BLOGS

Although we don't go to Wenatchee often at night, especially in winter, Saturday was an exception. How could we miss the opportunity to taste the just-released wines of the new Crayelle Cellars? When winemaker Craig Mitrakul, known for the success of his wines at Saint Laurent and Ryan Patrick, told us about the tasting to take place at the popular Taste Buds Coffee & Wine at 5th and Mission, we knew we wouldn't miss it. We had missed the Wenatchee Wine Walk where the wines were released, so we were not about to miss this.

Because we had a twenty-five mile drive home, we did no more than taste each of the two wines. The Riesling was dry, displaying fragrant fruit and flowers on the nose, and lingering citrus on the palate. Most intriguing was the smooth, silky texture which hung in there after the wine was drunk. Delightful! I like an off-dry Riesling with Thanksgiving, as some of the dishes are often sweet, and sweetness makes a truly dry wine taste sharp and bitter. I'll have a glass of red before dinner, with a small appetizer.

The second wine tasted was the Syrah. Showing fresh fruit aromas and flavors, it was not heavy and jammy, but had body and spice. As I was not the driver, I could have consumed a lot more of it, but didn't. But I do have two lamb shanks in a dry rub, waiting for me to braise them, so I'll save my Syrah for tonight.

You can learn more about Crayelle Cellars at their new website, where you can see their elegant label produced by our own local Paul Massey and his Columbia Valley Labels CVL@nwi.net. It's a good thing when locals work with other locals, for it benefits both.

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