! Their theme this year is “Buzzing Back in 2022.” The gingerbread village is free for all ages and opens on November 22nd.  If you miss out on this one “you are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.”

I should also add that while this event is free, they will be accepting donations at the door that will directly benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter. So, if you can give, it goes toward a worthy cause.

Bellevue Snowflake Lane

Bellevue Square | On the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Street | November 25th – December 24th | Nightly at 7:00 pm

Credit: @SnowflakeLaneBellevue Facebook

Snowflake Lane’s magical parade is returning this year!  Along with it, free complimentary sights from character performances to floats, to lights and nightly snowfall. If you get there early enough, you can use one of the free parking garages nearby. You’ll also want to get there early enough to grab a front row spot on the sidewalk.

Green Lake Pathway of Lights

Green Lake Community Center | 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115 | December 10th from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Credit: Seattle.gov

Attending the annual Green Lake Pathway of Lights is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. At this event, the crowd is a big part of creating the magic in the atmosphere. When I went years ago there were people, pets, strollers, wagons, and even umbrellas bedazzled in twinkling Christmas lights. Apart from being around people in high spirits, there was complimentary refreshments and live holiday music near the Community Center. I saw on their Facebook page that “The hot air balloon glow will only be from 4:30- 5:30 and is weather dependent. The main events are rain or shine!” So, plan to get there early if you want to be part of the lighting up Green Lake!

Evergreen Christmas Light Show hosted by Evergreen Church

3429 240th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021 | December 2nd – 24th from 6:00-9:00 pm

The Evergreen Christmas Light show is the perfect setting to drive out the Washington winter darkness. Eat Evergreen’s FREE famous chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies, while you warm yourself from a heated viewing area. The music choreographed light show lasts for 30 minutes and runs back-to-back from 6:00-9:00pm; from a tunnel light with a snowstorm that dusts every 30 minutes to a heated indoor train and village display there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. For more information on the event please visit their website at Christmas at Evergreen

Holiday Light Drive (GPS Mapped)

All over Washington | Check their map for confirmation lights are up and operational

Credit: Pacific NW Christmas Lights & Google Maps

In my family we usually just drive around until we happen upon a home. Unfortunately, gas prices have risen astronomically this year. Which puts a real damper on our normal Christmas light display quest. Luckily, Pacific NW Christmas Lights has put together a map of locations with drive worthy displays. They are still accepting submissions to add displays to their map at Pacific NW Christmas Lights

Winter Porch Light Parade – Communities Shining Bright (Virtual Map launches Dec 1st)

Bothell | Kenmore | Lake Forest Park | Shoreline | Map Launches Dec 1st and they are still accepting submissions to have your display featured

Credit: Winter Porch Light Parade Web Page

“Join the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline, WA to celebrate communities shining bright with the 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade from December 1 – 31! Create light displays that will become part of a virtual map, marking the many holidays and traditions celebrated during the winter season. From porches to patios, balconies to banisters, windows or even cars, anyone can participate and help our communities transform into a magical wonderland of lights.” For more information please visit their website at Winter Porch Light Parade

Festival of Trees

Mill Creek Town Center | Main Street Merchants | 15310 Main St, Mill Creek WA 98012 | November 25- January 2nd | Grand Prize Announced on January 3rd 2023

Credit: City of Mill Creek & The Mill Creek Town Center

The Festival of Trees is brand new for 2022. Go hunt down four cute holiday critters along the windows of the Mill Creek Town Center Main Street. Find them all and submit their locations to be entered to win a prize! For more detailed information on the event please visit the event page.

Santa Parade

Mill Creek Town Center Main Street from LA Fitness to City Hall| Windermere Mill Creek 15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek, WA 98012 | Parade Starts at 3:30 pm

Credit: Mill Creek Town Center & the City of Mill Creek

Santa is coming to town! That’s right! For the first time since the pandemic, the Santa Parade will be returning to main street at the Mill Creek Town Center. There will be free train rides offered from 2-6pm. The Santa Parade will start at 3:30 and the tree lighting will be at 4:00 at City Hall. There will also be an appearance from the jolly man himself, Santa!

Meet and Greet with the Grinch hosted by Windermere Mill Creek

15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek WA 98012 | Windermere Mill Creek |2:00 – 6:00

The Grinch by Windermere Mill Creek

Come see us to meet the Grinch!

After the Santa Parade on December 3rd stop by our Windermere office to meet none-other than the Grinch! Remember to bring your own phone to snap off your own portrait! We can’t wait to see you there!

Holiday on the Bay

Port of Everett | Pacific Rim Plaza, 1028 13th Street, Everett, WA 98201 | December 3rd from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm 

Holiday on the Bay by Windermere Mill Creek

Credit: Port of Everett

“Rain or shine, guests will gather in and around the Port’s Pacific Rim Plaza, near Hotel Indigo, for the day’s outdoor festivities including a holiday pop-up market, free kids’ activities from cookie decorating, crafts and face painting to touch-a-truck, fire truck rides and character meet-and-greets, a tree-lighting ceremony and visit from Santa, lighted boats on parade, holiday drive-in movies (reservation required), and festive music and lighting displays.”

Check out Your Local Tree Lighting Event!

All over Washington State | Dates Vary

Credit: City of Mill Creek Tourism Page

Many of these tree lighting ceremonies have events attached to them. I would recommend following the hyperlink to the city pages to confirm dates, times and activities.

