Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli
Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli is a freelance wine, food and music writer living in Temecula Valley Wine Country. An amazing home chef, mother of two and wine aficionado she writes about those in-the-know and on-the-go. With a pulse on the latest in dining, entertainment, events and more, Carmen delivers the latest news and happenings around the city, showcasing the best that Temecula Wine Country and the SoCal area has to offer.
The Great Whites of Vin du Lac Winery
Women’s Wine Council
Being a member of Women’s Wine Council (WWC) in Temecula definitely has its perks. Learning about and tasting wines from notable regions all over the U.S. and abroad once a month is a big one. At our most recent meeting, we were introduced to a nice range of crisp and bright white wines from the unique region of Lake Chelan, Washington.
Wine Line-Up
Nestled just above Lake Chelan, Vin du Lac Winery produces some noteworthy wines under four labels: LEHM, Fresh Whites, Barrel Select, and Café Red. Each label uses a very distinct style to indentify each set of wines according to the grape variety and terroir, as well as the winemaking approach. The cooler climate and other rare environmental elements surrounding Lake Chelan give the small-production; hand-harvested wines from this area some very luscious characteristics. WWC reviewed 5 whites and 1 Rose from the “LEHM” and “Fresh White” labels. Listed in order of tasting:
2009 “LEHM” Pinot Gris- $19.99, 125 cases: 87 points – The Wine Advocate.
This wine is a gleaming white-gold color. It’s light and crisp with a touch of white grapefruit and a slight floral background. The pleasant but faint mineral accents and lemon zest aromas are beautiful but need adequate time to gather in the glass. A simple, thin and crispy Meyer Lemon Cookie compliments this wine perfectly.
Wine, Food & Great Company
2009 “LEHM” Sauvignon Blanc- $20- 200 cases, 90 points- The Wine Advocate
An immediate nose of citrus and melon lead into an interesting combination of pear and tangy lime on the palate. Artichoke, Spinach, and Parmesan Dip with baguette goes well with this wine, however the Meyer Lemon Cookie was again the group winner.
Spicy Pecan Turtles
2010 “LEHM” Riesling- $19.99- 371 cases
This intensely clean Riesling has a bold, sweet yet tart finish that really demands attention. I love the fresh green apple on the nose and long, lingering flavors of apple-vanilla on the palate. Spicy Pecan Turtles provided by local Temecula chef Andrea Maue of AJ’s Baking Co. are divine with this striking Riesling.
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- Spicy Noodle Salad
2010 “LEHM” Gewürztraminer- $19.99 – 233 cases
The mouth-watering sweet-cream essence with just a touch of peaches is intoxicating. Fresh flavors of ripe summer melon provide just the right amount of crispness with a bright citrus finish. Asian noodle salad accents this one nicely.
2010 Les Amis Riesling- $14.99- 1,312 cases
A blend of Riesling (75%), Gewürztraminer (10%), and Muscat (15%) create a crisp, soft, and spicy Riesling. Sweet Honeysuckle and intense Apricot are abundant on the tongue and nose. After decanting, subtle hints of lemongrass and citrus fruit make an appearance and mellow the sweetness a bit. Very nice with a range of foods including Asian inspired salads and goat cheese topped with white balsamic glaze served with crackers.
Greek Toasts
2011 “LEHM” Rose- $14.99- 134 cases
This is the group favorite. A near-perfect Rose that boldly flaunts it’s beautifully crystal-clear strawberry color. The subtle floral notes with dried cranberry and rhubarb flavors really make a statement and hold up to just about any food pairing. Greek Toasts with Feta, Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers are my ideal pair for this very addicting Rose.
The clean and personable traits of these wines very admirably hold fresh and well-defined characteristics that would satisfy most any palate from beginning taster, to wine connoisseur. All are exceptionally food-friendly and pair effortlessly with a nice variety of foods from store bought to homemade. To learn more about the unique growing conditions of the Lake Chelan area, Winemaker David Traynor, where to buy these wines, and the charming people behind it all, visit http://www.vindulac.com/index.cfm.
