Weekly Wine Tastings July 18-19, 2008

The Wines of Charles Smith

Please join us at the i.m.Wine tasting bar every Friday and Saturday from 1-7pm; this week we are tasting:

Smith started K Vintners in 2001 after living in Denmark and managing rock bands for 11 years (he toured with the Cardigans and the Raveonettes, among others). In 1999 he was trying to think of something else to do when he ran into Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards. Supposedly they had had a few bottles of wine and discovered their similar views on the subject of wine when Baron supposedly told Smith he should move to Walla Walla.  Thus, a friendship and K Vintners was born. Smith still sources some of his grapes from the Cayuse vineyards, and also does crazy stuff to his own grapes, like ferment at high temperatures (like some Chateauneuf-du-Papes) and destems as he sees fit (he also crushes by hand... or, I guess, foot). He has fairly European sensibilities about what the wine should be and allows the wine to reflect the terroir instead of being fruit-driven. His wines are big, earthy, and powerful, and he names them intriguing things like "The Boy" or "The Beautiful" or "Motor City Kitty".  Smith runs K Vintners and makes Syrah (the pun, K Syrah, is indeed intentional) and also has a second label humbly titled The Magnificent Wine Company. 

2007 Kung Fu Girl Riesling
On the nose, Kung Fu Girl is bursting with Asian pear, white peach and spring flowers.  Apricot, pear, lime, and a pleasant minerality keep this off-dry wine at the perfect level of subtle sweetness.  This is a great wine for a summer picnic. 
Price: $15.99   Special: $14.39   Case: $13.59 

2006 Holy Cow Chardonnay
A new world style Chardonnay, clean, crisp and all fruit, no oak and no residual sugar, just plenty of fruit and clean focused fruit.  Zesty lime, grapefruit and gooseberry flood the palate from start to finish. This uncomplicated chard is full, fresh, medium-bodied and shows good structure and length.
Price: $15.99   Special: $14.39   Case: $13.59

2006 Holy Cow Merlot
Features ripe cherry fruit accented with baking spices, cut tobacco and a hint of earthiness.
Price: $15.99   Special: $14.39   Case: $13.59

2006 Boom Boom Syrah
Delivers plenty snap and sizzle; Roasted blackberry, blueberry and plum make aromas follow on to the seductive and intense palate. There is wonderful purity where each flavor folds into the next. In addition to the fruit, flavours of root beer syrup, smoky bacon, coffee and fruitcake notes add dimension. It's a thrilling find at this price!
Price: $20.99   Special: $1.89   Case: $17.84

2006 Syrah, Milbrandt Vineyard
Fruit-forward, spicy and appealing, this is consistent with previous editions of this popular wine. Great concentration and fruit power with a tight blackberry core and showing a lot of earthy flavors. Finishes with good focus, purity and balance.
Price: $35.99   Special: $32.39   Case: $30.59

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