I was first drawn to the Naches Heights Vineyard (NHV) wines the same way that may aspiring wine drinkers discover bottles they love and hate, I looked at the label. While this isn’t the “scientific” or “conventional” way to discover new wines it is how this branding and marketing minded wine drinker explores the wonderful and sometimes overwhelming world of wines.
Phil shared his delicious wine at the Seattle Wine & Food Experience back in February and I was drawn to his charismatic personality and yes, the amazing wine labels! Located in lovely Yakima, the NHV tasting room offers rolling hills, waterfalls and breathtaking views of their vineyards. Their table brochure, absconded on my second trip to their tasting table, highlights facilities that accommodate weddings, meetings, wine tastings, Glamping…yes, they list Glamping. Sign a sister up!
Tell me a bit about yourself, and how you wound up in Wine.
I am a refugee from the tree fruit industry. When I left the apple business I wanted to continue farming. I have always enjoyed wine and a winemaker friend suggested I plant some grapes on the property. What drew me to wine was more the ability to sustain a lifestyle by planting something on my property that would be exciting and relevant to the future. Wine consumption in the United States continues to grow and it seemed like a good idea. I am not a wine maker. I am a grower and director of wine making. We proved high quality fruit for the wine makers to do their magic on. I direct the style of wine that is produced from the vineyards.
Favorite Wine this year?
My favorite wine this year is Carmen; a blend that turned out all to well. I love when that happens. (One a side note, this is my FAVORITE wine that I”ve tasted of his! I call it “the one that started it all!)
Favorite thing about the wine industry?
The people. The Washington wine industry is young enough that we all are helping one another. At some point I imagine that my change but till then. Hoopla!
Fun fact about you?
I love to eat not cook. I can do quite well in the kitchen when my mind is right. Breakfast is my favorite meal.
Fun fact about one of the wines?
Our Riesling goes with anything.
Connect with NHV
Head over to their website to learn more about their relaxing and welcoming tasting room and event space or read up their recent wine awards. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook or read Phil’s blog, Grape Minds Think Alike.
The sun had just started to peek out for the first day in years, or so it felt, and company was in town. What did we do? Well Wednesday afternoon wine tasting of course! We made a B line for the Airfield Estates Tasting room nestled in the “Wine Country” portion of Woodinville. Walking into the room, you’re greeted by the aviation charm and very friendly staff. Jim and Jim took great care of us, ushering us to a table and promptly getting glasses in our hands to start the tasting!
You know it’s a good tasting when you walk out with 16 bottles of wine! That wasn’t even the wine ordering! Their wines are so flavorful, dynamic and yet affordable even on retail prices. When the last double magnum of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon showed up for my birthday, so did a membership to the Airfield Estates Wine Club. Here is a shameless plug for joining their wine club: “There is no joining fee. Simply commit to purchasing a minimum of 2 cases of wine per calendar year and receive a 20% discount on all wine purchases”. Once you do a tasting you’ll see how possible it is to achieve the 2 case minimum per year, their wines are truly wonderful! http://www.airfieldwines.com/wine_club/
We were BLOWN AWAY by the Pinot Gris, Ruby Rose, Merlot and Runway Syrah. Already a fan of their Viognier as one of the rare white wines I actually truly enjoy, it was delightful to find an equally as wonderful Pinot Grios. The flavor was so balanced and drinkable, and would truly pair with any summer type meal with which you’d traditionally enjoy a white. The Ruby Rose was just out of this WORLD! There aren’t words that I could ever pen to do that lovely pink bottle justice. You simply need to go purchase a case of it immediately. It was dry, balanced, and not too sweet. Just delightful! The Merlot we described as “active” because it truly has various flavors that shine throughout the sip and plays with your taste buds. As for the Syrah, I’m already craving a good steak or braised pork shoulder to enjoy a bottle of that wonderful magic with!
WHITES
2011 Sauvignon Blanc ( $12/bottle; Member Price:$9.60)
Light-bodied, dry, and refreshing, this wine lights up your taste buds with flavors of lemon-lime and grapefruit. Well balanced with bright acidity, it sparks a clean, crisp finish that pairs perfectly with oysters, tossed salads, light fish, and chicken.
2011 Viognier ( $15/bottle; Member Price:$12)
85% stainless steel fermented and 15% aged in neutral oak. This whine exhibits flavors of lemon leading to a round-mid-palate and crisp finish. This lightly oaked Viognier pairs well with root vegetables, salmon, lobster, and braised chicken.
2011 Flygirl White ( $12/bottle; Member Price:$9.60)
39% Viognier, 35% Semillon, & 26% Pinot Gris. This signature white blend is crisp and dry showcasing layers of melon and citrus fruit. Enjoy with lighter fare, such as a salad, pasta, seafood, and poultry.
2011 Pinot Gris ( $15/bottle; Member Price:$12)
This fruit-forward Pinot Gris reveals nuances of pear, melon, & tropical fruit. With a rounded medium-bodied mouthfeel & soft well-balanved finish, this wine is enjoyable on its own or pairs nicely with a cheese plate, light pastas, halibut, or chicken.
