News from the Nose, June 2013

For 2012, all of our wines (except for Sweet Aurora) will be packaged in Eco-bottles, produced right here in Washington State.  The glass is produced using recycled cullet (the manufacturer is targeting 60+%) at a plant in South Seattle.  The recycled glass uses less energy to produce and the bottle is lighter in weight making them less expensive to ship – good for me and for you!

The reds have done about all that they are going to do on their own, so we are now at the stage of test-driving blends.  It’s a long and tedious process, but well worth it! This weekend we’ll be tasting the 5th round of samples for the Syrah (aka The Pound Puppy) and Tail Wagger, as well as several variations on the Ciel de Chien. I’m still amazed at how even 1% of some varieties can completely change the blend. I hope to have some winners this time, since bottling should start the first week of July.

In addition to the blends, we’ll also have a goodly number of cases for several single varietal reds, including Carmenere, Dolcetto, Malbec, Montepulciano, and Petite Sirah. The Petit Verdot had a “lucky accident”, so there won’t be a single varietal of that grape for 2012. You’ll have to come by the winery for details!

We are now maintaining regular hours for tasting – Thursday/Friday/Saturday from 11 to 5. We are around much of the rest of the time and are usually happy to open up for you if you drop by. Since we are off the beaten path, it can’t hurt to call before wandering out on “off days.”  If we are with customers or otherwise occupied, we will call you back as soon as we can.

GPS on your cell phone might lead you astray if you are coming from east of the winery.  Best to use the directions on the web site, or call for directions!

Aurora

Favorite canine Aurora  was recently featured on the KNDU-TV evening news.

Watch the video of Sleeping Dog Wines in action by Dan McCool of  I Drink Your Wine.