So we’d been dying for an excuse to kick off this Oprah-esque column when your thirsty neighborhood editor bumped into a former neighbor who reminded us that Urban Vines in Mt. Baker has free wine tastings several times a month, and it seems that today is our lucky day:
Here it is, your last minute reminder that free wine will once again be flowing this Thur., March 26, from 5 to 8 at Urban Vines. A rather unusual contrast of characters this week as we pit the classic blends of the Cotes du Rhone against the venerable Fairview Estate of South Africa.
And what South African contingent would be complete without the enigmatic pinotage. If you have yet to try this S.A. exclusive, what better chance. Fairview co-ferments this wine with a small percentage of viognier, a practice that originated in southern France, which brings me back to our CDR selections.
We have an 07 syrah from Andezon that, while still in a somewhat ornery tween stage, if you’re the type to leave a half-full bottle on the table for the next night this one will reward with glimpses of what’s to come if you can show a little patience. Personally I suggest stocking up on wines like this, or any wine for that matter… you never know when you might need something to barter with when the dollar goes the way of Zimbabwe’s.
That reminds me, we have a couple syrahs from Africa as well, not Zimbabwe but pretty close. Good thing you’re not in Zimbabwe or it would cost you close to ten grand for the pair. A completely different wine, from the Andezon although at its root we’re talking about the same grape, they just choose to call it shiraz like their cohorts down in Australia.
Come to think of it, the Aussies actually make a white shiraz although it’s nothing like the white wine from Ogier that we’ll be pouring. This one is a classic Rhone blend of grenache blanc, bourboulenc, clairette, roussanne and viognier. I think we’re going in circles now, I need to get some dinner.
Garett and Lisa are so friendly and welcoming that they make learning about wine fun, enjoyable and perhaps most importantly these days, affordable. In the mood for a bottle of vino? Forget the grocery store. Stop by Urban Vines and don’t be surprised if they offer you a glass of whatever’s open. Ah, a glimpse of heaven from McClellan and Lake Park Drive… Tell ‘em the RVP sent you!
Urban Vines (721-3456) is located at 3605 South Mcclellan Street in Mt. Baker. Photo/do communications, inc.
On The Wine-Tasting Menu This Week:
- Ogier Heritages CDR Blanc 2006 $12
- Ogier Heritages CDR Rouge 2006 $ 12
- Andezon CDR Rouge 2007 $12
- Fairview Shiraz 2006 $15
- Fairview Pinotage/Viognier 2007 $20
- Fairview Beacon Shiraz $35
Who to know, where to eat & what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes!
{ 9 comments }
The use of the descriptor “bougie” bothers me. I wasn’t going to say anything, but it follows on yesterday’s use of “gold coast” to describe Caffe Vita on Seward Park Ave and I can’t help but notice this as a trend. (And I’ve never heard the term “gold coast” used before to describe that area.) If the blog is for all neighborhoods south of I-90, this does include the relatively better-off, better-amenitied neighborhoods of Mt. Baker and Seward Park. While I’m not a resident of either, I am uncomfortable with the editorial bias I see creeping in when these neighborhoods, and the businesses therein, are described in the Post. You don’t have to like how South of 90 has changed/is changing, but it is changing. I like being able to grab a coffee or (know that I can) buy a bottle of wine while patronizing my local businesses. Thanks for listening.
I agree with Aimee’s comments above. Not sure why Cafe Vita was described as “Gold Coast,” in the laptop computer thief incident…because I want to read more about the offenders so we can catch them!
Thanks for your feedback, Aimee, but I’m not exactly sure what bothers you about this particular post since we’re obviously touting UV and specifically suggest spending your money there (“Places We Like”)?
And to be fair, if it’s not bougie to suggest sipping wine in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, what is?! That doesn’t mean I won’t keep suggesting it, or be there myself tonight, but let’s be real.
With regard to Caffe Vita, “Gold Coast” is a term that has long been used to describe Seward Park as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the Rainier Valley. In fact, I’ve heard several SP neighbors use it to describe their own neighborhood, and I don’t see anything disparaging about the term.
And as a regular patron of both Urban Vines and Caffe Vita, I’m pretty sure I don’t hold any unfair biases.
But more importantly, I think some of you guys are taking my wordplay a little too seriously. I am oftentimes totally irreverent as a means to stay sane in the midst of a whole lot of crime, a knee-knocking recession, government corruption and other bad news that I always try to balance with good news, as well as a little bit of humor. It’s just my nature.
So please try to get used to it, cause it’s just how the RVP rolls.
PS. With regard to laptop theft, if you want to hear more then tell SPD to get back to us. We’ve been waiting for answers for days now and they don’t seem in any hurry to provide any details, particularly whether or not there’s been any arrests…
I like the cultural variety we have in the RVP. I don’t know of anywere in Seattle where I can do the following all in the same block.:
1) Get a hot link sandwich
2) Get a full set
3) Go do some yoga
More bougie content, please! (Don’t care what you call it.)
I have to admit that both terms made me wonder what you were talking about. and maybe its my currently snot-nosed kid, but at first I thought “bougie” was pronounced “boogie” as in “boogers”…
I’m not against classist descriptions, but it’d be helpful for those of us not in the know to get a short glossary. I know for a fact that my middle class upbringing made my ears deaf to class terms, and I’m still in a learning curve.
And I’m happy to have news of anything free linked with wine.
tlp
I too find myself with my head in the sand and out of the “know” from time to time. My first thought on “bougie” also conjured images of a viral artifact…The baby manufacturing business is nothing if not distracting, 2 in the past 3 years for me.
http://www.urbandictionary.com
Thanks ahow! Now I know what a “bromance” is…
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