Seattle, WA

It is ‘CRUSH’ time at the wineries in the Rattlesnake Hills!

‘Crush’ simply means harvest, and harvest is just beginning. While the grapes are about three weeks later this year because of the cooler, wetter spring, this year promises to be outstanding with the smaller, more intensely-flavored berries. A couple of the wineries began last week by picking chardonnay grapes, and some of the Merlot grapes were harvested, too. Which grapes are picked at what time differs at each winery, based on when the blocks are ready and the location of the vineyard. Different blocks ripen at different times, so a Chardonnay block might be ready now, but a separate block of the same variety might take another week or two before it is ready. Just a few feet in elevation can make a big difference in when to pick those luscious berries. And, of course, each winemaker must decide the perfect time to pick for their style of wine. Once a block is picked, the grapes are crushed and the process begins to turn the wine into “Nectar of the Gods”.

We have a full calendar and plenty of fun times left in the Rattlesnake Hills this year, so read on for more info!

Coming up in the Rattlesnake Hills:

October:

1st – 31st: Taste the Grapes!

You can ‘Taste the Grapes’ yourself this month! During the whole month of October, the wineries in the Rattlesnake Hills bring fresh wine grapes in from the fields so visitors can taste the ‘wine’ before it magically becomes the delectable juice that Washington is becoming famous for.

At Bonair Winery, you can taste test a variety of wine grapes as well as table grapes. Tapas are available from noon to 4:30 Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of October. The weather is still beautiful- a perfect time to enjoy tapas and a glass of wine by the duck pond and vineyard.

3rd - 5th: Claar Cellars’ 12th annual Grape Stomp to “Help Stomp Out Breast Cancer”, held at the winery in Zillah, WA for Breast Cancer Awareness and benefiting Wellness House. Have you ever wanted to jump in a barrel of grapes and feel them squish between your toes? Now’s your chance, and it benefits a wonderful organization! The competition for teams of two begins at 3 PM on Saturday, the 4th. A fun and exciting grape-stomping event! Purchase their Busty Blush wine, knowing that $1 from each bottle sold goes to the Fred Hutchison Cancer Center in Seattle for research. Pre-registration for the grape-stomp suggested but not required. Claar Cellars for more information at 509.829.6810.

11th: Steppe Cellars’ third annual “Federweisser und Zweibelkuchen”, Steppe Cellars will be celebrating 2008 crush with its annual Federweisser und Zwiebelkuchen. This traditional German harvest celebration is always a lot of fun. We will be tasting the new and still fermenting white wines- the Federweisser, along with the Zwiebelkuchen, which is a caramelized onion tart. It is interesting to sample the wines at this stage of fermentation because the flavors are so bold. The celebration will be the 2nd Saturday of October- the 11th –from 11:00 -6:00. You will be able to purchase a glass of Federweisser and a slice of Zwiebelkuchen for $5.00. Sit out in the picnic area, and enjoy autumn in the Yakima Valley.

Steppe Cellars will also be releasing their new Bordeaux-style Blend - Artemisia - this weekend.

And — This harvest, Steppe Cellars will be selling local pumpkins and apples fresh from our orchards. Pick out a pumpkin from our “pumpkin patch” - or choose from our Gala and Golden apples. All proceeds will go to benefit Project Hope, a health-care organization Gabrielle has worked with both in Africa and after Hurricane Katrina.

Stop by the winery or call for additional information ~ (509 837-8281) or visit their website for a full listing of events.

18th: Two Mountain: Life in the Day of a Winemaker Afternoon–October 20th from 2-4pm. Please call 509-829-3900 or visit their website for information. This fun, educational event was featured in Sunset Magazine and Northwest Palate. There is limited space left, so get your reservations made before it is too late.

HalloWine2008

“I Vant to Drink Your…….WINE!”

October 25 – 26 is a themed weekend in the Rattlesnake Hills. What’s it about? Sampling great wine, costumes, artist-carved pumpkins, wine discounts, and fun – and it’s called HalloWine. Stop in at each of the wineries to discover what treats they have available, or what ‘costumed persona’ will serve you. There could be wine-bar witches, pirates talking funny, or vampires dribbling wine (not blood) down their chins as you approach the tasting bars. But don’t be afraid. “Ve only vant you to taste our vines!”

No charge – complimentary to the public. Here are some of the supernatural occurrences at the Rattlesnake Hills wineries this weekend:

Bonair Winery’s staff will greet you in their scary best for some wonderful Hallowine specials. Come in costume for a fiendishly good deal. During the month of October enjoy a sampling of our wine and table grapes, fresh from our estate vineyards. Our fall tapas menus will continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the month of October.

