Cave B Estate Winery

There are two things I don't like about Cave B Estate Winery, I can't buy its wine in Enumclaw and the Tempranillo is sold out.  Admittedly, that the wines aren't readily available in Enumclaw is not really a problem; it is simply a great excuse to take a road trip to the breathtaking winery.  Cave B is located in Quincy, WA right next door to the Gorge Amphitheater.  The grounds include the winery, a restaurant, a spa and several lodging options - all of which are impeccably appointed and luxurious with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Cave B is only 3.5 hours away from Enumclaw and is well worth the drive even for a one-night stay.  For more information visit:  http://www.caveb.com/

I was fortunate enough to stay at Cave B when I had to go to Moses Lake for business.  It is a good thing I was staying at the resort when I visited the tasting room because I was treated to ten pours and left with a complimentary wine glass, perma-grin and a stumble to my step.  Thankfully I had the presence of mind to take tasting notes!  The two wines that landed Cave B on my top-ten favorite wineries list are the Petit Verdot and the Tempranillo. I bought a few bottles of the Petit Verdot and gave one to my boss, who owns a vineyard, because I knew it was sure to impress him and I hoped it would induce him to let me visit Cave B on my next business trip.  The Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine ($25) was also a standout with its light and refreshing citrusy flavor.  Two other wines worth mention are the Sangiovese ($28) and the Syrah ($25).  The Sangiovese had a nice rich flavor but it was light enough to pair well with pastas and even chicken.  The Syrah was smooth and well balanced, but not overly friuty.

I really can't say enough good things above Cave B.  The wine is delicious, the grounds are beautiful and the staff is really friendly.  Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, or a girl's weekend, you can't go wrong with Cave B!

Tobin James Cellars

It is National Wine Day and though I don't really need another excuse to drink wine, that's my excuse and I am using it! I found myself alone at Sip City Wine on Friday night, but thankfully I had Tobin James, from Paso Robles, CA, to keep me company - And good company it was. I tried six wines and my favorites were the Made in the Shade Merlot ($13) and Cacheflo Red Blend ($10!!!!). I am on my iPhone so I will keep this short; this wine is worth way more than it's paltry price. I like it and think you will too.

VIOGNIER? NO WAY!!

Last Saturday was a beautiful sunny day in Enumclaw.  I packed up some smoked cheese and a few bottles of wine and headed to my sister's house. Feeling quite proud of myself I unscrewed the cork on a bottle of voigner and poured three glasses.  The first drop of liquid hit my lips and I knew, I am never buying this shit again.  Thankfully I also brought a bottle of Airfields Unoaked Chardonnay and I promptly informed my two companions that I was dumping the shitty voignier out so I could replace it with the Airfields.  My sister was appalled, pouring out wine is her idea of alcohol abuse. However, as soon as she tasted the voignier she understood.  We unanimously agreed that the voignier wasn't even worth saving to cook with, or to make sangria out of.  Bottom line, it was syrupy and sweet and completely disappointing. From here on out when I desire white wine I will stick with chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc.

L'Ecole Syrah (2008)

Last night I left a 3/4 full glass of wine at a restaurant, my darling daughter decided it was time to leave. Actually, my husband decided it was time to leave as he was embarrased by the hellacious fit my daughter was throwing. To make it up to me he bought me a bottle of L'Ecole Syrah; apology accepted.  My first impression was that the syrah needed to breath, thankfully I have a nifty apparatus that infuses air into wine as if it had "breathed" for an hour or two (thank you to whoever invented that device).  After being aerated the wine was baby-bottoms smooth (okay, enough of the baby theme, I know) and flavorful.  The friend that shared the bottle had a positive and immediate reaction; "wow that is amazing." Personally, I think her response is a little bit generous but, as previously expressed on this blog, my syrah preference is DeLille. Nontheless L'Ecole is a delicious wine and at $25.99 at your local QFC, you can't go wrong.

DeLille Cellars Doyenne Signature Syrah

It is a good thing I cannot afford to drink DeLille wine everynight because if I could, I would.  DeLille's Chaleur Estate is worth every penny of $70 and if you can afford it you should absolutely buy it.  However, if you are like me you cannot justify spending $70 on one bottle of wine when you can spend $72 and get two amazing bottles of wine.  Therefore, I recommend DeLille's more affordable, but no less delicious, option the Doyenne Signature Syrah ($39).  This Syrah is hands down my favorite out of the many Washington Syrah's I have tasted. It is very bold and full-bodied but silky smooth. DeLille is available at Sip City Wines.