  • November 25 Everett from 4-7 at on Colby & Hewitt
  • November 26th Snohomish from 12:00 pm-7:30 pm at Historic Downtown Snohomish
  • Nov 26 Arlington from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm on Olympic Ave
  • Nov 26 Edmonds  from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at Centennial Plaza
  • Nov 27th Monroe from 4:30-7pm at Travelers park
  • Dec 2nd Mount Lake Terrace at 6:30 pm at City Hall
  • December 3rd Everett from 11:00 am-7:00 pm at the Port of Everett Waterfront.
  • December 3rd Marysville from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Delta Plaza
  • December 3rd Lake Stevens from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at North Cove Park
  • December 3rd Mill Creek 4:00 pm at city hall
  • December 3rd Woodinville  from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm in DeYoung Park
  • Dec 3 Camano Island & Stanwood 4:00 pm -5:00 pm at Camano Commons
  • Dec 3 Mukilteo  from 3:00 pm-6:30 pm at Rosehill Community Center
  • Dec 3 Granite Falls  4:30p.m. in front of the museum at 109 E. Union Street, behind the Granite Falls Civic Center
  • December 4th Lynnwood from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Silver Creek Family Church

Free Christmas Events Are Here to Help Make Your Holidays Brighter!

I am sure there are many other free Christmas Events events to check out. These were just a few that I was aware of and chose to highlight. I know that I will be going to several of these activities because they really do help to make my season brighter! I hope you found something in this list to help make your holiday season merrier! 

 

 

Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

 

Events November 8, 2022

Drum Roll Wine

Stop # 7 of the Mill Creek Summer Wine Walk

I was really excited for stop number 7 of the Mill Creek Summer Wine Walk. We were more than halfway through our event and at our last wine walk I had LOVED the 2016 Drum Roll Red wine I tried by Drum Roll Wine; so much so, that I was already planning to buy two bottles if they had them available for purchase this time around. Not to mention, I knew I was going to purchase a sweet treat from Frost as well.   

Drum Roll History

I had previously written a background on Drum Roll Wine that I will repost from the spring wine walk tasting.

When faced with job loss not many would turn to the bottle quite as metamorphically as Matt Frazier did. After being laid off from a long-term job Matt Frazier, Co-Founder and Wine Maker behind the brand Drum Roll moved forward to new pursuits. He combined his love for his family, music, art, and fun with wine making. Along with his wife, Sundee, and their daughters, Matt Frazier and family grant you a backstage pass to their wine and a glimpse into their lives. Visit their website to see all their passions including a few fun family music videos.

Drum Roll Wine hosted by Frost

Unfortunately, the 2016 Drum Roll Red evaded my grasp again. Since it was unavailable, I opted to try the 2020 Drum Roll White. And I’m so glad that I did.

Drum Roll Wine White reviewed by Windermere Mill Creek

Drum Roll Wine White reviewed by Windermere Mill Creek

Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2020 Drum Roll White Wine

This white poured near close to clear. Almost as if it had just the smallest hint of something dropped into it to add color. It smelled like peaches and pineapple, and it tasted delicious. The flavors of peaches, pineapple and strawberry were all present but harmoniously soft on my taste buds. It was one of those dangerous drinks that was SO easy to drink you could easily finish a bottle before knowing what you had done. I wanted an encore, so I purchased a bottle to taste on a clean palette later.

Kerriann’s 2nd Tasting of the 2020 Drum Roll White    

Luckily, this one tasted just as good the second time around. I noted that it still poured out a very pale color. Almost an ethereal whitened peach. The Drum Roll White smelled light and fresh and tasted even lighter. It was very refreshing like a cool glass of water on a hot summer’s day. It was still fruit forward but very softly so. I turned the bottle to see that the flavor profiles noted were yellow grapefruit, peach and pineapple. The Drum Roll White ended up being my favorite of the tasting.

Chasity’s Notes

I really loved the color and the smell of this 2020 Drum Roll White Wine. It poured almost clear with a hint of pear, I could tell that’s what gave it it’s color. I really really enjoyed this wine. Straight complete happiness is all I have to describe it and I give this five stars. It was also my favorite of the wine tasting.

Chasity’s Notes on the 2020 Drum Roll White

The second tasting was even better than the first I think. It reminded me of a sweet summer day. It offers a very nice sweet smell that I remembered so well the first time around. It went down very smooth with no bitter taste whatsoever. Again this is still my favorite of the wine tasting we did. 

Always Ready for an Encore of Drum Roll Wine

Before the Mill Creek Town Center’s Spring Wine Walk, I had never even heard of Drum Roll Wine. Now I greedily scan the aisles of shelves hoping that they make it into stores sometime soon. I have had their Seurat Syrah, their Drum Roll Red and their Drum Roll White and every variety has left me wanting to go back and purchase more.

This was only stop seven of our wine-walk and there are still four more to go. I’ll be updating the links below as we post our tastings so stay tuned for the next one!

Wine Tasting Notes to Come!

Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars

Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez

 

Office News November 2, 2022

Martedi Cellars Tasting

Mill Creek Town Center Summer Wine Walk Stop #6

If you have been reading along you know that for the most part, our wine walk had gone very favorably; but at stop number 6 I got a little too adventurous with my drink choice. Martedi Cellars had several wines I had never heard of before to taste and I went all in on one of them. 

Brief Background on Martedi Cellars

Since I have already previously written a short piece on the background of Martedi Cellars I’m going to insert the excerpt from a previous blog below.

The word Martedi is Italian for Tuesday. As noted on their Yelp review page this word holds special importance to the brand because it “commemorates the fact that for years all of the Miglino brothers would get together on the second Tuesday of each month to visit, eat pasta, drink wine, play cards, lie to each other, smoke cigars, discuss family and just spend time together.” It is their familial closeness that is displayed across their Instagram page along with an insight into their production crushing. Their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was the last wine I got to taste. By that time, I had retreated to my go to order, and I was not disappointed with the wine in my glass.

