The Washington Wine Commission is pleased to present three delicious wine varietals from the Washington, distributed by Wanderlust Trading Company. Wanderlust specializes in artisan wineries from the Pacific Northwest.

The wines featured today are available to the public in the valley at Phoenix Wines, and are also offered at Donovan's Steak and Chop House in Phoenix. Our guests this week, in the studio with Beth and Bill are: Dave Woods, Owner of Wanderlust Trading Company; Andrea Marino, Manager of Phoenix Wine; and Jesse Arthur, Assistant Manager at Donovan's Steak and Chop House in Phoenix!

Donedei Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Donedei is a small boutique winery located outside Olympia, Washington, founded in 1997.
Total production for the winery is between 750-1000 cases per year, depending on the whims of nature.

Tasting notes: Rich and opulent, this Cabernet Sauvignon possesses great strength, complexity and elegance. Round, black-fruit flavors of cassis, blackberry and black cherry are nicely balanced with smooth tannins and a long, supple finish. Truly a hedonistic wine for the senses! Enjoyable now, this wine will continue to age gracefully for 10-15 years.

This handcrafted wine only produced 410 cases and is sold locally at Phoenix Wine.

Varietal Composition: 76% Cabernet Savignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 8%.
Alcohol contest 13.5%

Domenica

This is DiStefano Winery’s second release of Domenica. Dried black cherries, baked berries, figs, and ground coffee are layered with vanilla bean, caramel, and brown butter. A trace of toasted almonds adds a nice complexity to the oak flavors integrated on the palate. Adding more complexity to the fruit are traces of anise, peppercorn, and earth. Very juicy yet holding firm tannins, Domenica embodies everything we know about her namesake.

This handcrafted wine only produced 392 cases and is sold locally at Phoenix Wine.

Varietal Composition: Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Alcohol 14.9%

Grisant Vin du Lac Pinot Gris

All of the lots of wine that Vin du Lac Winery makes are very small, reflecting a careful, demanding selection process used to select vineyard plots and grapes for Vin du Lac.

Grisant means Exhilarating! Heady! Which this wine is: ripe, rich and full bodied, with mingling aromas of grapefruit, pear and melon, yet with a crisp, dry finish. It is great with seafood or to share with friends after a Grisant! day.

These fine wines are available for retail purchase at Phoenix Wine and other fine wine boutique stores in the Valley.