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"Wine is the most civilized thing in the world." Ernest Hemingway

Dear Walla Walla Wine Club Members,

Over the years, many of you have inquired about the criterion used to select an enjoyable wine for you, our valued wine club members. With so many outstanding wines being produced in the Walla Walla Valley, it’s not easy - - but, it’s a lot of fun!

Because we rely on Whit Hartford’s expertise when making the final choices, I asked him to write a brief explanation of the selection process. I found the information fascinating, and I think you will, too.

CHEERS!

Cassie J. Rothstrom

Whit Hartford’s Selection Criteria

All wines offered through the Walla Walla Wine Club have been personally tasted by me, and the owners of the Walla Walla Wine Club. In order to minimize outside influence, I have chosen to remain anonymous, so that when I make the selections, they are truly based on the wine itself.

Wine Selection: Through random visits to area wineries, we search out specific wines. Additionally, wineries approach us to consider their wines for inclusion into the Club. If the pricing is agreeable to both parties, samples of the wines are submitted to the tasting committee. Usually more than one bottle is judged: one purchased on the outside market blind, and one submitted by the winery for consideration. (This is a small test against bottle variation.) We try to choose a wine that will be enjoyable short term with or without aeration.

Quality of Wine: We look for a properly built wine that has structure and balance -- one that shows the fruit on the first sniff and taste. The tannins need to fit to the premise of immediate enjoyment; they should not overpower all else in the wine. Some wines require pronounced aging to reach their potential. When we encounter these, we advise our members. Although we strive to offer variety in each shipment, it sometimes comes down to two bottles of the same varietal.

Availability: We try to have sufficient quantities of wine available so that our members have an opportunity to reorder. Additionally, special wines of high quality and short supply are made available to club members on a limited basis, as a Library Selection

This subject could be written about at great length without ending, but I hope this sheds a little light on Walla Walla Wine Clubs’ wine selection process.

ENJOY!

Whit Hartford

2002 Syrah Saviah - Red Mountain
Appellation: Red Mountain

Wit Hartford's Notes: Dark and opaque, great nose which really stood out. Rich ripe red and black fruits (bing Cherries, ultra ripe black raspberries), bacon, smoke. it flowed out of the bottle. Nice body and concentration. Ready to go at this time. The extraction is just right with the fruit hitting the palate and building to a crescendo. The meaty flavors melted with the raspberry and plum flavors and soft tannins held it all together. Moderate length to the finish. Needs no time but has the stuffing to last as well.

2002 L’Ecole #41 Perigee - Estate 7 Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley
Appellation: Estate 7 Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley

Wit Hartford's Notes: Dark ruby, maybe garnet in color. Not opaque. The nose is muted somewhat at first. Then, nice red cherry, blackcherry, sage, tar, damp earth, tobacco, cedar. Flavors of red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors abound. A little strawberry notes as well. Full, soft drying tannins. Good solid earthy finish.

2001 Tamarack Cellars Merlot - Columbia Valley
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Winemaker: Ron Coleman

Wit Hartford's Notes: Dark color. Some leather in the aroma, of berry and cherry. Good mid-palate with firm tannins. Sweet fruit on the first taste. Fresh flavors compete with even fresher aromas. Long finish that is crisp and refreshing.

1999 Glen Fiona Syrah - Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Berle W. Figgins, Jr.
1480 Cases Made

Wit Hartford's Notes: This wine's color is dark opaque purple, like fountain pen ink. The aromas of black berry and currant make your mouth water. The flavors reveal a smoky black cherry base with tones of raspberry, cinnamon, and exotic spices. They are sweet and enticing when first tasted, and hold with a firm spine of tannins that are nicely rounded. Properly balanced and well structured this wine is great with pot roast. The finish is long and makes you want another glass....
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2001 Saviah Cellars Syrah – Red Mountain Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker – Richard Funk

Wit Hartford’s Notes: An initial offering from this winery, you will find it delightful to drink. This Syrah brings the unique taste of Red Mountain Appellation grapes to you. It has an earthy, smoky flavor that lingers well through the mid-palate, finishing with solid, fine-grained tannins. Undertones of ripe fig and toasty oak complement the wine. It is young, and I recommend decanting an hour or more before serving. Only 288 cases produced.

2001 Fort Walla Walla Cellars – Walla Walla Valley
Winemakers - Jim Moyer and Cliff Kontos

Wit Hartford’s Notes: Another initial offering from a fairly new winery – this Merlot is a wonderful effort. Very dark color leads to a wine that has a rich texture supported by lush tannins. The full coffee aroma leads to flavors of ripe berry, currants, and again, coffee. Ready to drink now, this wine will age gracefully for many years. The finish holds very well for a long time. We hope to introduce you to more of these wines in the future. 470 cases produced.

2000 Northstar Merlot - Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Gordy Hill

Wit Hartford’s Notes : This is a limited bottling, and commemorates the winery’s move to the Walla Walla Valley. Only 580 cases were made, and other than the Walla Walla Wine Club, can only be purchased at the Northstar Winery. The wine starts a deep violet color without any fading at the edge. Aromas are intense and lasting. The fruit is very ripe and the wine is supple. The flavors lead to a generous mid-palate. The tannins are very fine and hold together a luscious finish. Drink now.

2002 Rulo Syrah - Columbia Valley
Winemaker: Kurt Schlicker

Wit Hartford’s Notes : Delicious wine. It starts with a dark violet color. The aromas leap from the glass. If you let the glass sit for a few minutes, the aroma comes to you, rather than you coming to it. The flavors are tight and precise, leading to an enjoyable mid-palate. The soft tannins lead to a lasting finish. The wine is well balance with a tight structure that is very pleasing.

2001 Russell Creek Merlot Winemakers Select - Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Larry Krivoshein

Wit Hartford’s Notes : Only 330 cases produced. Dark solid color. The aromas lead us to the rich supple wine that follows. The wine has a lush oaky texture that lends itself well to drinking with dinner or just enjoying it by itself. There is a certain spiciness in the flavors that is very pleasing. Cherry flavors are at the front supported by lingering berry. A well-balanced wine that has a nice, smooth, long finish. It will hold well for a number of years.

2001 GraEagle Red Wing - Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Michael Neuffer

Wit Hartford’s Notes : Dark Violet in color. This is a crisp and lively wine that has subtle plum aromas. A core of cherry and plum, finishing with fine, firm tannins. Drink now or hold.

2002 Five Star Cellars Merlot - Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker: Matt Hughes

Wit Hartford’s Notes : Very generous wine that is balanced with sweet oak. Plush flavors of black cherry with some herb to it. Plum undertones lead to a smooth and polished finish. Delightful wine that will hold for a number of years.