Trying the Concentrated 2009 Baer Winery, Ursa

During my recent Seattle trip I was excited to find bottles of 2009 Baer Winery, Ursa at Pete’s Wine Shop in Eastlake.  I have previously posted about Baer Winery and have been fortunate to drink a few bottles of the sauvage 2007 and the rippling 2008.  The 2008 received 95 points from Wine Spectator and was 6th in their top 100 wines for 2011.  So after letting the bottle settle in our basement I pulled the cork.  This vintage shows a shift with Cabernet Franc becoming the prime varietal and Petit Verdot disappearing from the blend.  Curious about the change I emailed Lisa Baer.  She responded that “our aim is to create blends that are consistently delicious and distinctive.”  The Ursa always contains both Merlot and Cabernet Franc complemented by other Bordeaux varietals which are always sourced from Stillwater Creek Vineyard.  The proportions are freely changed each year because they “blend it to a flavor profile,  until it tastes like ‘Ursa.’”.

Having now drunk my fourth vintage of Ursa I think it again tastes great.  While drinkable now the 2009 vintage will require more age to open up than previous vintages.  So if you manage to find a few bottles then I highly recommend you cellar them for the short-term.

2009 Baer Winery,  Ursa, Columbia Valley – $38
This wine is 44% Cabernet Franc, 38% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Malbec which was aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak.  The nose was subdued with low-lying fruit.  In the mouth there are gentle, concentrated floral black fruit flavors.  There is an understated violet component along with ripe, finely textured tannins which play a supporting role.  With air there is some spice along with a purple, inky flavor but the wine still plays it close.  This will benefit from short-term cellaring.  ***(*) 2015-2022.

2010 Fidelitas, M 100, Columbia Valley

This past September I went nuts over the 2009 Fidelitas, M 100 at a dinner with Julia and Clark at Delancey’s in Seattle.  During my recent trip to Seattle I saw that Pete’s Wine Shop was running a special on Fidelitas wines so I picked up a few of their wines.  2010 was one of the coolest vintages on record and according to Fidelitas is produced smaller yields with “naturally high acidity and excellent concentration of fruit.”  The 2009 M 100 sets the bar high and the 2010 just isn’t there.  Still it is a solid wine, appropriately priced and I would curious to check in on this selection in one year to see what happens.

2010 Fidelitas, M 100, Columbia Valley - $17
This wine is a blend of 39% Malbec, 33% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon which undergoes mallactic fermentation then is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels.  There was a nose of fresh, bright red and tart berries.  In the mouth the focused red fruit showed some weight, remained tart with a citrus sweetness and citrus acidity.   There were fine+ tannins in the finish along with red and orange fruit with the tannins in the aftertaste reminding me of the white flesh on on orange peel.  ** 2013-2016.

Walking and Drinking in Seattle

In walking from my Downtown hotel to Capitol Hill I prefer to cut through First Hill. Located east of downtown and south of Capitol Hill, First Hill was a wealthy 19th century Seattle neighborhood. Many wealthy families built homes on this 300+ foot hill in the 1880s and 1890s. In the early 20th century many hospitals were built such as Grace Hospital (1908, predecessor to Swedish Hospital) and Virginia Mason in 1920. With the construction of I-5 in the late 1950s and early 1960s First Hill became cutoff. Zoning changes resulted in many tall post-war buildings being built. In 1976 Freeway Park covered a portion of I-5 bringing some connection across it.

Freeway Park in Foreground with First Hill in Background

From my hotel one simply crosses over I-5 on Seneca Ave walking a moderately flat block past the Freeway Park with the Convention Center in the background. This is where the terrain and buildings become interesting. The first several blocks are increasingly steeper. Some section are so steep as to easily swallow an 8+ story building in one block.

Remains of the Alfaretta

The hills and moderate density over 100+ years have left an interesting array of nooks and crannies in the form of underpasses, garages, and forested areas.