Eaton Hill Winery will have “the HalloWine works” during this special fall weekend – costumes, pumpkins, soup and their award-winning wines. Stop in 10 AM – 5 PM.

Masset Winery will host some of the best, big pumpkin carving you’ve ever seen for HalloWine. Internationally known artists will provide the carvings – you’ll have to see these up close to believe they weren’t carved from fire and brimstone! See them in action on October 17 & 18, and again on November 1 & 2. The carved creations will be on display from mid-October through Thanksgiving. For a preview, visit www.masterpumpkinscultor.com

Paradisos del Sol: Halloween – Haloo-Wine – HalloWine!

The end of October is also the end of harvest. All the wineries are just wrapping up the tail ends. Stop in to taste a bubbling frothing fermentation. Corn mazes and pumpkin stands nearby. Join Paradisos del Sol in a REAL costume and they will sell you a wine for a buck!

Piety Flats Winery celebrates HalloWine with Kris’ favorite Pumpkin Soup, a tasty orange delight that will have you screaming for more. Available at the winery.

Severino Cellars is very spoooooky this HalloWine. If you are up for sipping some yummy wines in the Rattlesnake Hills and you aren’t a scaredy cat then stop by Severino Cellars and see our 100 year old haunted farm house. All ghouls and boys welcome. Open daily from 10am-6pm. For more information contact us at 509.829.3800.

Silver Lake Winery staff will greet you in some great costumes this annual themed weekend, and for a spook-tacular HalloWine, they are offering 25% off certain wines through the 31st.

Steppe Cellars celebrates Hallowine this year with harvest décor, treats of wine, and hot cider. Samples of their newest release, Artemisia, a Bordeaux-blend sure to please the palate, will be available for the wine aficionado. And for the designated drivers, have a cup of hot apple cider while you wait for the rest of your party.

Tefft Cellars is ready for the HalloWine trick-or-treaters with their new release of Concordia – a port-like wine made from Concord grapes as a special request from local Concord grape growers and bottled in a 500 ml bottle. Peanut butter and chocolate candy will be on hand to pair with their delicious Concordia. Come visit Jack and see what spooky things are in the tasting room this year.

November:

28 – 30th: Thanksgiving in Rattlesnake Hills features all the wineries participating with specialty foods paired with their wines. You’ll find many of the wineries gorgeously decorated for Christmas, and some of the wineries will have new releases to sample and purchase. Avoid the shopping frenzy and relax at the wineries instead. You’ll find delicious foods prepared by regional chefs and some prepared by the winemakers themselves. And wine is always the perfect size! Watch our web site for updates.

Awards and Ratings:

Wine Press Northwest, Fall 2008 Issue, noted several Rattlesnake Hills wines:

Silver Lake Winery’s 2003 Grand Reserve Cabernet was rated ‘Recommended’. “This older release saw 30 months in new and 1-year old barrels. It shows off aromas of black cherries, toffee and mint, followed by robust flavors of Bing cherries and a latte’ with a dash of caramel.

Silver Lake Winery’s 2006 Reserve Zinfandel was rated ‘Outstanding’.

Two Mountain Winery was rated ‘Outstanding’ for their 2005 Reserve Cabernet Franc. “This beautiful Cabernet Franc reveals aromas of red currants, raspberries, and mint, followed by flavors of black cherries and underlying sweet herbs. Its plush entry leads to silky tannins and a gentle finish.”

Two Mountain Winery was also rated a ‘Recommended’ for their 2007 Chalk Art Rosé.

“ . . . a tasty rosé that reveals aromas of rhubarb, rose hips and cranberries, followed by flavors of white strawberries and peaches.”

2004 Eaton Hill Konnowac Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon was rated ‘Excellent’. “Hidden near the Yakima Valley town of Granger is the longtime and often- overlooked producer. Yet the Stear family is crafting some remarkable wines. This Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in oak for 29 months. It opens with intriguing aromas of sweet spices, black currants, chocolate syrup, and coffee, followed by fruit-driven flavors of blackberries and raspberries. Spices and sweet herbs provide complexity.”

2006 Eaton Hill Gamay rated ‘Excellent and Best Buy’ “Gamay is best known in the French regions of Beaujolais and the Loire Valley. Very little is planted in the Northwest, yet this wine might make the argument for more. It’s a delicious and straightforward red with aromas of plums, blackberries and strawberries and flavors of plums and blackberries. A hint of chocolate provides depth. It’s not a wine you need to sit around and contemplate adjectives over–just enjoy it with lasagna.”

