Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Book Signing and Washington Wine Tasting
By Kori ~ March 19th, 2008.
On Saturday, we spent part of our afternoon at Esquin Wine Merchants here in Seattle for a book signing and wine tasting. Paul Gregutt was there signing his book, Washington Wines and Wineries: The Essential Guide. This book is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to learn more about Washington wine or planning a trip to Washington wine country. We have read Paul Gregutt’s work for years (in the Seattle Times, Wine Enthusiast, and now this book) so it was a pleasure to finally have the opportunity to meet him.
After having our books signed and visiting briefly with Paul, we headed to the back of the store for a tasting of some Washington wines. There were two stations, one featuring six wines from various wineries and the other featuring five wines from Milbrandt Vineyards. Milbrandt Vineyards is based in Mattawa, Washington, but they will be opening a brand new tasting room in Prosser, Washington’s Vintner’s Village on May 24, 2008.
To be honest, none of the wines just knocked my socks off but here are the ones I liked the best from this tasting:
2005 Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley: Blackberries and black currant with a hint of chocolate on both the nose and the palate. Well-balanced and smooth with a medium-plus finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin (Seattle), $24.99; Guy du Vin (Oregon), $27.50
2006 Milbrandt Traditions Riesling: Off-dry but not too sweet. Crisp with flavors of peach and citrus.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin (Seattle), $11.99; Marketview Liquor (New York), $9.99
2005 Milbrandt Legacy Syrah: Aromas of black fruit and spice. Pleasant and fruit-forward with notes of black pepper. A lingering but slightly rough finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin (Seattle), $23.99; Winerz (California), $20.80
2005 Saviah Columbia Valley Big Sky Cuvee: 57% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc. Pleasant, smooth, fruit-forward wine with flavors of black cherry and a medium finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 1 bang for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Esquin (Seattle), $35.99; American Winery (Washington), $35.00
Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Riesling, Shiraz/Syrah, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wine Activities/Events, Wine Books, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