Deep Parking

Parking Under the Convention Center

A Sally-Port in Capitol Hill

With the steepest blocks ascended the crest is marked by numerous Virginia Mason building of various heights and vintages. There are several interesting buildings within a tight radius of each other. The Blackford Hall from 1946 evokes a pre-war decade to me but it’s proportions work next to the deeply colored brick Cassel Crag building from 1925. An utilitarean building lies around the corner with interesting medical bas reliefs.

Cassel Crag and Blackford Hall

Medical Reliefs, 1944

Medical Reliefs, 1944

Continuing another block north on Terry Ave entices you with the Terri Ann apartments situated by an impossibly steep wooded ravine. Turning ones head to the right is the Talisman Condominiums designed by John Graham and built in 1965. He is one of the architects of the Seattle Space Needle which was completed in 1962.

The Terri Ann Apartments

The Talisman Entrance, 1965

The Talisman

Two nights ago I went to John’s hotel where Brian met us to kick back and try the 2009 Fidelitas, Cabernet Sauvignon. Drunk out of glass low balls this showed it’s appealing nature after half an hour. While the wood influences are marked, they are purposefully present with control. At $17 it is a good value and would make a pleasing wine at a restaurant. After a few glasses we walked across the street to Tango for dinner. While the wine list stated the 2005 Pinyolet, Seleccion the 2009 vintage was actually stocked. Having never drunk either vintage and anticipating an hours wait for our paella I quickly accepted the wine. There was enough time for the wine to open and I particularly liked the minerality of the wine.

Last evening the rain finally stopped, the sun broke through, and I was hungry. I finally realized that the restaurant which I always wanted to eat at, but had incorrectly recalled was The Apartment, was actually Dinette and very much in existence. The walk over left me thirsty for a cocktail so I picked my favorite, the Manhattan. With a life-long love of Maraschino Cherries (including the original, dark, dense, less sweet jarred cherries from Italy) I also like a rich rye that is sweet in my Manhattan. This was drier with a refreshing citrus note. Many thanks to Heather for making me feel relaxed.

Bar Ferdinand

2010 Correggia Anthos and Catnip Salmon for Our Cat

The clouds lifted and so did the temperature. I walked back a slightly different route which took me past Melrose Market where Bar Ferdinand is situated. This pocket-sized wine bar and wine store had a good buzz of people drinking wine. When I spotted the Fatalone, Teres on the menu I professed my enjoyment of the wine and asked for something different. One sniff of a sample pour of 2010 Matteo Corregia, Anthos was all that was required to order a glass. I drank this last glass of wine, pleased after looking at buildings, thrilled to have discovered a new wine, and ready to fly home.

2008 Pendulum Winery, Pendulum, Columbia Valley – $15
This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. It underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for 32 months in 25% new American oak and 75% in various second and third use oak. Last tasted this past September, this immediately showed more restraint than the endowed 2006 vintage. With a mixture of red and dark red fruits this showed some structure and barrel influences, in a dry, and pleasing manner. Good value. ** Now-2015. Find it at

2009 Fidelitas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley – $17
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from 25% Gamache, 20% Boushey, 20% Lady Hawk, 15% Hightower, 10% Discovery, 5% Champoux, and 5% Red Mountain vineyards. It underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for 22 months in 50% new French and American oak barrels. The nose revealed dark red and blue fruit which was sweet. In the mouth there was dark red fruit with initial subtle sweet spices with a softness to the text but still plenty of enlivening acidity. There was just a hint of tart red fruit before fine+ ripe tannins came out in the finish. There is black fruit in the aftertaste. With air this shed some baby fat to reveal more structure with dark red fruit and vanilla notes in the aftertaste. **(*) 2014-2017. Find it at

2009 Pinyolet, Seleccion, Montsant, At Tango – $20
Imported by Peninsula Wines. This wine is a blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Carinena that was aged for eight months in two-year old French oak. The Garnacha was sourced from vines planted in 1945 and the Carignena from vines planted in 1928. After one to two hours of air the nose revealed red fruit and raspberry candy. In the mouth there were initial flavors of red fruit, minerals, and citrus acidity. This wine became focused with stone flavors in the middle before turning blue in the finish. There was gentle weight, gobs of acidity, along with raspberry and cherry flavors in the aftertaste. *** Now-2017. Find it at