Martedi Cellars hosted by Kafe Neo

I must admit, I chose my drink at this stop because our sommelier told Chasity that their 2019 Dolcetto was straight out of Italy and not something that we had available in Washington State. She said she was going to try it and like a sheep I baa-ed “me too!”

Credit: The Office

Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on Martedi Cellars 2019 Dolcetto

I don’t believe that I have had many Italian wines before. But this experience may have been a case of being too American to enjoy it. I don’t remember this wine having a distinctive scent, but I do remember the distinctive alcoholic taste that enveloped my mouth when I took my first sip. That astringent taste remained present all the way through the tasting. Our Graphic Designer Scott summed this drink up in the perfect phrase; “night-night.” It was strong. But I think it would be enjoyed by somebody who is more into liquor then wine. This one just wasn’t for me.

Chasity’s Tasting Notes on Martedi Cellars 2019 Dolcetto

Well I cannot say too much about this wine, I do remember it was not my favorite! It was a special wine from Italy that was not available to purchase here in Washington so of course I had to try it! I am a fan of Italian wines, this one though provided a very alcohol taste and smell. It’s like a sipper hard alcohol drink. I have tried 2018 the Nebbiolo from Martedi Cellars and I did enjoy that one. I guess that’s why they call it wine tasting so you know what you like and don’t like. If you enjoy a little more of a robust alcohol flavor I would suggest the 2019 Dolcetto.

Don’t Let One Drink Stop You from Trying Another Variety!

I had previously tried a Cabernet by Martedi Cellars and loved it. It just goes to show individual tastes also hold weight on what makes wine a great wine. My taste is individual to me. This wine may not have been for me, but I know I would enjoy some of their other offerings, because I have before.

There are still five more tastings to go so keep following along to see what we thought of the other wines we tried at the Mill Creek Town Center Summer Wine Walk!

Wine Tasting Notes to Come!

Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars

 

 

Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez

 

Office News October 7, 2022

Michael Florentino Cellars Wine

Mill Creek Town Center Summer Wine Walk Stop #4

Our creative team of tasters almost missed stop number four because it was located off to the side of main street, but we doubled back to taste Michael Florentino Cellars wine hosted at Divaforeva Lashes.

Brief Background on Michael Florentino Cellars

Since I have already written a summarized background of Michael Florentino Cellars from our first wine walk blog, I will insert their history excerpt below:

As noted on their website, Michael Florentino began as a digital catalog winery. They made small batches for private label wine shops. Owner Brad Sherman studied at the UC Davis Vinology program and through volunteer work with local wineries and his time as VP at the Boeing wine club he fueled his own passion to begin making wine. Michael Florentino specializes in Spanish and Italian varietal wines and now has a tasting location and winery in Woodinville.

Michael Florentino Cellars hosted by Divaforeva Lashes

There was no way I was getting out of being adventurous at this tasting. The three wines on the serving list for the evening were all wines I was unfamiliar with. I’m not really sure the reasoning behind why I chose the wine that I did, but on a whim, I ended up asking to sample the 2018 Albarino.

Kerriann’s Wine Tasting Notes on Michael Florentino Cellars 2018 Albarino

This wine was served at room temperature, which was a bit on the warmer end; the reason I say this will be made clear soon. But for now, we will get into the tasting notes. This wine was a deep golden color and smelled evenly keeled. It tasted sweet, but not overly sweet and finished lightly tarte. There were notes of lemon, pineapple and sweeter fruits and a bit of oak on the tongue. I handed it over to Chasity to taste and she agreed that we both liked this wine. So, I bought a bottle to taste on a later day with a cleaner palette.

Kerriann’s Second Tasting of the 2018 Albarino

Unfortunately, tasting two did not go as well as I had expected. I will start by saying, I believe we served this wine incorrectly. Completely going against my own advice from our 7 Tips for Better Wine Storage blog, this bottle was put in the freezer and served ice cold. When I took my first sip it tasted very bitter and more aggressive. The longer I sat with it the warmer it got. As it thawed out the flavor profiles got a little bit smoother. Still, I liked it less then I had before. We probably should have let this one warm up all the way back to room temperature and tried it once more but we had purchased another bottle to have a second tasting with and moved on to that wine. 

Chasity’s tasting notes on Michael Florentino Cellars 2018 Albarino

So this was an interesting tasting I must say….we decided to buy this bottle because we liked it so much, I will explain later. I love the color of this wine as it gives of a soft golden creamy color and smelled perfectly sweet. The first sip was a little sweet but soon provided a tartness that evened out the taste and balanced it well. It reminded me of a tropical fruity drink with a nice nice crisp note like peachy and flavors of mango. It was definitely one of my favorites!

Chasity’s Second 2018 Albarino Tasting Notes 

I’ve never really paid attention to the exact temperature you are supposed to drink white wine at and how much of a difference it makes. Kerriann explained it the best as far as the second tasting of this wine, it did not go well. Serving chilled was a mistake as it needed to be served at room temperature. It would have been much much better on the pallet. The first taste was not as good as when we tasted it at room temperature. Very strong and overly tart. Although as I continued to taste it the better it got. I still recommend this wine but make sure you serve it at room temperature or just slightly chilled.

Hosting Etiquette

I think that this blog feature would be remiss without including our experience with the staff at Divaforeva Lashes. They were kind, they engaged in lighthearted banter and asked us how we liked our wine. They were the only business to take the time to chat with us while we were tasting (apart from our hosting broker at our Windermere tasting).  Their warmness and inviting nature was appreciated.