Tefft Cellars 2007 Pinot Grigio was rated ‘Recommended’. “Owner/winemaker Joel Tefft has been making Pinot Grigio for a number of years. This vintage shows off aromas of lemons, lychee, and honeydew melons, followed by flavors of tropical fruits. Pair with shellfish or halibut with a mango salsa”

The Better Tasting Institute awarded Hyatt Vineyards a 90/gold medal for their Roza Ridge Roadside Market Red.

AppellationAmerica.com awarded a gold medal to Masset Winery for their 2005 Petit Sirah in the ‘Best of Appellation’ competition held recently.

Wine writer/advisor Paul Gregutt visited the Rattlesnake Hills recently, and determined Bonair Winery’s 2007 Dry Gewurztraminer, $11, to be his ‘Pick of the Week’.

“This unusual gewürztraminer puts the flavor focus squarely on grapefruit and pineapple, with a bone dry, high acid underpinning. It has moderate concentration and length, with alcohol rated at just 12.5 percent. Time to practice your new turkey recipe for the coming holidays — here’s your wine.”

Notes From the Tasting Rooms:

Piety Flats Winery has just released their new red blend, Junkyard Red. Jim and Kris Russi, owners of Piety Flats Winery, report tongue-in-cheek on their newest wine:

“In honor of the Yakima County Commissioners unanimous vote to establish a new site for a wrecking yard right at the beginning of and gateway to Wine Country in the Yakima Valley, Kris and I have released a fantastic blend we call Junkyard Red”

“This is a mix of 5 different wine grapes that will blend with any food group or road kill. Now I know what the wine writers mean when they say a wine has a touch of asphalt and a hint of rock with a barnyard nose. Please do not ask where the acids come from.”

“We could have gone into a rage over the new wrecking yard site but Kris and I like to make lemonade from lemons. The boys at the County have given us that opportunity and we just want to thank them with this wonderful new wine. All joking aside, this is truly a very fine wine created by one of the most experienced winemakers in the Yakima Valley, Mr. Joel Tefft of Tefft Cellars and one of two winemakers Piety Flats Winery is associated with. The humor is only in the name and the reason we call it by that name.”

“Tasting Notes: It is a very smooth red wine that is ready to drink immediately after opening. No need to lay it down. It is ready. Low in acids but strong in flavor. This will surprise many when they hear what the five wine grapes are.”

Two Mountain Winery: Check out the new version of their website at www.twomountainwinery.com. It just went live ten days ago so be one of the first to view it. Blog postings, virtual tasting room visit and other industry resources are among some of our favorite features.

Announcements:

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and the CEIP Review Panel has honored Greg Masset, winemaker and co-owner of Masset Winery as well as the Executive Chef at the Yakima Country Club, by inviting him to be a member of the inaugural class for the Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program.

Hundreds of impressive culinary talents were reviewed across the United States for this prestigious honor, and there were many well-qualified candidates for consideration, but only sixteen were chosen. It is a well known fact amongst the winery circles that if you have the palate to make fine wine, you have the palate to cook fine cuisine, and Greg Masset is proof of that fact. We are very proud of Greg and expect to hear a lot of media buzz about this talented gentleman for years to come.

Bonair Winery will be at several places in the near future for tasting:

• September 27th ~ George’s Wine Shop in Bellevue tomorrow from 2 – 5 PM
• October 24th ~ Water to Wine in Gig Harbor from 3 – 6 PM
• October 25th ~ D & W Wine Cellar in Bonney Lake, all day

As always, check the web site for more information on upcoming events, and we hope to see you again soon at the wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail!

A 17 year old was sentenced this week to more than three years in juvenile custody for the gang rape of a Bellevue, Wa girl in November of 2007.

The three year sentence is considered “exceptional” and was doled out by the judge because he felt the boy exhibited a lack of remorse for his actions. The boy denied his actions, calling the girl a liar. His only remorse seems to have come at the tail end of his sentencing and had nothing to do with concern for the girl. If he’d cooperated and pleaded guilty he could have gotten off with a mere 30-40 weeks of juvenile custody.

Let me let that sink in for a moment.

Four boys picked up the girl at her home. They took her to a park. They got her drunk. They each raped her in the backseat of the car. Then, as if that were not bad enough, they bragged about in on the internet.

They gang-raped her. They bragged about in online. One of them got her pregnant. All that and the worst sentence any of them are likely to get is three years of juvie and that’s only because the boy showed a lack of remorse. In fact, one of the four is going to serve 15-36 weeks because he cooperated. Want to bet he serves just 15? Even if he does serve the full 36 weeks, that’s what, a whole 9 months for participating in gang raping a girl? Oh yeah, and did I mention that in the emails recovered from their MySpace accounts they’d discussed killing the girl to keep her from testifying against them? How proud the parents must be of these boys.