NV Manhattan, At Dinette -
This cocktail is a blend of Rye whiskey, muddled oranges, raw sugar, brandied cherries, and bitters. An oxidized blood-orange color with machine-made ice. A citrus nose with undertones of bitters and a hint of sweet rye. In the mouth cool flavors immediately make way to less sweet (dry) orange-citrus right before rye notes come out. The citrus fades as the rye stands out with a minerally, cola, and stone vein in the aftertaste. There is a floral perfume to this refreshing cocktail with an underlying darkness. Now.

2009 Sozo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Contribute, Columbia Valley, At Dinette -
There is a sweet, slightly scented grapey nose. In the mouth there is forward red and grapey fruit with a touch of darkness. With respectable acidity, this wine has a bit of everything but there is some roughness and heat. ** Now-2014. Find it at

2010 Matteo Correggia, Anthos, Rosso, At Bar Ferdinand -
This wine is 100% Brachetto. There was a medium-strength nose of perfumed, delicate berries and pastilles with a bit of grit. The strong nose entices one to take a drink. In the mouth powdery red fruit is tart with Myer lemon and floral Lavender flavors. This fun and fresh wine finished with floral herbs. *** Now. Find it at

Holiday Wines With Lou

Being Christmas Lou thought it would be fun to drink some nice wines of his.  I am always happy to drink any wine that he brings over so I quickly agreed.  When he suggested Aubert, Cayuse, and a Burgundy I became quite excited.  A couple years ago I attended a high-end California Chardonnay tasting and absolutely loved the wines of Aubert.  I have been itching to drink Aubert with Jenn ever since then.  My Cayuse experience was limited (still is) but there was a bottle of 2003 Cayuse, En Chamberlin sitting in my basement, which was a generous gift from Julia, so I made good on an old promise to open the bottle with Lou. The other selections for our tasting solidified rapidly.

We double-decanted all of the red wines except for the 1995 Domaine Chauvent-Chaupin which was simply popped and poured.  Due to hectic schedules the 2003 Cayuse had approximately one hour of air before the other red wines were opened.  The red wines were served blind with the Pinot Noirs in the first flight and the Syrahs in the second flight.  My notes are in the order the bottles were tasted.

This was an enjoyable evening.  The Aubert was absolutely irresistible.  The two from Cayuse were layered and complex, allowing for innumerable small sips of enjoyment.  Towards the end of the evening I found myself drinking the Chauvenet-Chopin because its lighter maturity was refreshing.

The Aubert Starter

2008 Aubert, Larry Hyde & Sons, Carneros
There was the typical, slightly cloudy color of light yellow straw.  The rich nose was muted compared to the palate.  In the mouth there was initially a little, light spritz followed by tropical white fruit, some sweetness with a rich mouth filling body.  Then it turns a little watery midpalate before a tremendous expansion marked by pleasing acidity on the middle of the tongue.  The finish showed citrus-like fruit.  There was an effortless and long-lasting aftertaste.  I was surprised to see 15.8% ABV on the label.  This was a beautiful wine that raised Jenn’s bar for Californian Chardonnay.  Jenn thought it was an older vintage due to the complexity and type of flavors.  Both she and Lou made sure not a single drop was left in the bottle.  Lorelei commented “orange.” ****(*) Now-2016+.

The Pinot Noir Flight

I would venture that we all preferred the Chauvent-Chopin for the mature aspect of its nose and palate.  While this will last for many years to come it was drinking quite well in the current state.  The Firesteed came across as primary in comparison and in need of several years of age.  Shane did tell me to cellar it for several more years but as it was the oldest Pinot Noir in my basement I just had to give it a try.

