Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
july 2009 / the tasting panel / G W I N E R Y Sagelands 2007 Riesling is in its sec- ond vintage. "Washington State is a perfect growing area for this varietal," says winemaker Frederique Spencer. "Minerality, pears, fl oral notes and fruit combine in fl avor, while natural acidity allows it to age." Sagelands winemaker Frederique Spencer with B. J. Wakkuri, On-Prem- ise District Manager, Odom-Southern Corp. B. J. is holding a bottle of Freddie's Blend, a Co- lumbia Valley Bordeaux blend redolent with violets, pepper and ripe red fruit. In Washington State's Columbia Valley, Sagelands sources classic varietals Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from vineyards on long- term contracts in the appellation's Four Corners: these areas are Wah- luke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and Walla Walla Valley. Easy-going and fruit forward in character, Sagelands is also a value- driven brand that over-delivers, a quality common to wines from Washington State's world-class wine-growing regions. D S a g e l a n d s W I N E R Y Canoe Ridge Vineyard Assistant Winemaker Brian Wavernek. From its 910-foot peak, Canoe Ridge's estate vineyard looks down east and west over the Co- lumbia Valley at a wide expanse along the Columbia River in the isolated town of Paterson, WA. The limited rainfall east of the Cascades, along with the moun- tains' drying winds, allow grape growers to regulate the timing and quantity of water during grow- ing season. Control of vine vigor through defi cit irrigations in- creases concentration of fruit and character. D C a n o e R i d g e V i n e y a r d Sagelands winemaker Frederique Spencer with B. J. Wakkuri, On-Premise District Man- ager, Odom-Southern Corp. B. J. is holding a bottle of Freddie's Blend, a Columbia Valley Bordeaux blend redolent with violets, pepper and ripe red fruit. The 2006 Canoe Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on top of the vineyard ridge. It is both mouth gripping and spicy. The bright fruit travels with intensity; balanced tannins and a touch of subtle cedar lead to its earthy fi nish. Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines