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 
Wine Blogging Wednesday #50: Which wine, which wilderness?
By Kori ~ October 8th, 2008.
Our host for the October edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday, the blogosphere’s monthly virtual wine tasting event, is Russ Beebe of Winehiker Witiculture. Since Russ is an experienced wine tasting host and hiking guide, it’s no surprise that his theme asked us to get out and enjoy some time in the Great Outdoors and then share what wine we poured for our post-hike picnic.
When we read the Winehiker’s announcement, we already had a day touring vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley planned with a local winemaker, Rich Funk of Saviah Cellars. So while our time in the Great Outdoors was not spent hiking from a specific trailhead, we did have a wonderful day outside walking through five different vineyards just south of the state-line between Washington and Oregon where Rich sources some of his grapes. Even though it started to rain just as we set out, we were undeterred. It was a perfect time to visit as some of the grapes are only a week to ten days from harvest. Come back next Monday for a more complete recap of our vineyard tours.
It was easy to choose which wine to enjoy after a day in the vineyards with Rich. We selected his 2006 Saviah Cellars Malbec because 100 percent of the Malbec grapes used in this wine came from the McClellan Vineyard which is one of the vineyards that we visited on our tour. We did take our post-“hike†picnic indoors since the weather was less than ideal. But sipping on the Saviah Malbec as we recounted our vineyard visits was an excellent way to end the day.
2006 Saviah Cellars Malbec (Walla Walla Valley): Dark, inky purple. Very aromatic. Luscious black fruit aromas lead to black Bing cherries, blackberries, and black pepper on the palate. Also hints of smoked meats and tobacco come through on the back end. Well crafted and well-balanced with a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Winery, $30
Filed under: American Wine, Malbec, Red Wine, Vineyards, Washington State Wine, Wine Blogging Wednesday, Wines Over $25
Kori, great post! I can easily find myself walking alongside you in the McClellan Vineyard and enjoying that Malbec. And I’ve just got to meet a winemaker named Rich Funk – truly I must ! 🙂
Thank you for participating!
Russ