Bellevue wine experts in the know
September 15, 2009
If you haven’t seen it yet, the most recent issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine features features 11 top wine experts and their picks for the best 100 Northwest wines under $50 (see “Premier Crew” at seattlemet.com). In a veritable toast to Bellevue, five of the eleven experts consulted represent existing or about-to-open downtown Bellevue establishments:
April Pogue, General Manager at Grand Cru Wine Bar and Shop
Of note is her selection of the 2006 Bunnell Family Cellars Northridge Vineyard Mourvedre (from the Wahluke Slope), a winery we just discovered this spring. Grand Cru is a great spot for a quick after-work visit, and if you’re not on their email list yet, you should be – wine tastings nearly daily!
Michael Anderson, Beverage Director at 0/8 Seafood Grill & Twisted Cork Wine Bar
Michael earned a 2008 Award of Ultimate Distinction from Wine Enthusiast magazine. He’s offering 9 selections. We echo his endorsement of the 2005 Kestrel Cabernet – 2005 was an amazing year for Washington wines, particularly the red varietals, and it’s great to see them coming to market.
Lisa Rongren, Wine Director at John Howie Steak
Anyone with the Herbfarm on their resume has to be exceptional, and we’re looking forward to seeing Lisa at John Howie Steak (see “The Bravern Brings New York to the Table” blog post). Lisa’s choices include some unusual varietals and she pays homage to Washington’s newest AVA, Lake Chelan, with her choice of the 2008 Benson Winery Sangiovese – bound to pair well with some of that Wagyu beef from Kyushu, Japan!
Lucas St. Clair, Wine Director at Wild Ginger Bellevue
With experience in the kitchen (including a Grande Diplome from the Cordon Bleu in Paris), as well as the dining room (Wild Ginger Seattle, and the legendary 11 Madison Park in New York), you know you’re going to get some superior suggestions to pair with your entrée at Wild Ginger Bellevue. And it looks like he’s really gotten to know the winemakers, as his picks go beyond the usual suspects and include some up-and-comers like Luke Bradford (2007 CorCellars Momentum, Horse Heaven Hills).
Dawn Smith, Wine Director at Purple Café and Wine Bar and Barrio (opening in Bellevue Towers, late-September 2009)
Dawn graces the cover of the current fall issue of Bellevue Downtown, and we can’t wait for the doors to open at Purple. Dawn’s picks include some stellar syrahs; she rightly notes Washington is gaining a great reputation for our syrahs, and she’s highlighted three: Corvidae Lenore, Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe, and VaPiano syrah. Purple is ‘a little something extra in itself!
With all the attention on restaurants lately, we thought due attention should also be paid to the wine side of things. Get out there and sip a glass today! These fine folks will be happy to help you make the most of your food and wine pairings.
by wasabi prime
Really looking forward to both Purple and Barrio opening soon. Have had great wine experiences at Twisted Cork and look forward to the selections at the other new restaurants recently opened.