This Saturday we’ll be featuring the wines of Gilbert Cellars. Gilbert is an excellent example of grape growers who expand out and start making their own wines. Their wines show both good quality and good value. Their main vineyards are on the Wahluke Slope including Doc Stewart Estate, one of the older Washington vineyards with the grapes planted in the 1970’s. Meg Gilbert will be here to talk about her family’s wines.
 
2011 Rosé of Mourvedre $13
In the tradition of the great rosés of Bandol and Provence, this 100% Mourvedre Rosé of was cold fermented to retain its delicate rose petal aromatics and bright fruit character. The wine gives off a complex and distinct aroma of citrus peel, melon, spring strawberry, and coriander. The palate is fresh and full, with balanced acidity and a lingering finish.
 
2011 Unoaked Chardonnay $18
This Chardonnay from the Columbia Valley embraces its time in stainless steel tank, expressing pure aromas of lemon and lily. The palate is wonderfully bright but not without substance, bright, crisp, aromatic, and fun.
 
2009 Allobroges $20
37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 14% Counoise.
In the days of the Roman Empire, the Allobroges were a Celtic people living in the Rhone Valley of France who received acclaim for their dark, rich red wines made from the Allobrogica vine. Their winemaking tradition has continued in the Rhone Valley for over two millennia and inspired this wine today. It spent 21 months in 21% new oak barrels (80% French & 20% American). This is a bright, medium bodied wine with lots of complex berry flavors. Perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods.
 
2009 Left Bank Red $20
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 9% Malbec.
Left Bank was named after the “Left Bank” of Bordeaux which this delicious blend is styled after. The Doc Stewart Vineyard is also perched on the Left Bank of the Columbia River. The wine is dark and full of well structured, lip-smacking tannins.