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{ SOMMjournal.com } 109 du Caillou Réserve, with its stunning explosion of flavors swathed in oak. Seated to my immediate right was David Shiverick, of importer Langdon Shiverick, who introduced me to Florent Lançon from Domaine de la Solitude, whose wines he had presented the evening before at one of the kick-off dinners. Domaine de la Solitude deserves mention, as their 2000 Réserve Secrète (its first vintage) remains the greatest Rhône—and one of the greatest wines period—that I've personally ever tasted. Washington Rhônes — State of Address After giving an amusingly witty introduction to the history of Rhône varieties in Washington State, Patrick Comiskey of Wine & Spirits moderated a panel discussion of the current state of Washington's Rhône-style wines. (Comiskey also disclosed that his groundbreaking book on the American Rhône movement is due out this fall, something every Rhône lover should be on the lookout for.) Todd Alexander of Force Majeure, Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars, Sean Boyd of Rôtie Cellars and winemaker Bob Bertheau of Château Ste. Michelle discussed their wines before an enthusiastic audience. Ste. Michelle's Tenet Wines project is a collaboration with winemaker Michel Gassier and celebrated Southern Rhône enology consultant Philippe Cambie, who were also in attendance. My favorites were the Rôtie Cellars 2015 "Southern White" Viognier/Roussanne/Marsanne, with heady aromat - ics and beautiful white fruit notes, the softly feminine Tenet Wines 2013 "Tenet" GSM and the thrilling Force Majeure 2013 Estate Grenache from Red Mountain. The seminar left everyone in attendance awed at the progress Washington State vintners have made with Rhône-style wines. PHOTO COURTESY OF RHÔNE VALLEY WINES Rosé wines were served at the al fresco lunch. Washington Rhônes seminar panelists (left to right): Sean Boyd of Rôtie Cellars, Bob Bertheau of Château Ste. Michelle, moderator Patrick Comiskey, Todd Alexander of Force Majeure and Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars. This year, the annual Rhône Valley Wines tasting will draw upon Rhône's artistic culture and history and celebrate the four largest artistic festivals of the region: jazz, dance, opera and theater. More than a simple walk-around tasting, four spaces will be created within the event—each one representing a different festival, complete with unique entertainment and showcasing wines to sample and enjoy. Educational seminars will accompany the experience to educate guests about Rhône Valley wines. Don't miss these upcoming events for consumers and trade alike in Los Angeles on July 20 and Chicago on September 14 from 3–7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit rhonevalleywines-annualtasting.com. You're Invited to Rhône Valley Wines: A LAND OF WINES AND FESTIVALS The Rhône Valley Wines annual tasting kicked off with opera baritone Brian Shircliffe at Majestic Metro in Houston last month.