Sat outside in the cold around the firepit with good friends last night watching Mt. Baker bask in the alpenglow. Made us all wonder why we don't do this more often--worth being cold for nature's show on a beautiful afternoon. I served the following everyday wines:
2016 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley
Last bottle of a six pack purchased some time ago. The last reviewer nailed it: " Incredible QPR on this. In perfect drinking window right now. Dark fruit and herbs and well integrated oak, and tannins have mellowed wonderfully." An absolute bargain in this price range (I paid $20). Wish I'd bought more--this is the kind of wine to have around for fire pit nights like this. Effortlessly enjoyable and punching above it's price point.
2016 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Sagemoor Vineyard Columbia Valley
Dark fruit with garrique-y sage notes, desert dust and spice that reminds one more of Cabernet Franc than Cab Sauv, especially after drinking the Amavi above that was all juicy blackberries. Is this a characteristic of Sagemoor vineyard fruit? If it is, I want more.
2015 Domaine de Cébène Faugères Les Bancels Red Rhone Blend
You would guess this wine to be grenache in the majority, but it's only 35% and the rest is syrah. My guests loved it though--they who mostly drink American wines were charmed by the strawberry, pomegranate, and loads of white pepper. A delicious departure from the usual, and ridiculously good with the potato chips and onion dip one guest brought. Who knew!