Sips & Tips for Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

In 1992, Charles & Greg Lill, Jay Soloff, and winemaker Chris Upchurch set out to create the finest expression of Bordeaux varieties in Washington State. Their unrelenting commitment to quality has created the benchmark for the Washington State wine industry, helping to make the region one of the most highly regarded areas for wine production in the United States. As part of our ongoing Sommelier Series, we’re very excited to be pouring the following DeLille Cellars selections from October 26 to November 1:

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, one of the best kept secrets in Bordeaux is the outstanding dry white wine. Washington State provides a terrain similar to that found in Bordeaux, which makes it possible to deliver stunning white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion. The 2013 DeLille Cellars “Chaleur Estate Blanc” Columbia Valley, Washington ($9 3oz / $18 6oz) is a shining representation of the potential for great white wines in the Pacific Northwest. Elegant notes of white flowers give way to subtle hints of honeysuckle, which finish with a light herbaceous note and crisp acidity.  This wine is a great match for our Madagascar Shrimp with Key Lime Aioli.

Often found as a primary component of the white grape trifecta in the northern Rhone region, Roussanne has proven it can be quite amazing when produced as a monovarietal. Rarely found outside of the DeLille winery in Woodinville, the 2014 Doyenne, Roussanne, Columbia Valley, Washington ($10 3oz / $20 6oz) offers notes of pear and apricot with an abundance of bold stone fruit on the palate.  The slight acidity of this wine makes for a nice balance with our Broiled Swordfish topped with Smoked Butter.

There are many grape varieties which flourish in Washington State, but few have an identity as deeply rooted as Syrah. Known for its remarkable versatility, with notes of cracked black pepper and blackberries, the 2012 Doyenne “AIX”, Columbia Valley, Washington ($11 3oz / $22 6oz) is a classic style of  Syrah with herbaceous notes of rosemary and thyme.   Completed with and complemented by a sufficient amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine goes perfectly with our Double-Cut Colorado Lamb Chops.

Blended with grapes from four of the top vineyards in the Columbia Valley, the 2012 DeLille “Four Flags” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington ($12 3oz / $24 6oz) is a powerful and elegant expression of the true potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington. Decadent notes of black currant and chocolate are followed by rich blue fruit, fresh herbs, and firm tannins. This highly rated wine is a very limited production and a great match with one of Joe’s Signature Steaks.

Wine Tip: This month we have the honor of hosting DeLille Executive Winemaker Chris Upchurch for a very special wine dinner at Joe’s ~ don't miss out!  Menu and tickets can be found at www.joes.net

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