I find that completely outrageous. I personally believe they should have tried these boys as adults. Let them go to big-boy prison and find out first hand what it’s like to be gang-raped. What kind of message are we sending with this kind of sentence? I’ll tell you. We’re saying, “Hey boys, go out and rape now while you’re young. In the worst case scenario you’ll spend three years in juvenile custody.”

As I mentioned earlier, the girl became pregnant. It’s not surprising that she opted for an abortion. What is surprising is that the mother of Exceptional Boy said he was quite angry that the girl had aborted the baby because abortion is apparently against his religion.

WTF?!?!?

“And rape doesn’t?” asked Judge Hayden, getting no response.”

Furthermore the family discussed the issue and had agreed that the boy should marry the girl and raise the child.

I repeat, WTF?!?!?

I’m sure it’s every young girl’s dream to marry the man who raped her.

The boy’s mother is Russian and was speaking through a Russian interpreter. This makes me wonder if he immigrated or was born in the US because if he immigrated I say when his three years is done, ship him back to Russia and never allow him entry back into the US. Is that wrong of me?

I don’t know about you, but this just pisses me right off.

For those of you who are addicted to those bitter beans at Starbucks you should be aware that they will be closing all 7,100 stores for 3 hours in order to re-educate their baristas.

This seems to be the realization of the new CEO, Howard Schultz’s, desire to revitalize the company “by getting back to the essence of what drove Starbucks’ past success.” There was a time in the earlier days of Starbucks’ expansion when the company sent new baristas for a weeks training. As they expanded further and further they moved away from that and instead got smarter machines so they could save on costly training. That move assured them consistency but also served to turn the job of barista into “just another job.” My coffee-snob brother still laments the day when Starbucks’ switched to automated machines and had high hopes when he heard Mr. Schultz talk about getting back to basics.

Perhaps that day has come. Since returning as Starbucks’ CEO, Schultz has stopped stores from carrying hot breakfasts, which interfered with the aroma of the coffee. Starbucks’ has done a great job of upgrading the palette of the average coffee consumer. Possibly too good. In response fast food joints like MacDonald’s have upgraded their own coffee. In a survey a year ago, consumers declared MacDonald’s Premium Roast to be superior to Starbucks with tasters finding finding the coffee giants offering to be “burnt and bitter.” Go figure. I could have told them that myself.

The re-education of Starbucks employee’s will once again find them acting as “real” baristas, leaning to pull the perfect shot, steam the milk to order and forgo the push of the automatic button. This move follows last weeks lay off of 600 Starbucks employees. With stock prices dwindling the company has no choice but to figure out where they’ve gone wrong and try their best to fix the problems.

The beans, however, will remain the same over-roasted burnt offering. If you want Starbucks that tastes good, might I suggest Seattle’s Best?

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It was an ugly weekend for Washington, news wise. Weldon Marc Gilbert, a millionaire pilot, was arrested in Atlanta, charged with raping and torturing at least 20 young boys at his upscale home on Lake Tapps.

He gave them alcohol. We don’t know if there’s drugs involved,” said Troyer. “He had rooms specifically designated for this. He was an intelligent man. He was a wealthy man. He put all of those things together, and he was able to do what he needed to do to get what he wanted.”

They also found videotapes of the abuse. It’s no wonder that parents are afraid to let their kids out of the house these days. While crimes against children continue to decrease just reading about people like Gilbert make you want to lock your kids up and never left them out of the house. You can’t even safely send them to church.

From child abuse to animal abuse, next up over the weekend was the shooting and abandonment of two ponies near a North Bend public riding trail.

“One was found face down away from the other one,” she said. “Their manes and tails were not in good condition and they only had shoes on some feet. … Somebody probably knows something and we hope they come forward.”

Apparently someone did know something and they did come forward. The owner stating that “friends” euthanized the horses. The ponies were shot in the head, which may turn out to be a legal way to euthanize animals. Dumping the bodies on public property, not so legal.

It seems they weren’t faring a lot better down in Oregon over the weekend where a teenager was arrested for beating a 71-year old man with a baseball bat. The teen is believed to be a gang member and a mere 15 years old. If convicted he may find himself in jail until he’s 71. The elderly man is lucky to be alive. He’s reported to be in fair but stable condition. The teenager has been charged with assault, attempted murder and criminal mischief. The last charge was because he was reported spray-painting graffiti at a MAX stop, police said.

Makes you want to go back to bed, doesn’t it?

Send me your happy stories. I think we’ve had enough bad ones. Let’s go look at cute kitty pictures instead!

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