Wine: Melange Noir (Red Blend)
Producer: Waterbrook
Vintage: 08'
Region: Washington>Columbia Valley
Price: 11.00
Date tasted: 6/16/12
Place tasted: I was thinking about how I was going to be chanting and dancing with twelve naked friends around a bonfire at the upcoming Summer Solstice celebration. I'm so excited, aren't you? Lets just all be careful not to burn our tender feet, or any other bits we may value or hold dear....so to speak :) A glass of wine and some pure and focused visualization will surely bring praise to the pony.
Served with: Nez Perce Indian Cusine featuring steak, fry bread, and rainbow chard. In general, pair with red meats, bold herby sauces, strong cheese, and dark chocolate. Avoid with foods more subtle in flavor such as fish, mild cheeses, or cream sauces.
Appearance: Dense clear garnet with a glowing purple aura.
On the snoot: Aromas of black cherries and wild flowers growing near a mountain stream; powerful and transportive. The scent alone is enough to send you straight to your 'happy place'....it did me.
Taste: She's hot, offering up a mouthful of rich dark cherry, licorice spice and cracked pepper. Finish is graced with thick chewy tannins, a breath of soft cedar, and mocha that lingers long and leaves you basking in the afterglow of her glory. I'm totally smitten with this one.
Balance: Acid over sweet, with lots of tannin. Very sane and well balanced.
Comments: Waterbrook Winery, one of Walla Walla's founding wineries draws its name from the Nez Perce Indian dialect for Walla Walla, meaning 'Running Water.' (from the back of the bottle)
I dedicate this review to my parents, two of Chief Joseph's greatest admirers; a sentiment shared.
Cin Cin
Rating: 4 tipsys, excellent value