Treats for the Big Kids

With Halloween at the end of the month, I thought it would be fun to celebrate with thematically appropriate names and labels to help all the big kids out there get into the spirit of things a little bit! Don’t be scared, these Scary Seven selections are sure to be a Thriller!

2014 Mark Ryan Numbskull Walla Walla Valley ($30)

“NumbSkull is a dense supple blend from some of Walla Walla’s best vineyards. Red and black cherry fruits explode on the palate, eventually mingling subtler tones of vanilla, dark chocolate and hints of toasty oak. It is a substantial wine, with mouth-filling richness and remarkable complexity for the price.” –Winemaker notes.

2015 Owen Roe Sinister Hand Columbia Valley ($26)

“This generous fusion of 44% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre and13% Cinsaut is easily approachable while displaying undeniable complexity. The Grenache portion of the blend contributes cranberry and raspberry candied fruit notes, while the Syrah fragment delivers darker fruits and savory characteristics. Mourvèdre enhances the structure and richness of the body and provides delicate aromas of violets. Our partially carbonic macerated Cinsaut brings liveliness and tropical fruit flavors to the blend.” –Winemaker notes.

2010 Beresan ‘The Buzz’ Red Yellow Jacket Vineyard Walla Walla ($19)

“This is a sophisticated table wine that will make you want to buy a nicer table and then sit at it all day, every day. Think chocolate-covered cherries, rich coffee, white pepper, cedar on the nose, and a siesta’s worth of drinking. 40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.” –Winemaker notes.

2014 Darby Purple Haze Columbia Valley ($18)

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Syrah. When you combine the warm, ripe vintage 2014 with the keen, deft ability of Darby, you get the best wines. Big, exuberant and not overdone. Like fine architecture.

2014 Barnard Griffin Syrah Columbia Valley ($14)

“Plush and juicy, with red and black fruit flavors, offering raspberry and plum notes on a polished frame that shows some transparency. Drink now through 2020.” -Wine Spectator, 89 points.

2013 Peirano Estate Vineyards Immortal Zinfandel California ($7)

100% Estate grown! This is silken smooth, rather elegant rendering of this classically Californian grape; chiseled with fine, yet never overwrought or ungainly tannins, brightly aromatic notes of wild raspberry and cranberry, and zesty flavors that linger with sprinkles of cocoa dust and earth. Produced from the largest single block of 100+ year old, natural rooted Zinfandel vines in existence today. – Winery notes.

2013 Corvidae Mirth Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($7)

“Best Buy! This is the second label for the renowned Owen Roe. A delicious debut with Chardonnay. Its fruit-forward style offers a nose of fresh citrus, pineapple and mint, followed by bright flavors of Granny Smith apple, lime and lemon juice. Alcohol, sugar and acidity are nicely balanced, and the citrus pith finish plays well. Outstanding!” -Great Northwest Wine.

CHEERS! ENJOY!

Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His wine column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experiences in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMarket.com or request to be added to email updates or send questions, comments, or suggestions to ken@leschimarket.com and follow the wine department directly on twitter at twitter.com/leschimarket.