Dunham Cellars Trutina & 3 Legged Red

I don't usually make wine buying decisions based on the label, but I understand some people do. If you are one of those people, you will be immediately drawn to Dunham Cellar's Trutina and 3 Legged Red and you will not be disappointed.  The label on Trutina has an interesting texture and shine which make it a standout on the shelf. The 3 Legged Red has a picture of a 3 legged dog and what's not to love about that?!?  Beyond the label both wines satisfy and Trutina is without question one of my favorite wines under $35.  Trutina is a bit more expensive ($26 compared to $19) and a bit better so if you have both drink the Trutina first (assuming you are drinking both in one night).  Both wines are blends of cab sauv, syrah and merlot.  They are pretty mellow, very smooth and hold well overnight, though between my husband and I the Trutina rarelys makes it past 9:00 p.m. QFC and Safeway both have 3 Legged Red but you should go to Sip City Wines, or your local wine shop, for Trutina.

Swiftwater Cellars Syrah

Swiftwater Cellars is a relatively new winery and they claim their wines represent the "best of the best of the northwest." I disagree.  Recently I was given a bottle of Swiftwater Syrah and I brought it to a dinner party hoping to impress some friends; thankfully my friends were drinking whiskey when I arrived and they left the wine drinking to my husband and I.  Perhaps this "young" wine simply needs some time to sit in a cellar, if so it clearly isn't for me, I don't have a cellar and wine never lasts more than two weeks in my house.

Swiftwater Cellars has a beautiful winery at Suncadia and I rarely drive past Cle Elum without stopping by.  I am willing to shell out $7 for a glass of Swiftwater's cheaper "No. 9" brand when I am sitting in the gorgeous restaurant (the atmosphere and view make the wine worth it), but there is no way I am willing to pay $55 for a bottle of the syrah.  Swiftwater is simply in too good of company of lesser-priced syrahs (DeLille's Doyenne, Dunham, Five Star, Waters, K Vintners) to command $55 a bottle.

Airfield Estates Unoaked Chardonnay

This is a wine that all other wines are jealous of.  If this wine were a kid on a playground it would get picked first for every game. I would pay $25 for this chardonnay, but remarkably it only costs $12.  I can drink this wine all day and the best part is when I do literally drink it all day ~ I don't get a headache!  It is crisp and refreshing with a slight taste of citrus.  If you don't like this wine, we clearly don't have much in common.

Cougar Crest Cabernet Franc

If you are lucky you might be able to get your hands on a bottle of Cougar Crest at your local Safeway for 30% off. If not, buck up and pay the $38 for it.  This wine is great, it is smooth, bold and doesn't give you cotton mouth. Don't open this wine if you only plan on having one glass and/or you need to stay sober because you will end up drinking the whole bottle.

Brian Carter Cellars - EVERYTHING!

I am a huge fan of Brian Carter Cellars. I like the wine, the tasting room and the employees. If you want to impress someone, bring them a bottle of Brian Carter.  It really doesn't matter which wine you choose, they are all good. The Solesce, a bordeaux-style blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, is my favorite but it is also the most expensive ($50.00).  The Tuttorosso is also fantastic and at $30, more reasonably priced.  The Tuttorosso is a super-tuscan blend of sangiovese, cab sauv and syrah. 

Maryhill Winery Cabernet Franc

Maryhill Winery produces many of my favorite red wines, they are moderately priced and hold well overnight (meaning you can open the bottle on Wednesday and still enjoy a glass on Thursday). Maryhill is available at QFC, Safeway and Sip City Wines.  Cab Franc is one of my favorite varietals and Maryhill makes a great one.  The Cab Franc is really smooth with a deep flavor similar to cabernet sauvignon, but unlike some cabernet sauvignons, it doesn't dry out your mouth.  The cab franc is very reasonably priced at $18.00.  I highly recommend buying no less than 2 bottles at a time.

About This Blog

"Snobby Mommy" is the name of this blog, but I assure you the name is a sham.  "Snobby" is a lot catchier than the adjectives that more accurately describe this mommy (such as "frumpy," "cheap," or "exhausted"), and given that I am now limiting my wine consumption to no more than two glasses during the work week, I am indeed a snob about what I am willing to pour into my much coveted two glasses. 
Here you will find a very basic assessment of wine, put simply I will let you know whether it is worth the calories and your money, or not.  Though I consider myself an "advanced" wine drinker, I have never tasted tobacco, currants or blackberries in wine and I really don't care what wine smells like, unless of course the smell is so obnoxious that I can't bear to get it anywhere near my nose and lips.  My descriptions will be plain and simple, "this shit is good so run to the store and buy a case," or "drink this bottle when you are half lit and taste doesn't matter."  Occasionally this blog will also include reviews of products that, much like wine, are essential to me and make life as a mom easier. Please feel free to comment or email me if you have your own reviews or if you disagree with mine.