Upon Further Review

Ryan Patrick 2017 Rock Island Red, $22

This brand was one of the first local wines I poured by the glass at our wine-centric restaurant almost 20 years ago. Back then, it was owned by the Flanagan family. They planted grapes in 1996 in the Quincy area, and named the winery after their two sons. The Flanagans sold the winery to the Milbrandts in 2012 but kept the vineyard. The Rock Island Red has always been a fruit-forward and approachable wine. The 2017 blend comprises of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah. Dark berry, pomegranate and a hint of hot fudge fill the nose. The sip reveals deep fruit, gentle acidity and a spicy character. The finish is rich and pleasing. Pizza, burgers and pulled pork would work well with the friendly Rock Island Red.

Icicle Brewing Priebe Porter, $9 for 32-ounce Growler

It’s fun to mix it up a little bit, so I am throwing a beer review into the mix. I tasted a version of this beers many eons ago when Dean Priebe was earning awards for his hobby. We are all lucky that he decided to pursue his passion and is now the brewmaster at Icicle Brewing. Priebe Porter smells like richly toasted coffee, with a slight herbal quality. The mouthfeel is round but with some zest. It does not sit heavy in the mouth but at the same time gives your taste buds a full sensation of dry roasted malty and hop goodness. There is not a perception of sweet, and this keeps the dark beer surprisingly refreshing. I cannot help but think of rich chocolate desserts when drinking a porter, but steak pie or a beef stew would also be fabulous. ABV is 6.5%, 34 IBU.

Rocky Pond 2017 Double D Syrah, $39

The grapes for this Syrah come from the Double D vineyard planted in 2013. The vineyard is about halfway between Orondo and the Beebe Bridge, on a warm, welldrained slope along the Columbia River. The warmth from this site is evident in the ripe blackberry and raspberry jam aromas. The palate is rich and smooth with more dark berries, black plum and baking spices. The finish is long and reminiscent of a sip of coffee after a bite of pie. It pairs wonderfully with braised short ribs and truffle mash potatoes. It is an easy-going wine and would fit in well with any kind of barbecue or grilled meat.

Barb Robertson

City: Wenatchee Credentials: Earned advanced certification through Londonbased Wine and Spirit Education Trust; currently working toward higher-level diploma through WSET. Earned degree in marketing from Central Washington University. Owned The Wine Bin retail shop in Wenatchee for five years, as well as the Mission Street Bistro Wine Bar for 14 years. Has worked in the Northwest wine industry for more than 15 years, including sales, production and marketing. She is currently a wine industry specialist for Saxco International packaging company. Was a judge for the 2011-18 North Central Washington Wine Awards competition, the 2017-20 Cascadia Wine Competition and Wine Press Northwest’s 2020 Platinum Judging.

Malaga Springs 2019 Chenin Blanc, $19

Once upon a time, there was more Chenin Blanc planted in California and Washington than in France, where it originated. It is a very versatile and palatable grape, and it made a great base for boxed wine. As the American palate changed, Chardonnay became the white wine darling, and many Chenin vines were ripped out. Chenin Blanc is now seeing a revival, and it is getting treated with the respect it deserves. Malaga Springs does a beautiful job of representing the lush aspect of this grape. Honey, pear and a touch of citrus drift up from the glass. The palate echoes these fruity notes and adds orchard flower with a subtle, salty mineral finish. It would be great with brunch, or as an evening sipper as you watch the flowers start blooming.

Amphora 2019 Cabernet Franc

Get the WHOLE PICTURE®

Au Naturel 2019 Pét-Nat

Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards (509) 687-3000 HardRow.com

Allocate Properly Now

Protect Your Assets

Complimentary Portfolio Review Call 509.886.8866

www.cascade-wealth.com

Scott Blaesing CPA, CFP ®

Registered Investment Advisor Member NAPFA

135 Worthen St., Suite 300 Wenatchee, WA 98801