REDS
2010 Bombshell Red ( $16/bottle; Member Price:$12.80)
37% Merlot, 37% Syrah, 14% Malbe, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc. A beloved favorite of many, this approachable signature red blend has dark overlapping aromas of plum, blackberry, and a hit of cocoa, leaving lingering flavors of dark fruit and toasted oak on the palate. With firm tannins and a round, full-bodied mouthfeel, this blend pairs well with a wide range of foods.
2010 Tempranillo ( $20/bottle; Member Price:$16)
This full-bodied Tempranillo showcases layers of boysenberry and black cherry with earthy nuances and finishes with lingering tannins. Traditionally paired with Spanish style dishes, this wine complements flavorful grilled meats or vegetables, mushroom risotto, and hard cheeses.
2009 Merlot ( $20/bottle; Member Price:$16)
This Merlot captivates the senses with intense flavors of dark berry and plum with nuances of clove. Supple tannins and a full-bodied mouthfeel create a balance that can hold hit own against hearty meats, yet pairs perfectly with pasta. Gold Medal, 2012 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ( $20/bottle; Member Price:$16)
Sources from 20 year old vines on our estate vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases layers of cherry, blackcurrant, and toasted oak. Full-bodied and smooth with integrated tannins, this wine pairs well with steak, rich sauces, and robust cheeses.
+2011 Ruby Rose ( $15/bottle; Member Price:$12)
100% Sangiovese. This rosé has enticing aromas of strawberries and cream with undertones of pink grapefruit leading to a light bodied mouthfeel and zesty refreshing finish. Crisp and dry, this wine beckons you to kick your feet up and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
+2010 Runway Syrah ($18/bottle)
This dark, concentrated Syrah possesses flavors of dark berry, clove, and white pepper. With silky smooth tannins and a plush round mouthfeel, this well-balanced wine pairs great with lamb, beef, and aged gouda. (This wine was specifically handcrafted for select wine shops and restaurants, and it is only available online to Airfield Estates Wine Club Members.)
Location and Contact Info
14450 Woodinville-Redmond Road, Suite #109
Woodinville, WA 98072 USA
425.877.1006
info@airfieldwines.com
The Ambiance
Just for fun I asked our out of town guest to do a mini interview on our tasting! See answers below!
What were your first impressions of the tasting room and types of wine when you walked in? My first impression was the simple ambiance of the tasting room and the throwback to a time of great American pride and spirit. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly and hospitable! I loved looking at all of the bottles and the other displays.
What was the most memorable wine you tasted? Absolutely the Pinot!
What would you write on a suggestion card for the winery to exceed your expectations on your next visit? Should change glasses with each pour so that previous wine does not inhibit or change taste of new wine. Also should offer a little cracker to cleanse palate before each new taste.
And… two boxes came home with us to reunite with their Magnum family!
Everyone has had those days where you’d rather gnaw your own arm off than cook. No matter how much you usually adore it, there is just no inspirational energy left in your body. Those types of days pose a special problem for me because, surprise surprise, I’m picky. I like my food how I like it and when I want it and I want to use fresh ingredients. If you opened my freezer you wouldn’t find any Hungry Man dinners or Lean Cuisine Steamers.
But alas, last night I just did NOT want to cook and was so thankful that I’ve learned to plan ahead and stock the kitchen! It’s NOT hard to eat delicious enriching and nutritious meals, even on those days that come hell or high water you are NOT picking up a pan! Below is an illustration of a simple, healthy meal that I literally “threw” together from what was in the fridge.
Those are the days I’m thankful that it is so easy to eat wholesome food if you just plan ahead a bit and stock GOOD quality ingredients. Above is a little plate of broiled zucchini and yams, sliced heirloom tomatoes with cracked sea salt and pepper dusted with dried parsley, a few grapes, fresh basil and arugula and some balsamic drizzled grilled chicken breast and a few rosemary crackers. We recently tried a salad at Bisato in Seattle (my review posted here) with 20 year aged balsamic dressing and it was INCREDIBLE! We wound up ordering another of the salads and that weekend went on a hunt to Pike Place to find a bottle! Stocking your pantry with fresh ingredients and using quality oils/vinegar and spices really does wonders for sprucing up a meal! Even a simple meal like chicken and veggies becomes a work of art with the right flavors!
Shown in this picture at left clockwise from the wine 🙂 is….
Rook Wine
La Panzonella Rosemary Croccantini (Whole Foods stocks them)
Oven Grilled Zucchini
Baked pepper chicken with 20 year balsamic drizzled over the top
Fresh Basil
Oven Grilled Yam Fries
Heirloom tomatoes with fresh cracked salt and pepper
Red Grapes
I was first drawn to the Naches Heights Vineyard (NHV) wines the same way that may aspiring wine drinkers discover bottles they love and hate, I looked at the label. While this isn’t the “scientific” or “conventional” way to discover new wines it is how this branding and marketing minded wine drinker explores the wonderful and sometimes overwhelming world of wines.