I’m still up in the air on my opinion of the 2018 Albarino. If I had another bottle, I would try serving it at room temperature to see if that swayed my thoughts positively or negatively. Regardless, there are still seven more tastings to go. I’ll be updating the links below as we post them, so stay tuned for more!  

Wine Tasting Notes to Come!

Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars

  

Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins

Kerriann of Windermere Mill Creek

Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez

 

 

CommunityEventsRecreational Activities May 25, 2022

Mill Creek Town Center Spring Wine Walk and Tasting Notes

Featured wineries: Bacovino | Cavelero Hill Cellars | Cedergreen Cellars | Dahlman Cellars | Drum Roll Wine | Forgeron Cellars | Martedi Cellars | Michael Florentino | Naches Heights Vineyard | Sin Banderas Wines | Structure Cellars | Tricycle Cellars | WineHunter | Wit Cellars | Woodinville Ciderworks

 

Wine Walk

 

Bacovino: proudly hosted by Inflection Wealth Management

BACOVINO sideways and underlined runs the left-hand length of an otherwise clean wine label. It is a Portuguese word that “speaks of the legendary culture of the vine and the mod of extracting its precious juice.” Reading through the Bacovino STORY page let me know that Wine Maker & Founder Randy Brooks has a passion for the symbiotic relationship between cultivated land, crop, harvest, and production and is mindful of the impact human creation has on the environment, so his brand practices and promises sustainability. I was surprised to learn that Bacovino had opened just before the pandemic. While many doors shuttered closed for the last time, they found a way to grow. With grapes sourced locally from Eastern Washington, I was excited to see how Brooks’ mindfulness and boldness played out when bottled.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: This was my first stop of the event and I had a 2018 Sangiovese. I am glad that I did not miss out on this wine because it was a great one. It poured a brilliant garnet color and smelled well developed with an unobtrusive light cherry sweetness present. This medium bodied wine tasted of juicy red fruits and carried into a nice acidity that was balanced out by bold tannins.  Baccovino’s 2018 Sangiovese was well rounded and easily one of my favorites of the wine walk.

Chasity: This was also my first stop, and I had the 2019 Signature Sauvignon Blanc as I am more of a white wine connoisseur. I give these 3 stars out of 5. I enjoyed the smooth woodsy taste it provided and how it was not on the sweet side. It was well balanced, and I would drink more than one glass.

Cavelero Hill Cellars: proudly hosted by Boston’s Restaurant

Cavelero Hill Cellars was harder to find information about before attending the event; skimming down their Facebook feed I was able to learn that they are a wine house located in Lake Stevens and they had their initial startup in 2013. They also have two winery cats named Neo and Triniti which as an animal lover I was happy to see.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: Cavelero Hills was my second to last tasting of the night. I arrived looking like something the cat had dragged in. Sodden with rain and holding on to my hat. Chuck Hagglund warmly greeted me and took the time to chat while he poured his offerings. He shared that his red grapes were sourced from Eastern Washington and his whites were from Oregon. I had a white wine followed by a preview of a Cabernet Franc named 100 Buck Good Stuff Chuck which I noted was “really good.” I would love to make it out to Lake Stevens to give this winery a proper sit and sip review because the hospitality given in a modicum of an interaction was off the charts.

 

Cedergreen Cellars: proudly hosted by First Financial Northwest Bank

Cedergreen Cellars is a family operated winery owned by Kevin & Julie Cedergreen. From the homepage on their website, I was clued into the fact that they craft great pairing wines by the leading sentence “if you’re passionate about food, you’re going to love our wine.” Kevin spent his childhood harvesting on his family’s orchard in Eastern Washington and has gained a winemaking education through UC Davis as well as working harvests in Washington and New Zealand. The Cedergreens source their grapes from many notable vineyards throughout the state.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery that I missed out on.

 

Dahlman Cellars: proudly hosted by John L. Scott

Dahlman Cellars mission statement is “seriously great wine for less serious people.” It is branding that carries over from their website to their Instagram to their Facebook page. Scrolling down their feed I had a laugh at their inspirational post about fitness: “did you know 14 muscles are activated when opening a bottle of wine? Fitness is my passion.” I was also surprised to see they had shared and shouted out other wines and wine makers they were sipping on.  Jim & Andrea Dahlman began dabbling in garage production wine making in 2013 and grew their non-serious hobby into a passion project alive with “innovative and experimental fermenting.” Dahlman Cellars wine is made in Woodinville and crafted from both notable and smaller vineyards.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery that I missed out on.

 

 

Drum Roll Wine: proudly hosted by Mill Creek Chamber of Commerce

When faced with job loss not many would turn to the bottle quite as metamorphically as Matt Frazier did. After being laid off from a long-term job Matt Frazier, Co-Founder and Wine Maker behind the brand Drum Roll moved forward to new pursuits. He combined his love for his family, music, art, and fun with wine making. Along with his wife, Sundee, and their daughters, Matt Frazier and family grant you a backstage pass to their wine and a glimpse into their lives. Visit their website to see all their passions including a few fun family music videos.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: This was my second stop of the day. I had the 2016 Drum Roll Red. I was told by Matt Frazier who was the pourer for the evening that it was a blend of cherry and strawberry. It poured a brilliant red and smelled softly sweetened. This red blend drank sweet and rolled through layers of light acidity and dryness. At the end of the event I rushed back to purchase this wine but I had missed curtain call.

