Joanne’s Picks- May
Submitted May 11th, 2009
This is the time of year when I wish we had settled in Wenatchee or Cashmere when we came here almost twenty-one years ago. While I am happy with where we live, I do get frustrated with the late arrival of spring each year. Out the front door, by the walk, three crocuses, some snowdrops and a pansy have managed to make it through the only recently melted snow. The lilac and spirea are putting out tiny tentative leaves and buds.
Meanwhile….The road from town to Wenatchee is lined with trees covered in beautiful allergens. I mean, blossoms. Daffodils and tulips are everywhere. Just not up here.
We recycle glass, including wine bottles, at the Cashmere recycling place at the end of River Street. On that street, on the right side, are two homes blazing with golden shrubs and red and yellow tulips. Other homes on other streets display colorful signs of spring. Just not up here.
However…..I love “howevers”…..we do not have or need air conditioning. No matter how hot the summer, only two or three days make us wish we had it, and every night we pull up our light down comforter to ward off the chill that creeps in before morning. And I can garden in weird, worn and skimpy attire that, had we close neighbors, I wouldn’t step out the door in. (How is that for sentence construction?)
I guess we call that “balance.”
Balance is something which many of us are trying to achieve these days in our financial lives. Helpful articles are plentiful these days, either on the internet, in magazines or in newspapers, with advice on how to live well on less. Wine articles are featuring wines which are less expensive but good, and people are becoming more selective and careful in their purchases. While most wine-buying sites are offering big discounts and special deals on wines, our local wineries seem to be sticking to their usual pricing. As much as I like the local wines, I am not persuaded to buy them often. Hopefully the summer tourists will have more discretionary income.
For a special occasion, or for when you are thinking, “To heck with the budget tonight,” you might want to think about the wines we tasted at the April 16 event at the Museum. It was one of our better evenings, with KarMa owner Julie Pittsinger and four of her winery’s outstanding wines. My favorites were the Alsatian-style Gewurztraminer and the Cabernet Sauvignon. The Gewurz was aromatic, flavorful and dry. Bone dry. Although why a bone is considered the epitome of dryness, I don’t know. The other was the Cab. Oh, that Cab! It was all around wonderful: aromas, balance, flavors, finish. It isn’t cheap, at $35., but quality seldom is. All of the KarMa wines exhibit true quality. But do you expect less from winemaker Ray Sandidge?
Another very special wine is the terrific, newly released 2005 Tre Amore at Faire le Pont. Move over, Elerding Cab. You have competition for my favorite of their wines.
But…back to reality. Grocery Outlet has more of the $4.99 Miraflor Torrontes, a delicious dry, fruity and aromatic white from Argentina. For you fans of the Dancing Bull Cab @$2.99, there’s more of that. And the Bodega Del Fin del Mundo Pinot Noir or Malbec @ $6.99 — also good buys. With warm weather soon to be a daily occurrence, one of the several Rieslings served with a spicy chicken, pork or shrimp dish with lots of fresh vegetables always makes a delicious meal.
Wapato Point Cellars has good wine at reasonable prices, especially the new Chelan Nouveau, made in the style of the French Beaujolais Nouveau. Dry, fruity, low in tannins–it is very food friendly and refreshing, and is meant to be served chilled. $15. ($12 for wine club members). Jones of Washington keeps its prices low, too, as I was reminded at TOP Foods this week where I found several good buys in local and other wines. $7.99 for Ryan Patrick Naked Chardonnay? A steal!
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the May 21 Elerding Vineyards tasting. It’s going to be really special, and attendance will be limited, so sign up early. And here’s a link if you want a rather interesting piece about the origins of all our Maytime celebrations.
Joanne
“A man will be eloquent if you give him good wine.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson