The theme for WBW 34, hosted by Catie, is Washington State Cabernet, especially from the Walla Walla Valley Appellation. I have to admit that my knowledge of Washington State wine is limited, let alone wines from the Walla Walla region. Browsing through a lot of wine stores in NYC, there are plenty of wines from Columbia Valley, but rarely would I came across one from Walla Walla. If I find one from that region, it rarely fits my budget. Well, my luck changed last week when I found this wine, 2004 Pitch Cabernet Sauvignon from Astor Wines at $13 full retail.
The 2004 Pitch is made up of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot & 25% Syrah. 14.4% abv. Not only is this wine not 100% cabernet Sauvignon, it a wine made with grapes grown outside of the Walla Walla appellation. However, the back label says 'Bottled by Dusted Valley Vintners, Walla Walla WA'. Well, a wine made with grapes sourced from Columbia Valley and bottled at Walla Walla? This should satisfy Catie's theme for this WBW.
Tasting Notes
Color: Dark Garnet with purple hue.
Nose: Big Cherry and oak at first; also yielding hints vanilla after wine opens.
Palate: A real fruit bomb. Full of dark berries - cassis and cherries. Integrated with notes of vanilla and oak. Angular and slightly thin.
Body: Medium.
Finish: Medium, sweetness of fruit with hint of chocolate. A mild touch of tannins.
Comment: Match this wine with a grilled shell steak and portebella mushroom, not particularly a great match but it works. It would match better with a rich pasta dish or grilled pork chop with apple sauce. As far as QPR is concerned, even at $13, I can find wines of better QPR out there.