#1 – 1995 Domaine Chauvenet-Chopin, Vieilles Vignes, Nuits-Saint-George
This wine was imported by Robert Kacher Selections and purchased for $30 at MacArthurs.  There was a consistent garnet color throughout the glass with a touch of cloudiness.  The nose was mature with good notes of cedar.  In the mouth it was fruitier and richer than the nose.  The structured fruit made way to a racy finish, tannins, and an aftertaste of old ladies’ perfume.  There was a fairly consistent profile throughout the evening.  Jenn liked the earthniess and “salami” notes.   Lorelei commented “brown.”  This tasted tired on the second night. ** Now.

#2 – 2001 Firesteed, Citation, Pinot Noir
This wine is 100% Pinot Noir that was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels followed by seven years of bottle age before release.  A vibrant garnet color with a pigeon blood core and youthful look.  There was a fine scent to the nose.  In the mouth it revealed richer red fruit but was simpler.  Lorelei commented “Strawberry, pink.”  In the end it was a nice wine but I gave a nod to the Chauvenet-Chopin. **(*) 2014-2019.

The Syrah Flight

We then moved on to the Syrah Flight.  It was a relatively easy matter to identify what each of these three wines were for #3 and #5 bore a familiar resemblance with #4 showing less earthy, more pure, and primary fruit flavors.  #3 looked and tasted a bit older than #5.  All three wines were enjoyable and seemed to share one component, that of orange aromas in the nose.  Though the Cayuse was a step up from the Ross Andrew, the later was still a good drink and counterpoint.

#3 – 2003 Cayuse, Syrah, En Chamberlin Vineyard, Walla Walla
The fruit is sourced from the rocky 10 acre En Chamberlin vineyard planted in 2000.  This was quite opaque with a garnet rim that made me guess it was older.  There were flavors of roasted fruit, earth, and prominent notes of “olives and herbs” according to Jenn (but not in an underripe manner).  There were some orange and mango flavors along with smoke, darker fruit, and roast in this savory wine.  On the second night this showed more age. **** Now-2017.

#4 2008 Ross Andrew, Syrah, Boushey Vineyard, Columbia Valley
This wine is 100% Syrah produced from three different clones sourced from the Boushey vineyard.  The wine is aged for 14 months in 70% French 320 liter barrels.  This was the youngest looking wine in the glass.  The medium nose was fruitier, more pure, and higher pitched than #3 and #5.  This wine was still primary with a rich, fruity personality, some sweet flavors, nice texture, and a little heat.  Still vigorous and lively on the second night. ***(*) Now-2017.

#5 2007 Cayuse, Syrah, Armada Vineyard, Walla Walla
The fruit is sourced from the extremely dense, 16 acre Armada vineyard planted in 2001.  This was a little lighter in color than the 2003 but only just.  In the mouth the rich, delicately textured fruit was perfumed with a sweetness that Jenn found akin to “chewing gum” but in a good manner.  More youthful than the 2003 with a rough finish this wine had an incredibly expansive, persistent aftertaste.  I found the wine savory and Jenn loved the saltiness.  It was still rocking on the second night. ****(*) Now-2022.

Lou and Aaron

Three From the Northwest

These three bottles were purchased during my fall trips to Seattle.  The Southard was purchased for $20 and the Ayres for $28 at Soul Wine.  The Rulo was purchased for $18.69 at Pete’s Wine Shop in Eastlake.  The Southard and Ayres wineries and wines were new to me.  The Southard was a decent drink but I would recommend spending the extra money on the Ayres.  It is a beautiful wine that I would cellar for a few years.  I certainly look forward to tasting more 2010 Oregon Pinot Noirs.  While I had previously tasted the 2008 Rulo, Syrah before Jenn had not and so I was excited to share a bottle with her.  She did enjoy it and I would recommend it if you want something of good value that tilts towards the rustic.

2009 Southard, Roussanne, Lawrence Vineyard, Columbia Valley
This wine is 100% Roussanne from the first crop at the Lawrence Vineyard.  This is a crisp wine with an initial period of weighty fruit then mildly, sweet flavors develop before it turns to steely stones, white fruit, and a tad of toast. * Now-2015.

