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On Friday, November 13, the Ocean Crest Resort will host Boudreaux Cellars of Leavenworth, WA and Dunham Cellars of Walla Walla, WA for a joint winemaker dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m. Guests of honor for the event will be Rob Newson, Boudreaux Cellars Owner and Winemaker and Dan Wampfler, Dunham Cellars Winemaker. Cost of the dinner is $130 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
The wines to be featured at the dinner, in order, are:
- Course #1 2007 Boudreaux Unfiltered Chardonnay Bishop's & Celilo Vineyards
- Course #2 2005 Dunham Syrah Columbia Valley
- Course #3 2005 Boudreaux Merlot Washington
- Course #4 2005 Pursued by Bear Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
- Course #5 2005 Bourdreaux Cabernet Sauvignon Washington
- Course #6 2008 Dunham Late Harvest Riesling Lewis Vineyard
The Boudreaux/Dunham Winemaker Dinner has been sold out for weeks. We are now adding names to a waiting list.
To be added to the waiting list - or for any other matter - contact me personally by calling 1-800-684-8439 or by e-mail stephen@oceancrestresort.com.
Cheers!
Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort
Tomorrow evening, Friday October 9 at 7:30 p.m., the Ocean Crest Restaurant will be kicking off our 2009-2010 Northwest Winemaker Dinner Series with a five-course dinner featuring Camaraderie Cellars of Port Angeles, WA.
The evening's guests of honor will be Camaraderie Cellars Owner and Winemaker Don Corson and his wife Vicki. The dinner costs $100 per person and is currently sold out.
The five course dinner was designed by the Ocean Crest chefs to pair perfectly with five of the Corson's exceptional boutique wines.
Course 1:
2008 Viognier accompanied by
Thai Prawn Cocktail with Mango Relish
Course 2:
2005 Cabernet Franc accompanied by
Smoked Seafood Cake served on a bed of greens with Tsatsiki Dressing
Course 3:
2005 Merlot accompanied by
Charbroiled Pheasant Breast with Bing Cherry Treacle with Gorgonzola-Mushroom Risotto
Palate Cleanser:
Pink Grapefruit and Mint Gelee
Course 4:
2002 Grace accompanied by
Buffalo Tenderloin with Berry Demi-Glace
Course 5:
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied by
Chocolate-Earl Grey-Dried Cherry Torte
Sam McMillan will serve the dinner. I will act as wine steward and host.
Cheers!
Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort
What is the single most important white wine from Washington State EVER?
Chateau Ste. Michelle's 'Ethos' Late Harvest White Riesling Columbia Valley 2006!
Why?
The Paul Gregutt Wine Enthusiast review:
"This is just this side of unctuous, a decadently ripe, rich and buttery late-harvest Riesling. The residual sugar is 23%, the alcohol is a moderate 8%, and the balance is impeccable. Beyond the fruit flavors of peach, apricot, banana, mango, papaya and melon, there is butter and butterscotch, trailing into sweet tea and honey. This wine moves gracefully across the palate, tossing new flavors into the mix as it dances to a multiminute finale."
Mr. Gregutt enjoyed the wine so much, he gave it the highest marks he has ever given a Washington white wine: 96 POINTS!
The Harvey Steiman Wine Spectator review:
"Has amazing balance and depth, splaying out its lime-scented apricot and honey flavors, then pulling it all together into a tremendously long, exquisitely balanced finish that hints at all sorts of spice and floral notes. An utterly seamless wine that has the balance to age gracefully. Drink now through 2026.
"
Mr. Steiman one-upped Mr. Gregutt's score and gave it the highest marks he has ever given a Washington white wine: 97 POINTS!
You can enjoy a bottle of the Ste. Michelle 'Ethos' Late Harvest White Riesling Columbia Valley 2006 at the Ocean Crest Restaurant for $75.00.
There is literally no better way to finish a fine meal than with this wine. And that is what we are going to do!
On Friday, January 22, 2010, the Ocean Crest Resort will feature a winemaker dinner unlike any other. Named "The Best of the Northwest," the dinner will feature six of the most important wines from Washington and Oregon.
