First Washington Syrah - Red Willow Vineyard

“In farming there is no substitute for the soil, water, and hard work. Inherently, the nature of farming brings a spiritual dimension to our efforts. There is a connection of past, present, and future generations.

For us wine brings the soil, the site, the season, and the efforts of many people together into a single vintage. Later that vintage becomes a cherished memory of that year.” –Mike Sauer

Wine News: David Lake & Mike Sauer wanted to plant syrah in their pet vineyard, Red Willow. It was 1985 - long before that colorful cast of California characters known as the Rhône Rangers had banded together, and all the arguments about heritage and origin had made Syrah a sexy varietal.


What does it all mean? Why celebrate? Whats the big deal? We are just simply honoring the 20th bottling of Washington State Syrah. We are just honoring Red Willow Vineyard. And of course, we are honoring two guys & one dream: Stupendous, Sexy, Sensual, Lip Smackin' Syrah.

Cheers Fellas. Keep Crafting Excellent Wines.

Miel

Honey pairs so well with so many dishes. It's also all-natural and if you use the unfiltered version its chock full of pollens, and flower detritus that will help you combat the common cold.

Try Honey Draped Pork Chops with dried golden raisins and black mission figs. Try Lady Finger Sandwiches comprised of Brillat-Savarin and Honey Comb with lavendar sea salt. Compose a soup of carrots, curry and honey with creme fraiche and chives as a decoration. Stuff a chicken breast full of shallots, cumin and honey - when its fresh out of the oven add arugula and dress it in a summer vinaigrette.

Mmmm.

And don't forget to add a nice accoutrement of Kinton Santa Barbara Syrah ...

Is wine worth losing a limb for?

So often I hear of winemakers waxing poetically about the grandiosity of the grapes, vineyard techniques, sturdiness of a their swiss bottling line or the purity of a cooper's barrel from a special forest in a special micro-climate.

And it is possible to get swept up in the headiness of dreams and ambition. Causing one to forgo safety in the name of product.

Our hearts go out to this man.
And at the same time, our hearts ask ...
Have you ever forgotten to protect yourself in the name of inspiration?