2010 Ayres Vineyard and Winery, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
This is produced by the McLeroy and McClure families, where Brad McLeory worked under Veronique Drouhin at Domaine Drouhin Oregon.  The estate contains 15 acres of Pinot Noir planted in 2001.  This wine is produced from both estate and Eola Hills fruit.  This started with brighter red fruit and acidic cherries in an engaging manner.  The textured red fruit some red grapefruit acidity, with the acidity pleasing to swish around the mouth.  The flavors become lifted with air.  All in all this is a young and promising wine. **(*) 2014-2019.

2008 Rulo, Syrah, Walla Walla
This wine is 100% Syrah sourced from the Clifton & Clifton Hill and Ranch at the End of the Road vineyards.  There are blue fruits on the nose.  In the mouth there are ample blue fruit and stone flavors that are a bit spicy with some heat.  The acidity reveals on the sides of the tongue before there is a racy, sweet cinnamon note in the lifted aftertaste.  With time this bottle showed some midpalate heat and minor toast notes. **(*) Now-2015.

A Pair of Washington Wines Tasted Last Month

I am a big fan of the Syncline wines and am always tempted to buy them during my trips to Seattle.  But I do try to purchase wines I have not drunk before so when I saw a new vintage of the Subduction Red I grabbed it.  In addition, Michael the owner of Soul Wine, recommended I try that Memaloose.  I had previously enjoyed the 2008 Memaloose, Idiot’s Grace so I was more than willing to give this bottle a go.

Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge, Image from grapeman(flickr)

These two wines were purchased at Soul Wines.  I will update this post with the prices when I am able to look at the receipt back home. I was a bit skeptical about trying an Italian blend from Oregon so was immediately surprised when I took my first taste. It was quite good right about of the bottle, well made, and pleasing to drink due to the low alcohol.  So if you want to surprise your friends or drink something Italian than purchase the Memaloose.  I recommend that you cellar the Syncline while drinking the Memaloose!

2010 Syncline, Subduction Red, Columbia Valley
This is a blend of 31% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 12% Cinsault, 7% Carignan, and 4% Counoise.  The wine is aged for 11 months in a combination of 5-10% new French oak and Nomblot tanks.  A rather purple color in the tumbler.  From an ever-changing blend this bottle was tighter, closed, and more tannic on the first night.  The second night it showed dense, tart red fruit, young red berries, and powdery, hard profile that was framed by fine tannins.  This clearly needs to be cellared but reveals hints of good potential! **(*) 2015-2019.

2009 McCormick Family Vineyards, Memaloose, York’s Reward Red Wine, Columbia Gorge
This wine is a blend of 64% Barbera, 32% Primitivo,  and 4%Dolcetto that was aged in 4-5 year old, neutral French oak barrels.  The organic fruit is sourced from their Idiot’s Grace Vineyard. It is a comfortable 12.7% ABV.  Some brighter red fruit, articulate, good texture, pleasing, and refreshing to drink. *** Now.

Recent Purchases from Soul Wine

I shook it up by purchasing two Northwest white wines and only four red wines during my last trip to Seattle. I purchased the Rulo, Syrah from Pete’s Wine Shop with the remaining bottles purchased from Soul Wine upon Michael’s recommendation.  I have a few more trips coming up so by the time these bottles have recovered from any bottle shock I will be back to taste them.  So stay tuned!

White Wines

• 2010 Maison Bleue, Au Contraire, Chardonnay, French Creek Vineyard, Yakima Valley
• 2009 Southard, Roussane, Lawrence Vineyard, Columbia Valley

Red Wines

• 2008 Domaine Pouillon, Katydid, Horse Heaven Hills
• 2010 Ayres, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
• 2009 Syncline, Syrah, McKinley Springs Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills
• 2008 Rulo, Syrah, Walla Walla

Three Washington State Wines from Pike & Western Wine Shop

The Lobo Hills, Robert Ramsay, and Pandora Cellars were all purchased from Pike and Western Wine Shop during my last trip to Seattle.  These are relatively new producers with Pandora Cellars  and Lobo Hills founded in 2010.  Robert Ramsay Cellars has been around a bit longer.  The Lobo Hills cost $20, the Robert Ramsay cost $15, and the Pandora Cellars cost $25.  The Lobo Hills wine shows good promise for a new winery, I particularly like the feel of the wine and the reasonable price.  The Robert Ramsay is a good value at $15 which makes it a daily drinker.  The Pandora Cellars is a decent wine but it showed too much heat for me and is a bit pricey at $25.  So give the Lobo Hills and Robert Ramsay a go!