The line-up of wines for "The Best of the Northwest" dinner includes:
- 2006 Ken Wright Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (93 points - Wine Spectator)
- 2006 K Vintners 'Royal City' Syrah (100 points, Paul Gregutt of the Wine Enthusiast)
- 2006 Andrew Will 'Sorella' (95 points - Wine Spectator)
- 2005 Leonetti Merlot (95 points - Wine Enthusiast , 92 points - Wine Spectator)
- 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (100 points - Wine Advocate, 96 points - Wine Enthusiast, 94 points - Wine Spectator)
- 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Ethos' Late Harvest White Riesling (97 points - Wine Spectator, 96 points - Wine Enthusiast)
Reservations can be made by phone by calling 1-800-684-8439 or by e-mail at stephen@oceancrestresort.com.Cheers!
Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort
On Friday, October 9, 2009 the Ocean Crest Resort will host Don Corson - owner and winemaker of Camaraderie Cellars - and his wife Vicki Corson, as our guests of honor at our first winemaker dinner of the 2009-2010 season.
The dinner will feature a five course meal, prepared by Ocean Crest chefs Jess Owen, Nita Johnson and James Mullins, designed to specifically compliment five of Camaraderie Cellar's boutique wines. The dinner will be hosted by Ocean Crest Wine & Spirits Director Stephen Pavletich. The dinner will cost $100 per person and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
The five Camaraderie Cellars wines to be featured on the dinner are:
- 2007 Viognier (Yakima Valley, Crawford Vineyard)
- 2005 Cabernet Franc (Washington State)
- 2005 Merlot (Washington State)
- 2002 Grace (Columbia Valley)
- 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State)
From the Camaraderie Cellar's web-page:
"Camaraderie Cellars is a craft winery that celebrates the bounty of life found in food, wine, hearth and table and the friendships grown in their sharing. Camaraderie Cellars' wines are counted among the 'must have' by all those who enjoy wine. Our commitments are to making world class quality wines, valuing our growers as true partners, and deepening our customer's enjoyment of wine and food. We hope you enjoy our wines and share our philosophy of sharing life's best gifts." - www.camaraderiecellars.com
To make reservations, please call 1-800-684-8439 or e-mail stephen@oceancrestresort.com.
This is an event you will not want to miss!
Cheers!
Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort
I didn't have to work today, my laundry was caught up and my household chores were done, so I decided to spend the day in Olympia.
My day was filled with many 'epicurean' adventures. Among them was a quick visit to Olympic Wine Merchants (101 Capitol Way N., Suite 106). As I entered the store I received friendly greetings from both employees. I was asked if there was anything in particular I was looking for and when I explained that I was simply "checking out their inventory" I was left to browse their shelves without interruption. The store was neat and clean and had a nice selection of both domestic and international wines. I spent most of my time browsing the Northwest section and was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of their offerings. Prices were slightly more expensive than what you see at Olympia grocery stores, but only by a few cents to a few dollars. I left with nothing, but I surely will return to spend money at Olympic Wine Merchants in the future.
I had lunch at Meconi's Italian Subs (1051 Capitol Way S.). As always, the service fell somewhere between unfriendly and horrible and the food was delicious. I had half of an Italian (salami and capicola with provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, black olive, pepperoncini, mayonnaise, Italian oil and oregano) and a fountain Diet Coke. The half sandwiches at Meconi's run between $3.99 and $4.69 and are easily as filling as a foot long from their competitors (one of which is directly across the street). I suggest, for the more adventurous among you, trying the egg salad and tuna TOGETHER in one sandwich. I had this a few years back and I swear it tastes as though it has been kissed by Jesus.
Jason, my sister Amy's boyfriend, joined me later in the day and we ended up at a quirky shop called einmaleins (121 State Avenue NE ~ www.1X1olympia.com). einmaleins describes itself as "Modern European lifestyle products for the Home, the Kitchen and for the Road." I picked out a book entitled "The Accidental Connoisseur: An Irreverent Journey through the Wine World" by Lawrence Osborne. The store clerk (possibly one of the owners) was very excited by my decision to buy the book. He exclaimed that the book is "genius." I can't wait to dig into it.
Jason and I stopped for 'dunch' - halfway between dinner and lunch - at the Urban Onion (116 Legion Way SE ~ www.theurbanonion.com). The restaurant changed hands recently, which worried me as I am literally obsessed with their lemon-tahini salad dressing and their grilled herb bread. We ordered a garden salad with lemon-tahini dressing a an order of the grilled herb bread. Both items (which we shared) were slightly different than I remember, but still very good. The biggest change of all was the quality of the service. In my opinion, Olympia is not known for its service and the Urban Onion, under its former ownership, was no exception to the rule. Well, things have certainly changed. Our server was friendly, informative and pleasant. She indulged our requests for extra dressing and chatted with us about the changes taking place. Our total bill was $3.95 - we left $7 and were on our way.
