Beat the heat on Saturday by beating it up to the wine shop to check out some fresh and refreshing new local wines. We’ll have some bubbles, a little mystery, some refreshing reds and a little magic.

Treveri, Extra Brut, Columbia Valley $14
Chardonnay
Treveri Cellars is a newer addition to the Washington Wine scene that specializes in Methode Champenois sparkling wines. Winemaker Juergen Grieb learned his craft in Germany before moving to the states. This Blanc de Blanc is zero-dosage, completely dry, with hints of apple, complex yeast tones, and acidity. On top of that it is really affordable and NOT made by St Michelle. What else can you ask for?

2009 NW Vine Project, Riesling Willamette Valley $10
The Northwest Vine Project was born from the idea that delicious, mouth-filling wines can be handcrafted at reasonable prices. Partnering with a rotating selection of big name winemakers who usually aren’t named, they source good fruit and make a range of quality inexpensive wines. Sourced from the Hyland Vineyard in McMinnville from vines planted in 1971, the Riesling is elegant and complex with a soft, supple sweetness balanced by lively acidity.

2009 NW Vine Project Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $15
Blended from sites throughout the Willamette Valley and raised in stainless steel to maintain pure varietal fruit character and freshness with about a quarter new French oak for greater complexity and structure. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir has a straight forward appeal and matches well with a wide range of foods.

2009 Walter Dacon, Skookum Red $20
47% Sangiovese, 47% Syrah & 6% Grenache
Walter Dacon focuses on Rhone and Mediterranean style wines sourced from select vineyard sites in the Yakima, Columbia Valley. The Skookum Red has aromas of fresh blackberries, strawberry and black fruit, just lively enough not to be too tart. It is smooth and refreshing with only minimal tannin making it an excellent complement to summer fare.

2010 Sleight of Hand Cellars, Spellbinder Red $18
36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 5% Sangiovese, 4% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot
Sleight of Hand Cellars, a tiny “garagiste” winery located in Walla Walla, is the brainchild of winemaker Trey Busch producing “Simply Magical Wines”.
The 2010 Spellbinder was aged in older French oak barrels for 11 months. The cooler growing season allowed for extended hang time for the fruit, allowing for full flavor development while retaining the natural acids that make this such a terrific food wine. Loaded with black and red fruits, this wine has supple tannins and it should age for a while, but it drinks so well right now, who can wait?