Red, red, wine. Goes to my head. (Part 2)

This post is a continuation of a previous post titled 'Red, red, wine. Goes....(Part 1).

Our third stop on our tour of Woodinvile Wineries was Matthews Winery. We pulled into the gravel parking lot up to a very non-descript building (I was liking it already...just like finding a local dive that serves the best food). Another cozy tasting room and it was packed that day because the rain was coming down (really?!...shocking). This winery was highly recommended by the other wineries that we had visited earlier that day so we were looking forward to the tastings. The first two were ok and we were wondering what was so special about this winery. Then, we got the tasting of the 2003 Columbia Valley Red Wine which is a blend of cab sauv, cab franc, and merlot and gets rave reviews. We got our pour and we swirled it to release the aroma and....NOTHING. We couldn't smell anything and we were wondering why that bottle warranted a $60 price tag. We then realized that the room was filled with newly shipped gift boxes made of pine and it was conflicting with our smell. So, I dragged Kirsten outside, and we stood under the awning while the rain cascaded down around us. Then, we swirled again and took that long drag and the sky parted and the heavens sang...ha, ha...ok, so I'm being my overdramatic self. But, it smelled great and tasted even better. I bought a couple of bottles and they're laying down waiting for that special moment but as I write this, I'm so tempted to open one up tonight since I can drive down the road and pick up another one. Unfortunately, they weren't pouring their 2003 Conner Lee (retail $125 a bottle). This winery is a must-visit - not for the atmosphere, but for the pours. Hopefully, they will have resolved the air circulation issues in their tasting room by my next visit.

Our fourth and last stop was at Brian Carter Cellars. Again, this winery came highly recommended and so we were looking forward to the tastings. Not disappointed, I ended up with 4 bottles of the 2004 Byzance. After four wineries, we were done and it was time to put some food our tummies and some coffee to sober us up. Right next door to Brian Carter Cellars is The Purple Cafe. It's a restaurant and wine bar with multiple locations in Seattle, Kirkland, and Woodinville. Excellent food and an outstanding wine list (more wine!)....it was a perfect way to end our tour of Woodinville Wineries.

And, my mission accomplished...Washington produces excellent red wines. But, you see my pattern here, most of the bottles I bought were blends with the exception of the Cab and Syrah I purchased at Januik/Novelty Hill. The area is also a great route for cycling and will be part of a few routes I have in mind which I will post in the future.

Cheers!