Uncorked #16: Columbia Valley's 2008 The Jack

Welcome to Uncorked! Where I feature a wine that I've tried and let you know my thoughts on it. There is a little disclaimer: I am by far no wine expert --I am just going to tell my thoughts on a wine. Some wine snobs out there might turn their nose up at my opinion and that's fine with me! Wine is meant to be savored and enjoyed! I might throw out some wine terms here and there and if I do, I will make sure that I give you the definition and try to explain them to the best of my abilities. My goal is to share some tasty wine picks with the world and hopefully encourage some of you out there to try a new wine. No bottle shall be discriminated against, price is no matter (with in reason), and this is just going to be all about exploring the world of wine.

This week's wine is:

Columbia Valley's 2008 The Jack

Description: Saviah Cellars' namesake, A. Saviah Hutchens married Jack Hutchens in the early 1900's and they homestead at Star Meadows in northwest Montana. We're betting you'll enjoy THE JACK while you reflect on your own family history.

Price: $15.99 per bottle
Region: Walla Walla, Washington

I could say that this was my first ever Washington state bottle of wine, but I would be lying. When visiting Seattle a few years ago, I enjoyed many of the local wines and Washington state has a great selection of wines! I love how this bottle of wine gives a history of how the name came about. I wish they would have gone into more detail about this relative of theirs (and a little about the wine itself) but I am sure the label size was just too small. The label looks really cool too, but this font was so hard to read! I looks like the year is 288. Anyways, that is my criticism from having a graphic design background. So the wine...it's a nice red blend. According to the website it's blend from a lot of vineyards around the area:
88% Merlot – Pepper Bridge Vineyard – Walla Walla Valley; Milbrandt Vineyard – Columbia Valley; Stone Ridge, Columbia Valley
4% Cabernet Sauvignon – McClellan Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
4% Cabernet Franc – McClellan Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
2% Syrah – Lewis Vineyard, Yakima Valley
2% Petite Verdot – Stillwater Creek Vineyard

When it says blend, wow, it's a blend, but a good one at that! The wine definitely has more of a Merlot feel. It was medium bodied, with hints of some cherries in it and I might be crazy, but I also think I could taste a little coffee. Maybe that is just me though associating it with Seattle :)

Would I buy it again? I guess. It's a nice wine and we really enjoyed it but usually if I am going to pay higher than $12 for a bottle I will usually be adventurous and try a new wine. If you are wanting a blend, one guaranteed to have your dinner party enjoy, I would recommend this wine. I am just not sure if I will become a repeat customer.

Fun Wine Fact: Washington's wine industry has become the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the state. The number of wineries in the state has increased 400% in the last decade, attracting two million annual visitors to Washington wine country and creating a two million dollar wine-tourism industry.

Pairs Well With: Chicken marsala, beef tenderloin, minestrone or veal Parmesan.

"If food is the body of good living, wine is its soul"
– Clifton Fadiman

~Beth