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Autumn is a Second Spring
When Every Leaf is a Flower
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This month:
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Moving In, Getting Down
* Primitivo, Zinfandel : Tomayto, Tomahto ?
* Finding Grace
* Fall Brings Peace and Beauty to The Gorge
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As anyone who has ever undertaken a construction or remodel project has learned the hard way, it is foolish to set a firm date for completion. That only provokes the Gods of Such Things, who will punish your insolence. So it was with the new winery, we tip-toed around expectations, were at times downright evasive. Mother Nature, however, heeds no master and harvest waits for no man (or contractor). Thus on the morning of Monday, August 28th an army of strong men with big trucks descended upon Mistral Ranch in Lyle and moved every last tank and barrel, crusher and press across the river to Idiot's Grace in Mosier. About a week later, we brought in Sauvignon Blanc.
Just the way we planned it....
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A Crljenak by Any Other Name
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It started with this picture and an innocent query on FB. A dedicated follower guessed "Zinfandel" and was denied. Accusations of "trickiness" followed. So what's the story? In more primitive times, it was widely accepted that California's Zinfandel and Italy's Primitivo were the same grape. Whimsical tales were woven to explain how they migrated from one place to the other, and in which direction. Not content to let proverbial dogs lie, technology and curiosity have advanced and contrived to replace myth with cold hard fact. Turns out that the two are "clones" (vini-speak for a naturally occurring genetic sub-type) of a Croatian grape called Crljenak. How similar are they? European label laws allow them to be used interchangeably while the US TTB remains unconvinced. We are lobbying for a return to its original New England-American moniker: Black St. Peters.
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Where can you buy our wines?
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We get asked this question a lot and, for most of you, the answer is surprisingly simple: Wherever you buy wine. We are currently distributed in ten states and our distributor partners in each can supply our wines to any and all retailers and restaurants therein. All you, the consumer, have to do is ask for it. The buyer at your preferred establishment can order it for you and have it in a matter of days. Chain stores may not co-operate but small independent shops are usually happy to oblige and your efforts may even turn them on to us. For which we would be eternally grateful.
Current states and distributors: OR (Casa Bruno), WA - Vancouver & Gorge (Northwest Wine Distributors), WA & ID (Cru Selections), CA (True North), TX (Serendipity), MD, VA, DC (Free Run Wine Merchants), NC (Rise over Run) & MO (Claverach Wine).
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Of course, you can always stock up at the source
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It has been said that Lewis and Clark tried to describe The Gorge in their writing but the raw beauty could not be put into words. They must have been here at this time of year. And been sitting on the deck of our Tasting Room.
Through October, we are here Fri-Mon from 11-6.
In November & December it'll be Fri-Sun, 11-5 with a "Left-overs Party" Thanksgiving Weekend.
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Salute from the Family and our wonderful Team here in the Gorge.
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IDIOT'S GRACE / MEMALOOSE
34 State Street (HWY 14), Lyle, WA 98635
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