At Pinehurst Wine Festival, Saturday, Sept. 4.
Luis Torres was the wine educator presenting the seminar and acting as emcee of the weekend.
He first gave us a background on the geology of Washington State and the climate for grape growing (arid areas east of the Cascade Mountain range, lots of rainfall around Puget Sound and cooler climate.) He said most of the soil is sandy soil from ground-up rocks from the last Ice Age. He also mentioned Hogue as an early winery in the state and how the industry has grown in number of wineries, AVAs, and production.
We tasted seven wines from Hogue. 80% of Hogue wines come with screwcaps.
2007 HOGUE GENESIS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
Lots of texture, chewy. Bone dry. Pair with fish dishes.
2008 HOGUE GENESIS RIESLING, COLUMBIA VALLEY
Slightly sweet on the nose. 1.9% residual sugar. I found tangerine and peach on the nose and that was echoed by Mr. Torres in his description. He said the wine should have acid/sugar balance and a consistent style from year to year, finishing with crispness. 2008 was a cool year and they brought the sugar level up a little by stopping fermentation early.
2007 HOGUE GENESIS SYRAH
Very ripe, even jammy nose (although Mr. Torres described as not jammy.) Muddled berries. Palate does reveal some bacon notes that I didn't pick up in the nose. Leggy on the glass. This was my favorite of the tasting along with an additional Syrah.
I tried to purchase on Sunday but it may have sold out at the Wine Mart.
2006 HOGUE GENESIS MERLOT, COLUMBIA VALLEY
Nose a little muted after the Syrah. Tasted a little thin or light-bodied but did have a lingering finish of cherries.
2006 HOGUE GENESIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON, COLUMBIA VALLEY
Pretty color, semi-transparent. Smooth with silky tannins, leggy on the glass. Mr. Torres says here you are looking for a less bright taste than the Merlot, a little heavier, with blackberries and cassis on the tastebuds.
2007 HOGUE GENESIS MERITAGE 49% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec (I think this is what he said)
Slightly paler than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Good grip. Drinkable now but would benefit from 5-10 years of aging.
2007 HOGUE WAHLUKE SLOPE SYRAH Only a couple hundred cases on the market. Dark purple-red; nearly opaque. Less jammy nose than the first Syrah. Viscous. Well-balanced. Slight savory character. Lingering finish. Yummy. Only $25 through wine club or tasting room which makes it a good QPR but I don't want to have to join the wine club to make the purchase.
(Notes from other seminars as I find time to post.)