Catch the Crush

Last weekend was a first for me. I survived a wild three days on Red Mountain at the tasting room during Catch the Crush. Our little modern shed welcomed more than 400 people over the span of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was by far the busiest with about 250 people stopping by to visit. It was great to meet so many current members, as well signing up some new ones!

We poured five wines last weekend, while always keeping something special on hand for our members who came to visit. Of course, the two new Optus were featured, along with the brand new release of the 2007 Semillon and our Columbia Valley Cabernet and Merlot. If anyone is hiding 2005 CV Cabernet in their cellar, I’d encourage to pop a bottle open and see how much it is already maturing. It was pouring beautifully this weekend, and many purchased bottles to see how they’ll be in another year or two. A recently opened 2004 knocked my socks off.

As a fun addition to the weekend, we also hosted a beautiful winemaker dinner on the patio Saturday evening. The safari-themed dinner was part of an auction that benefited Washington Wine Country, and featured Chef Jason Wilson from the restaurant Crush in Seattle, John and Gretchen from Bookwalter, Tim and Kelly from Hightower and Charlie pouring our own wines. It was a great event that I was happy to be a part of. The table was set beautifully, the food was incredible and I think everyone had a great time.

For those who haven’t heard yet, we received our Wine Spectator subscription Saturday morning to find that the 2005 Fidelitas Champoux Cabernet just scored 92 POINTS!