Chasity: Kerriann and I started out at the same wineries but quickly went our separate ways, haha…. This was also my second stop. I tried their 2020 Drum Roll White Wine and it was very delightful I must say. I enjoyed the fruity, smooth crisp taste it provided on my pallet. It was very refreshing with notes of white grapefruit, pineapple, and peach. I give this a 4 star and it is one of my favorites!

Forgeron Cellars: proudly hosted by Kate’s Gifts

Forgeron is French for blacksmith, and it is in the remains of a re-forged old blacksmith building that Forgeron Cellars opened a winery and tasting room in downtown Walla Walla. Forgeron Cellars’ mission is to produce artisan wines that are site-specific and varietally-correct to pay proper homage to the vineyards they credit as being responsible for 80% of winemaking. With a team of Founders and newly seasoned Wine Maker Cody Janett at the helm Forgeron Cellars has achieved critical acclaim and expanded to a tasting room in Woodinville.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: At this stop I had the 2017 Imaginarium Red Blend. This wine was another one that was easy to drink. It smelled sweet on the nose. It presented itself fruit forward on the tongue. The blend tasted full like chocolate covered strawberries softened by savory light tannins.

 

Martedi Cellars: proudly hosted by DeVine Wines

The word Martedi is Italian for Tuesday. As noted on their Yelp review page this word holds special importance to the brand because it “commemorates the fact that for years all of the Miglino brothers would get together on the second Tuesday of each month to visit, eat pasta, drink wine, play cards, lie to each other, smoke cigars, discuss family and just spend time together.” It is their familial closeness that is displayed across their Instagram page along with an insight into their production crushing. Their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was the last wine I got to taste. By that time, I had retreated to my go to order, and I was not disappointed with the wine in my glass.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: This was my final stop made in a mad dash. I had a 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. I noted that it was bold, deep, dark, and smooth. If you are a person who likes a Cabernet you would not be disappointed with this one.

 

Michael Florentino: proudly hosted by Kafe Neo

As noted on their website Michael Florentino began as a digital catalog winery. They made small batches for private label wine shops. Owner Brad Sherman studied at the UC Davis Vinology program and through volunteer work with local wineries and his time as VP at the Boeing wine club he fueled his own passion to begin making wine. Michael Florentino specializes in Spanish and Italian varietal wines and now has a tasting location and winery in Woodinville.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery I missed out on.  

Chasity: I tried the 2013 Michael Florentino Sangiovese. I enjoyed the woodsy barrel taste it gave, very nice dark red blend. As I mentioned before I enjoy white wine but a good red blend is hard to turn away. I would purchase a bottle and for the price you could buy more.

Naches Heights Vineyard: proudly hosted by Frost

Naches Heights Vineyard and Winery is a family owned and operated business based out of Yakima. Owner Phil Cline is a third-generation farmer who entered the wine business in 2002. Refreshingly although Cline was born into farming land that has been in his family for over 75 years, he credits his team with the success of winemaking and helping to propel his business venture forward. Naches Heights area was established as an American Viticultural Area in 2012 lending even more credibility to the NHV brand.

Tasting notes:

Kerriann: I tried the 2015 Crooked Red Blend. This blend comes bottled and canned. I was told by my pourer that this blend is a mix of a Tempranillo, Malbec and Syrah. This wine was smooth and full. This wine was complex but balanced and I could see it being a good on the go drink.

 

 

Sin Banderas Wines: proudly hosted by Windermere Mill Creek

Four strangers from around the world came together in a happenstance meetup at the Owen Roe crush facility and formed a bond that would lead them to create the wine brand Sin Banderas. Sin Banderas is Spanish for without flags and pays homage to its four owners Jacki Evans, Nacho Licea, Elyse Woda and Francois Dereeper. As their website states the brand was “cultivated by a Mexican, vinified by a Texan, cellared by a Frenchman, and distributed by a Washingtonian.” Together these four friends craft small batch wines with extra attention to detail. As of right now they do not have a tasting room so the only way to get your hands on their wares is to visit their website or one of the restaurants and boutiques that stock them.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: At this location I had the 2021 Rhone Rose. I remember thinking this would be a good summer or bridal wine. It smelled floral and bright. It was light and airy, crisp, and fresh. I don’t reach for a Rose often but this was a good one.

Chasity: This was one of my lasts stops and I tried the 2020 Rhône Rosé, I love a good Rosé. This must be one of my favorites, 4 stars! I appreciated the Rose gold hue it gave, and it was not too sweet or dry, it was the perfect balance for me. I would buy a bottle, or more….

 

 

 

 

Structure Cellars: proudly hosted by Banner Bank

I am a sucker for a love story and Structure Cellars had its beginning while building love and a brand from the ground up. I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in this brand to head over to their about us section on their website to read their story as told by the winemaker’s wife Brandee. Their brand gained its name during a very human moment of overwhelming frustration; faced with life challenges Brian and Brandee Grasso came together in the midst of the rubble of their stripped to the studs fixer upper and sought comfort in each other over a glass of Brian’s first crafted wine. In Brandee’s words “we sat down on the floor among the sawdust and sheetrock and opened a bottle of the 2008 Syrah (the first wine he ever made). The flood gates opened and I spewed out a string of the day’s house misadventures while gulping down my tumbler of wine. Brian listened, nodded and showed genuine concern. When he finally did speak he said you know, this house is a lot like this wine, it’s got good bones… it’s got good structure, it just needs some love. Our house may have been falling down, but I could see the irony of the situation. This was truly the beginning of STRUCTURE CELLARS.”

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: At this venue I tried the 2018 Foundation Syrah. It poured out a deep plum color and smelled like fruit and leather on the nose. This one tasted dark, earthy, robust, smoky and VERY dry. When I tasted it I thought it was a wine that my older sister would have LOVED.