Slightly before Amy was to get off work, Jason and I stopped at the West Olympia Top Foods (1313 Cooper Point Road ~ www.top-foods.com). Amy was planning on preparing Chinese Chicken Salad for dinner, so Jason and I stopped to pick up a few needed ingredients. I browsed the shelves of their massive and amazing wine section and was in awe. Every big name in Northwest wine (except McCrea - long story) can be found there. I purchased a bottle of the 2007 Jezebel Pinot Noir, which is a second label from Daedalus Cellars (www.daedaluscellars.com). This wine recently received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and at only $20 a bottle, I had to pick one up. I also stopped at the cheese counter - one of the friendliest I've ever been to - and picked up a small piece of white cheddar and a small piece of Parmesan. Amy and I both enjoyed the wine very much. It is light-medium bodied, fruit forward (mostly strawberry and raspberry) and lightly spicy with light tannins and a quick finish. I believe this wine would perfectly compliment grilled chicken or salmon.
On another note, I picked up a vintage Candlewick pedestal cake stand at a second hand store in downtown Aberdeen yesterday for only $13. I can't wait to present a cake on it!
Cheers!
Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort
Last Sunday my mom, sister and I spent the day in Tacoma. The highlights of our day included visiting The Old House Mercantile Company, The Metropolitan Market and The Old Spaghetti Factory. However, the piece de resistance was seeing this woman biker and her pug!
The Old House Mercantile Company (2717 North Proctor Street ~ www.oldhousemercantile.com) has been a favorite Tacoma destination of mine for many years. On the first floor of The Old House there is a nice gift shop which carries an amazing assortment of Fiesta Dinnerware. Much like Kitchen Basics in Seattle, The Old House carries every piece in every available color and even has some discontinued pieces in discontinued colors. My sister bought a set of chili bowls and I ended up buying the hostess bowl in the new lemongrass color. Upstairs from the gift shop is The Old House Cafe (2717 North Proctor Street ~ www.theoldhousecafe.com). I ate there once a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed my meal - especially since it was served on Fiesta Dinnerware!
Just a block away from The Old House in Tacoma's Proctor District is The Metropolitan Market (2420 North Proctor Street ~ www.metropolitan-market.com). This was our first visit to this store and all three of us were in awe. From the bouquets of fresh flowers to the divine deli, from the amazing cheese and wine selections to the mini kitchen shop, the Metropolitan Market literally has it all.
I purchased a bottle of Charles Smith (of K Vintners) Boom Boom! Syrah Columbia Valley 2007 ($14.99). I tasted this wine a few months ago at a Vehrs Trade Tasting and felt it was one of the best values in Pacific Northwest Syrah I've ever encountered. The Boom Boom! can be found on the shelves of finer grocery stores or at your local wine shop or by visiting www.charlessmithwines.com.
However, there was a "must have" wine on the shelves of the Metropolitan Market. A number of bottles of the 2005 Cougar Crest Walla Walla Valley Estate Grown Cabernet Franc ($34.99) were sitting on the top shelf of the local wine section. This was a surprise as my distributor for Cougar Crest has been shipping out the 2006 for many months now and I only have one bottle of the 2005 left in our inventory at the restaurant. Why is the 2005 so special? Because it received a score of 93 points from Wine Spectator! Visit them at www.cougarcrestwinery.com.
From www.winespectator.com:
Supple, plush and generous with its gorgeous blueberry and currant fruit, shaded with mocha and black pepper nuances as the finish lingers enticingly. This has great stature and plenty of personality. Drink now through 2013.
Our last stop of the day was supposed to be dinner at Indochine Asian Dining Lounge (1924 Pacific Avenue ~ www.indochinedowntown.com) in downtown Tacoma. I took my mom there a few weeks ago and she fell in love with the place and we specifically planned our day around taking Amy to dinner there. Unfortunately, they are closed on Sundays. We ended up at the Old Spaghetti Factory (1735 Jefferson Avenue ~www.osf.com), both because it was close and because we were getting very hungry. It actually turned out to be a pretty decent meal at a very reasonable price.
Cheers!
Stephen Pavletich
Wine & Spirits Director
Ocean Crest Resort
