Could also have titled it: Two people, two hours, and we know where there's a wine bar.
2011 Maison Bleue 'Jaja', Yakima Valley, Washington
At Vino Volo, flight "Washington Wonders". Maison Bleue's wines are well spoken of by people I respect, but I've not yet had any of their wines. Glad to make their acquaintance now, this was my fave of the flight. Peppery nose with violets and orange peel. On the palate, raspberry and plum fruit, minerals, and just a bit of garrique that will probably become more prominent with time. Not sweet at all, but very French in attitude with racy acidity and silky tannins. A fascinator, and as another reviewer said, rather Morgon-like (yes, I meant that--Morgon, not CdP.) So much so that in spite of the fact that I know Vino Volo's prices are insanely inflated retail, I took a bottle home with me.
2010 Upland Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine, Snipes Mountain, Washington
At Vino Volo, flight "Washington Wonders". Had this wine before. It had then, and has now, the quintessential flavors of a good New World style Washington cabernet, and it's all out there on the table. Friendly enough to enjoy now, and good enough to serve to even the pickiest wine lover. Only 13.7% alcohol too.
2008 Cedergreen Cellars 'Thuja', Columbia Valley
At Vino Volo, flight "Washington Wonders". 80/20 Merlot/Cab blend. Heaviest wine of the flight with huckleberry fruit accented by clove, dark chocolate, raw jalapeno, coffee grounds and earthy notes of rutabega, beet and clay. Full bodied with gritty tannins. Very interesting and unusual wine that I liked a lot, though I suspect I'd be in a minority. Nonetheless, it's a great example of the power Washington merlot can have--most people don't realize.
2011 Seven Hills Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla
At Vino Volo, flight "Captivating Cabernets". Blackberry and blueberry fruit, spice, and cassis. Very concentrated with good tannin structure, finish is sweet and espresso-like. Too young--it seems sullen next to the bright Mackey, but overall, considering the massive difficulty of this vintage, it's a triumph.
2008 Mackey Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla
At Vino Volo, flight "Captivating Cabernets". Lightest body of the three wines, but not light in a bad way. Rather, it was lithe and bright with exuberant aromatics of dust, blueberry, black currant and mint. Good acidity adds to its attractiveness--very refreshing, and how often does one use that word around a cabernet? My fave of the flight.
2010 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
At Vino Volo, flight "Captivating Cabernets". All red fruit, lactic, sweet and a little hot, soft tannins, jam--everything I hate about many Paso wines. J. Lohr-ish in style at four times the price. Avoid!
2010 Hanzell Chardonnay, Sonoma
Just gorgeous. Lemon, apple and minerals. A perfectly balanced California chardonnay that's creamy and concentrated but without the tropicality or butter notes.