Chasity: At this tasting spot I tried their 2021 Oculus Viognier (sounds like it came out of a movie). I would say this one was very, very smooth, with a little crisp and dry taste, perfect balance. I would have to say this one might of been my favorite out of them all, 4 Stars!

Tricycle Cellars: proudly hosted by Peoples Bank

Owners Chuck and Pam Hundley credit their interest in wine to a 2006 Porsche Club tour through Yakima Valley wine country. Their initial enthusiasm led Chuck Hundley to enroll into a wine program at Walla Walla CC and helped the Hundleys to switch lanes and head toward a new endeavor. Tricycle Cellars was formed in 2011 and released their first vintage, a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rocks District of Milton Freewater that won double gold at the Seattle Wine awards. Since then, Tricycle Cellars has continued to be a family owned and operated winery and is currently carried by Double Barrel Wine Bar in Snohomish and Heritage Restaurant and Bar in Woodinville with some of their proceeds being donated to mission work.

Tasting Notes:  

Kerriann: Tricycle Cellars was the 8th stop of my night. I was excited to finally see a Cabernet on the docket and they had featured two. I ended up asking for the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon and next to it I wrote and underlined the word AMAZING! Cabernets are my comfort zone, if I don’t know what to get I usually leave with a cabernet or a red blend in hand. The wine itself poured a traditional ruby red and smelled like smooth dark fruit. This was a fruit forward presenting Cab that finished with a rich velvety texture. It encapsulated everything that I like about Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

Red Earth/WineHunter: proudly hosted by Expedia CruiseShip Centers

Red Earth wines is a brokerage of wines. The company was established in 2012 by Martin and Lisa Gorman who moved to Seattle from Melbourne Australia. Their mission was to bridge the gap between the impressive wine catalogue that Australia had to offer and the Australian wines that had made their way to the states already. Their goal is to represent wines that encapsulates the essence of Australia- it’s red centre, its dryness and its richness to bring the US wines Australians are proud to pour.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: This was my 7th stop of the evening and it was at this point that I got a little more adventurous and decided to finally try a white. I let the gentleman pouring my wine know that I was a red drinker, but I wanted to try a white and was leaning toward sampling “The Wattle.” He told me if I really wanted to try something a little wild that I could have fun with I should try the 2012 Mitchell Watervale Riesling. I did and I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with it. The 2012 Mitchell Watervale Reisling poured out a light golden hue and smelled of fragrant summer citrus with a hint of a floral character note. It ended up tasting a lot like it smelled. There were obvious notes of citrus and I had written down that it was reminiscent of a soft champagne, meaning there was a light dryness but I felt that the complexity of the flavors overpowered the dryness and remained on my tastebuds long enough to make them water.

 

Wit Cellars: proudly hosted by Artisan Custom Framing

Wit means mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence; having a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor. Wit is something that is often passed between friends, and it is this thoughtful, meaningful interaction with a lightness of mood and certain elegance of style which encapsulates the spirit of WIT Cellars. Wit Cellars was started by three friends Gina Adams, Flint Nelson and Carolina Warwick. Together their mission is to create wine that will be a catalyst to encourage family and friends to come together and have meaningful conversations shared over a bottle of Wit Cellars wine.

Tasting notes:

          Kerriann: Unfortunately, this was a winery I missed out on.

 

Woodinville Ciderworks: proudly hosted by Brooklyn Brothers Pizza

If you have made it all the way down the list of featured wineries, you have probably been clued into the fact that Woodinville Ciderworks is the only sanctioned non-wine offering at the event. Woodinville Ciderworks specializes in small batch hard ciders that are balanced, nuanced and food-friendly hard ciders from Pacific Northwest Apples. All their hard ciders are off-dry, highly drinkable and gluten-free. Owner Leroy Radford left behind his title as winemaker and closed shop at his Flying Dreams winery to become Owner and head of production at Woodinville Ciderworks which was established in 2015 and has gone on to become a notable Pacific Northwest cider brand.

Tasting Notes:

Kerriann: I should preface this review by saying I am admittedly not a cider drinker, but on our 4th  stop of the day I decided to branch out and try Red Flesh. Red Flesh poured out a bright coral color and remained lightly frothy at the top while I sampled it. The best way I can describe this drink is that it was bright, fresh, crisp, very tarte and it had an earthy quality to it that made it seem less processed than previous ciders I had tried. I think this cider would have been great accompanied by a slice of Brooklyn Brother’s Pizza. I could also envision myself adding a shot of fireball to this cider on a cold fall night and waiting for the warmth to overtake me but on its own it was a bit too puckering for me.

 

Stay tuned for our next wine tasting! We are having fun sharing our tastings and experiences with you. We are all about our local wines and community!

 

 

 

Kerriann Jenkins

Receptionist/Creative Team

Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director/Creative Team

Events May 19, 2022

Mill Creek Town Center Spring Wine Walk

Seattle Uncorked | Mill Creek Town Center | First Financial Northwest Bank

On Thursday the forecast called for a 100% chance of rain and by Friday it had dropped to 89%. Come what may, I was committed to bundling up and making my way outdoors to sip and stroll down main street at the Mill Creek Town Center Spring Wine Walk on Saturday. Our Windermere Mill Creek office was set to feature Sin Banderas Wines and I wasn’t going to miss out on a fun opportunity to taste wine from local crafters because bad weather. After all, when you live in Washington you must get comfortable with a little or a lot of rain.

