Washington State Wine Christmas Tasting with Circle of Wine Writers

 A tasting of Washington State Wines with Circle of Wine Writers

Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be
- Nirvana, Come As You Are (1992)

On the Pacific Northwest, Washington State is home to grunge, Microsoft and hipster coffee chains.

To that heady list, add elegant, nuanced, European-style wines.

It's as if the smart, free-spirited, bohemian winemakers of California moved north and settled in a cooler climate. Which they have, apparently.

Based on this Circle of Wine Writers tasting, the wines of Washington State show a freshness, texture and restraint that is distinctly European - but with a New World focus on clean precision.

What's not to like?

The wines were varietal and international - Riesling, Chardonnay; Merlot, Cab and Syrah.

The Syrahs showed best - with a northern Rhône-esque density and muscular core. The Merlots were fresh, focused and Bordelais; the Chardonnays pure and Burgundian. The Rieslings ranged from crystalline and mineral to headily floral.

In layman's terms, this means that if you like "classic" wines, you have nothing to fear from Washington State.

Not so much "Yee-ha!" as "How may I help you Ma'am?"

My first Circle of Wine Writers tasting revealed the European leanings of the East Coast state of Virginia - that spirit clearly also lives on the West Coast.

Detailed tasting notes to follow.

Grunge picture: https://jeanyleblanc.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/grunge2.jpg