2008 Lobo Hills Wine Company, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fries Vineyard, Wahluke Slope
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Fries Vineyard. It was aged for two years in French oak. The light nose has floral hints to it. The red and black fruit is soft with a sour tilt and delivered with a nice textured, sandy feel. There are notes of toast and green house before fine, ripe tannins come out in the finish. ** Now-2015.

2008 Robert Ramsay Cellars, Masons’s Red, Columbia Valley
This wine is a blend of 92% Syrah, 5% Viognier, and 3% Mourvedre sourced from the McKinley Springs and Boushey Vineyards. It was aged in 61% used and 39% new French oak. The tart fruit mixes with ample flavors of cocoa before it expands in the mouth. Though there is plenty of acidity on the side of the tongue, the fruit is a bit soft and upstaged by the acidity.  Accordingly to the website, the goal is to produce a wine with ample enough acidity to stand up to a variety of foods.  I missed out, I usually taste after dinner! ** Now.

2009 Pandora Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from two vineyards in Yakima Valley and one in Red Mountain. The nose has aromas of dark fruit that is a tad spirity. In the mouth the dark cherry and other dark red fruit, is soft and tart. Light to medium tannins come out midpalate as the wine becomes a little disjointed and showing heat. There is a good dark blue aftertaste. ** Now-2015.

2008 Novelty Hill, Malbec, Stillwater Creek Vineyard

Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Image from roddyscheer (flickr)

The wines of Januik and Novelty Hill are both made by Mike Januik.  The Novelty Hill Malbec is a limited release wine made primarily from estate Malbec.  The fruit is sourced from 10 acres of the Stillwater Creek vineyard located on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills.  This bottle was a gift from Julia and Clark.  It was a lovely surprise as I had been talking about seeking out Washington Malbecs after my last trip.  This is a well-made, easy to drink wine but I would recommend cellaring it for a few years to see if it expands and matures.  Thanks for the gift!

2008 Novelty Hill, Malbec, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley
This wine is a blend of 94% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that was aged for 20 months in 50% new and 50% one year-old mostly-French oak barrels.  The color is a vivid purple/red that looks like ink.  On the second night this had a light nose of hard black cherries and sweet vanilla spice.  In the mouth the dense black and red fruits show some sweet confection with a bit of texture.  The midpalate is soft then a balanced amount of ripe, lip-coating tannins and some watering acidity comes out towards the back-end.  There is a small amount of heat and spiciness at the back of the mouth. ** Now-2017.

2008 Pendulum, Red Blend, Columbia Valley

I have drunk a few bottles of the 2006 Pendulum, Red Wine over the course of my Seattle visits.  Priced around $16-$18 it was a tasty, easy to drink, somewhat alcoholic wine that drank well out of hotel tumblers.  Last night I saw the 2008 vintage so I grabbed a bottle to try.  This wine is $16 at Whole Foods and $14 at Pete’s Wine.  Pendulum is just one of several dozen brands produced by Precept Wine.  I suspect the size of the company allows them to produce this tasty bottle of wine at a very competitive price point.  This is definitely worth a go.

2008 Pendulum, Red Blend, Columbia Valley
This is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec sourced from Canoe Ridge, Willard, Oasis, and Hyatt vineyards.  It was aged for 32 months in 25% new American oak and 75% second and third use oak.  This was more approachable than the 2006 with less alcohol.  This medium+ bodied wine has flavors of black cherry, blackberry, licorice notes, and some herbs.  The acidity is towards the back of the mouth with some tannins developing on the finish.  There are dark flavors in the aftertaste.  There is a soft, vanilla consistency throughout the wine, that while overtly from the barrels, is still harmonious with the rest of the wine. *** Now-2015.