For the advanced purchase price of $25 attendees received 10 wine tastings and a souvenir glass. The only caveat being that there were 15 featured wineries all of which I would have loved to try. On Saturday the rain did fall as the forecasted. Despite the rain, I was pleasantly surprised to see there was a large turnout of eager and happy sippers lined up in the entrance cue. I was further surprised when I was handed extra gifts at check-in. I left the cue with a heavy-duty wine tote, a wine tour map and a golden coin for an extra pour.

The event itself was well thought-out. If you flipped the map over there was a list of the wines available for purchase along with their prices, makers, and hosts. If you were less inclined to use the map the event planners had marked the doorways of the hosting businesses with a purple star balloon which was great since my map started to get waterlogged as time passed. Several of the hosting businesses laid out additional refreshments and snacks and even offered swag and had live music and giveaways. There was even a free valet service offered to store any purchased event wine so you wouldn’t have to lug it around with you all evening.

 

 

The only thing I would have changed about the wine walk was the speed at which I maneuvered through it. At the start of the event, I had thought that 11 tastings would be easily doable. I anticipated having time to make it through my tickets and coin and have spare time to go back and purchase the bottles that I had marked with a star on my map. That was not how things worked out. Once I got to sipping, sitting, snacking, chatting and purchasing other things, I veered too far off track to accomplish that goal. At the end of the event, I still had a few tickets and my golden coin left over and didn’t make it back in time to purchase my starred bottles.

Overall, the event was such a fun way to get out and socialize on a rainy Saturday. It was great exposure for the town center businesses and the featured wineries, and I would highly recommend going to the next one! Just be advised you should plan to put on good walking shoes and move like a Winosaur if you want to make it through all your tickets in time.

Stay Tuned for a Roundup of the Featured Wineries and Tasting Notes!

 

 

 

written by Kerriann Jenkins/Creative Team

 

CommunityOffice NewsRecreational Activities April 14, 2022

Local Farmers Markets

I am always excited to put together the Local Farmer’s Market Blog! Another year all the farmer’s and local community get to share their food, art, creations and much much more! This list covers Snohomish and the surrounding area so you can pick up essentials fresh from the farm at any of these locations.

 

Arlington Farmers Market

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays May 7th through October 25th

140 N. Olympic Ave.; 360-659-5453 – www.stillyvalleychamber.com/farmersmarket

 

Ballard Farmers Market

Every Sunday rain or shine year-round from 9:00 AM – 2:00PM

Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue Ballard AVE NW – www.sfmamarkets.com/visit-ballard-farmers-market

 

Bellevue Farmers Market

3 PM – 2PM Every Thursday, From May 12th through October 6th

Bellevue Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1717 Bellevue Way NE – www.bellevuefarmersmarket.org

 

Capitol Hill Farmers Market

All Year Around, visit site to see which market and times work for you

E Barbara Bailey Way between Broadway Ave E and 10th Ave E, Seattle – www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org

 

Duvall Farmers Market

Thursdays from 3pm – 7pm

Taylor Landing, 16201 Main Street NE, Duvall WA 98019 next to Park & Ride – www.duvallfarmersmarket.org

 

Edmonds Museum Garden & Summer Market

Saturdays May 7th from 9am – 2pm

5th Avenue N. & Bell Street – www.historicedmonds.org/summer-market

 

Everett Farmers Market

Sundays May 8th – October 30th from 11am – 3pm

5th Avenue N. & Bell Street – www.everettfarmersmarket.com

 

Kirkland Wednesday Market

Wednesday’s starting June 1st

Marina Park 25 Lakeshore Plaza – www.kirklandmarket.org/www.everettfarmersmarket.com

 

Lake Stevens Farmers Market

Wednesdays June – August from 3pm – 7pm

North Cove Park and The Mill – 1808 Main Street in downtown Lake Stevens – www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org/www.kirklandmarket.org/www.everettfarmersmarket.com

 

Snohomish Farmers Market

Thursdays May – September from 3pm – 7pm

Union & Glen Avenue in Historic Downtown Snohomish – www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org

 

Shoreline Farmers Market

Saturdays June 4th – October 1st from 10am – 2pm

Location TBD – www.shorelinefarmersmarket.org/home

 

Woodinville Farmers Market

Saturdays May – September from 10am – 3pm

Festival Street in Downtown Woodinville – www.woodinvillefarmersmarket.com

 

 

 

written by Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director

CommunityOffice NewsRecreational Activities March 29, 2022

Wine of the Month

Pasek Cellars Wine of the Month 

When I think of Wine destinations, I pour out images of France, Tuscany, Sonoma, and Napa Valley. I never really considered to look more locally at my own home of Washington State. That being said, recent events led me to learn that I needed to re-evaluate my ill formed opinion on the matter. After a few weighted exchanges of polite words and a quick google search, I learned that Washington’s Wine game was in fact the real deal. As it turns out, while small in comparison to California’s boastful 680,272,512 production gallons, Washington is the second highest wine producing state in the US crafting 40,747,190 gallons per year as of 2021. Washington also ranks 3rd in our number of operating wineries at 792 and falls short of second highest only by one to Oregon at 793 wineries. Some sources claim a winery is opened here every 15-30 days. Washington’s wine economic impact comes in hot at a whopping 9.6 Billion dollars and was only really developed into a commercial industry in the 1960’s when the first commercial-scale plantings began by Chateau Ste. Michelle & Columbia Winery. With figures like that it’s hard for a wine student like myself to not want to learn more. This information got me thinking about the bottles I have delved into in the past and really thinking about where they came from and who made them and now, I have a strong thirst to explore the pours that Washington has to offer. As the saying goes wine only gets better with age and as Washington’s graperies ripen with age and experience our wine will only get better with time.

