Winery - Maison Bleue
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The wine is 100% varietal, very fresh, and loaded with lime and citrus and citrus rind—a real oyster and shellfish wine. There is discernible minerality, plenty of acid, and alcohol just touching 13%.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A blend of Marsanne, Chardonnay and Roussanne, this is bright, fruity, with an emphasis on the rind rather than the flesh of citrus and stone fruits. A streak of vanilla runs through the core, and the finish has some stiff, tannic edges. Well-crafted, and a superb food wine.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This reverses the blend of the Viognier; it’s 85% Roussanne and 15% Viognier and finishes in a rather surprisingly sweet, off-dry style with 1.4% residual sugar. White peach and spicy pear fruit flavors are bright and fleshy, while the sweetness is offset by moderate acids. For those who prefer some sweetness in their white wines, this is an excellent choice.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Another stellar effort from this terrific new winery. Luscious aromas—stone fruits, candy, wax, peel, honey, cumin, allspice—it just keeps on going. Firm in the mouth, with the same exotic and refined blend of interesting spices and fruits. A tour de force.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The blend is 69% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot; so dark it’s almost syrupy. Aromas are lifted and suggest Asian spice box, chocolate and balsamic vinegar; the fruit is approaching a Port-like character, with raisins and prunes. Despite the apparent ripeness of the fruit, there is no excessive alcohol, and the finish is smooth.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
As fine a Grenache as I have yet tasted from Washington State. The aching purity of the fruit, married to the density, focus and minerality, is breathtaking.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Jon Martinez, who arrived in Washington barely six years ago, is knocking the ball out of the park. Improving with each new release, he has locked in a stellar collection of vineyards, and made Rhône-style wines his focus. This is a revelation. Pure berries, cassis, rock, earth, licorice, and a hint of baking spices. Gorgeous.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Here is an off-dry Roussanne absolutely bursting with delicious flavors of Meyer lemon, breakfast tea, yellow tropical fruits and hints of papaya. It’s all set against vibrant natural acidity that keeps it food-friendly rather than limiting it to dessert.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Fragrant and spicy, this opens with green pepper notes and boatloads of prickly/brambly raspberry/strawberry fruit. From a cool vintage, the blend includes 15% Syrah. It’s nicely handled, with great penetration and a dancer’s precision.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This high-acid, intense wine is beautifully aromatic, with piercing and tart flavors of cranberry and raspberry, pure and laced with minerality. Terrific penetration, the persistence of wet stone, citrus, raspberry and cranberry flavors is impressive.
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