On Friday evening June 14^th, Aaron’s Wine Chronicles held its 1^st Annual Wine and Food Escapade at its AWC Headquarters in Richland, WA.  This invitation-only event targeted a small group of individuals who are self-proclaimed wine connoisseurs and lovers of gourmet cuisine!  In addition, we were lucky enough to attract some REAL wine industry experts and winemakers as well!  The event focused on a sequential wine tasting of 7 Washington State wines ranging in age from 5 years to 15 years in the cellar, and represented a diverse array of red varietals and blends.  The heavy hors d’oeuvres included various cheeses & crackers, Prosciutto, dried salami, grilled USDA prime Angus filet mignon and ribeye steak bites, Italian sausages, various pastas and roasted potatoes, farro salad, dips and an assortment of chocolates.  From the industry, we hosted Shae and Greg Frichette (Owner’s/Winemakers of Frichette Winery on Red Mountain), Sandy and Al Pardini (Owner’s of Crooked River Vineyard in Kennewick), and Amanda Bagge (of Alexandria Nicole Winery).  In addition, Juan and Gaby Valencia, Kannan Krishnaswami and Sorcha Fox, Andrea Starr and John-Paul LeCompte, Tina and Adam Diaz, and of course AWC staff (Gabriela and Aaron Diaz) rounded out the list of 15 participants.  The 7 wines included:

1. 2012 Premier Merlot – Northstar Winery
2. 2014 Mr. Popular Malbec – Alexander Nicole
3. 2011 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah – Cayuse Vineyards
4. 2009 Chester-Kidder – Long Shadows Vintners
5. 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Saviah Cellars
6. 2012 DuBrul Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – Va Piano
7. 2005 Col Solare Red Wine – Col Solare Winery

Prior to the actual tasting, the group needed to “acclimate their palates” so to speak….so we enjoyed a few bottles of three really outstanding pre-taste wines.  These included a 2015 Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2014 Bordeaux style blend (The Wanderling) from Pearl and Stone Wine Company, and a 2^nd 2014 Bordeaux style blend (Pun) from TruthTeller Winery.  These wines really ignited our palates as we prepared to dive into the tastings.

The crowd was awesome and we really enjoyed hosting the event!  The food was particularly enticing and paired nicely with the various wines on the list, and from all accounts, all the wines were really delicious!  As the evening rolled on, some of the group decided to pair a Port style wine with some cigars, and that was a perfect ending to a fantastic evening.  Thanks to all of you who participated and let’s raise a glass in anticipation of next year’s event!  Cheers!!