 

Wine Tasting

 

Why I Chose this Wine Label 

This month I’m cheating and talking about a wine label that has frequently been poured into my glass at home. It’s the wine I offer to my friends who say they are not a fan of drinking wine and it’s the wine that has converted many of them into wine lovers. Pasek Cellars.

After only ever drinking grape wines, my Dad brought me home my first bottle of Loganberry wine from Pasek Cellars well over a decade ago. I had told him I liked reds and technically the wine he offered was red inside the bottle. I was skeptical but back then drinking was less about the experience and more about the buzz, so I uncorked the top, gave it a go, and was instantly hooked. In honor of my Dad I continue to offer this label to those who haven’t tried it.

About Pasek Cellars  

Pasek Cellars was started in Mt. Vernon in 1995 by Gene & Kathy Pasek and is best known in the area for their fruit wines. Unlike other fruit wines who add in fruit flavoring, Pasek cellars fruit wine is 100% Northwest grown fruit through & through. They currently offer 18 varietals to choose from including five berry wines, 5 port style dessert wines, 3 reds, 3 whites and two tropical wines; six of which are certified Kosher. Pasek Cellars top selling bottle is their Cranberry wine, which makes up a third of their business followed distantly by their Blackberry bottle. Their demand has grown since the 90’s and they are now the official wine of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Pasek Cellars continues to grow and expand what their production has to offer under a change in hands of ownership to David James and his wife Judy Pascale. If you would like to find out more about Pasek Cellars or purchase their wine you can visit their website here: www.pasekcellars.com

Tasting Notes: 

In this portion you will be reading my personal notes as well as our Social Media Director, Chasity Rodriguez’s tasting experiences.

 

CRANBERRY 

Kerriann: Having previously had this wine I knew that despite this being the top seller for Pasek Cellars this was not going to be my favorite. I usually pick up a bottle of Pasek Cellars Cranberry wine for Thanksgiving and call that my Cranberry side dish. It goes great paired with a Thanksgiving Day Turkey. During the tasting I paid closer attention to details I had passed over during previous sipping. The wine itself is a brilliant red to even a deepened pink tone. When I smelled it, I was surprised to find that I could actually smell the sweetness and tartness of a cranberry. My initial sip was fresh and there was a deep sweetness to the wine followed by abruptly by a juxtaposed crisp tartness and a dry finish. For me the sweetness and tartness provided something of a sour patch kid experience, the warring flavors brought out an impactful burst of tarte and sweet. In closing, this is a great and unique wine but without food to offset it this was too strong for me. At the end of the tasting this is still a one glass wonder for me, it’s not something that I would sit and sip on without food but it will remain a holiday side dish necessity in my household.

Chasity: This is the first time I have tried this type of wine and this flavor and I have to say it was not my favorite. It did provide a fresh crisp tart taste with a dry ending. The smell was sweet and did smell of cranberries. The taste did resemble cranberry juice but the cranberry taste was not predominate. The color was rich in red but held to light it was blush in color. I would say this a sipper wine and wouldn’t drink too much of it, perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

RASPBERRY 

Kerriann: I went into this tasting knowing that I really enjoyed this bottle, but I believed it wasn’t my personal favorite out of the wines I had purchased for this tasting. This one poured out much deeper in color and had a smooth pleasing smell I couldn’t quite place that was almost floral and summery. My initial sip started out tarte and finished sweet and left my mouth watering. To me this wine tasted closer to a true red varietal grape wine. Unlike the Cranberry wine where the tarte and sweet flavors seemed at war with one another, the Raspberry wine’s tarte and sweet flavors were well balanced and complimentary of one another. I was surprised to find that this wine was the overall winner for me of the wines that we tasted this day. The Raspberry literally left my mouth watering well into the Blackberry wine tasting and at the end of the tasting I couldn’t help but have a full glass of this one.

Chasity: So as like Kerriann I really enjoyed this wine. Surprisingly it was my favorite out of the three we tasted. The color was a deeper in red and was true to a more traditional red wine we are all unaccustomed to. This wine started off a little tart and then finished with a sweet taste in my mouth. It made my mouth water, wanting to go back for more and well balanced so you could have more than one glass. Overall, a winner for me!  

BLACKBERRY 

Kerriann: Initially this was the wine that I had thought was my favorite out of the flavors I had managed to find. However, having the wines back-to-back made me take notice of things that I had not before and left me with an unexpected change of opinion. The Blackberry wine poured out even darker than the two previous glasses and for me there was no mistaking that this was a Blackberry wine. I could smell the Blackberry and it wasn’t as sweet smelling as the first two wines had been. There was a bit more of a robustness to it. For me, this wine tasted the closest to a true red varietal grape wine. Despite not smelling as sweet as the previous two wines this one tasted consistently sweet throughout, but not sickeningly sweet, it was more of a deepened smooth rich sweetness that ended dry on the taste buds. There was something almost homemade and comforting about this wine. It reminded me loosely of a blackberry cordial my parents used to concoct. It is a very enjoyable wine, and I could have more than a glass of this one on its own, but it was the Raspberry that had sated my taste buds the most.

Chasity: This wine is also more of a red wine, smoother throughout the tasting then the others I believe. I could smell the blackberry but not very sweet when it hits your nose. This wine was also true to a red grape wine. The taste was sweet and tart but stayed consistent throughout. To be honest it did end with a dry taste in my mouth not like the Raspberry where my mouth was literally watering. The color was even deeper in red and I thought it was very pretty, I’m about the color……I know.

 

blog written by Kerriann Jenkins

Creative Team

blog featuring Chasity Rodriguez

Social Media Director/Creative Team