This week's Grapevine Wine Pick of the Week features Harlequin Wine Cellars, available at Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro in Avondale.

In-studio we'll be joined by Robert Goodfriend, owner and winemaker for Harlequin Vineyards. Susan Moody, owner of Tastings and Karrie Halloway, Tasting Manager.

Harlequin was founded in 1999 by Robert Goodfriend and his wife, Elizabeth Cook. The small, family owned winery located in Touchet (Walla Walla Valley), works with the best vineyards and growers in Washington and Oregon State to designate individual vineyard rows which are specifically assigned to Harlequin. Robert maintains complete control over yield, canopy management, irrigation and picking decisions. Winemaking at Harlequin is very hands-on and intensive. Reds are fermented in small, one-ton fermentors and punched down by hand. Ageing occurs in the best oak from the best coopers.

We'll taste 3 Harlequin Wines...

Jester's Red
Rich, fun and delicious... The wine displays aromas of blackberry, raspberry liquor, vanilla, caramel and barrel spice. In the mouth this blend is sweet and balanced with juicy berry-cherry flavors balanced by long integrated tannins and barrel toast. This hedonistic blend was built to offer immediate enjoyment. SALUTE!

Claret
Reminiscent of left bank Medoc Bordeaux... Primary aromas of damp earth, graphite, Washington blackberry and mocha are framed with barrel spice, vanilla and caramel. This wine was built for short term aging and offers immediate enjoyment.

Cuvee Alexander
To honor the birth of their son, Harlequin this fine cuvee. This is a wine of elegance and finesse. Bright aromas of Chambord, cassis, pencil lead, damp earth and mocha are framed by toasty oak, toffee and barrel spice. In the mouth this rich blend displays juicy black cherry and ripe plum flavors balanced by lush ripe tannins and barrel nuance. This Bordelaise style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is accessible for immediate enjoyment or will continue to provide pleasure for years to come.

Participating Wines:

Harlequin Wines