“Washington State’s Columbia, long described as having great potential, has fulfilled many expectations and its future is as bright today as any viticultural region’s on Earth. Pundits and critics, including yours truly, have said for years that Washington State had the capacity to produce spectacular wines, on par with any the world has to offer”. -Robert Parker

Wouldn’t you, too, be curious about the world wine region that earns more 90+ scores than Bordeaux and Napa?

Chateau Ste. Michelle, DeLille Cellars, L’Ecole #41, Eroica, Columbia Crest, Red Diamond, NorthStar, 14 Hand, Col Solare... We are proud to offer more than 35 great labels from these most reknown Washington wineries. We invite you to visit their websites to learn more about the diversity of their vineyards, perspectives in winegrowing and winemaking, and get a sense of place. Please click on the links and enjoy the tour!

To a wine lover, to discover a new region is a fantastic experience. The Washington Wine Commission has put together a very attractive website, where everything you would want to learn about making wine in Washington is offered with great ease. Pay them a visit to learn more about the fastest winegrowing region in the United States.

The proof will be in your glass!  Take a look at our  Washington Wines Tasting Guide  and discover the very best that Washington has to offer. Enjoy!

Interesting, unique, facts about Washington winegrowing regions:

Washington State is now the secong largest wine producer of the United States.

Rainfall is much lower in Washington winegrowing areas that in Napa Valley and Bordeaux.

Washington winegrowing areas enjoy longer daylight hours, when compared to Napa Valley and Bordeaux.

Significally cooler nighttime temperatures preserves natural acidity, naturally, which translates to balanced wines that are as well full of character.

Washingtonians are proud of their relaxed lifestyle. They have developed a great passion for their local agriculture and surroundings. Their wines reflect this desire to fully enjoy the priviledge of the land they call home.

Exceptional quality is offered at all level. Price is never an excuse to fail the customer expectations.

Only premium wine is produced in the US most now famed northwest wineries.

Big and small wineries are comitted to the success of the “Washington Wine” recognition.

Latitudes matter! Washington winegrowing regions are located within 46 and 48 northern hemisphere belt, sharing those ‘planet coordinates’ with prestigious winegrowing regions such as Northern Rhone, Burgundy and the Loire Valley.

Although the season is shorter, at the peak, Washington can brag about having higher (when compared to Bordeaux and Napa Valley) daily mean temperatures which balance the colder nights and the extra hanging time in cooler, dry weather.

Offer a very approachable wine style that is still complex, attractive and a great number of labels that are truly worth of aging.

Wine lovers see in Washington wines an opportunity to discover new profiles from their favorite grapes and are enticed to try other grapes grow so well in the state.

Washington wines are extremely competitive, when it comes to comparing to their counterparts in California and France.

Their interpretation of “fruit forward” is much more restraint than for the Australia wine industry, which allows wine lovers to enjoy this style of wine without getting their palates stunned.

And, yes, 44% of Washington’s wine earn 90+ scores in prestigious and well respected specialized publications, versus the  34% that earns Napa Valley, 33% Australia and 23% Bordeaux.

Well done, indeed!

Tasting Table: 15 Superb wines under $35

This month we have selected 15 fine labels thinking of those times when you want to enjoy with a closer circle of friends, or even just by yourself enjoying your favorite music, or watching a great film.

The list is compiled on a small PDF file, with pictures and  tasting notes which you may download, print it to give yourself a break from the screen, keep it in a file in your computer or send it to a friend.

Should you want to get into our Tasting Table experience, you can easily purchase online 24 hours at www.plazacellars.com, or call our office, 787 781 2070 X1339,  Monday thru Friday, 9 to 5pm and place your order.

Special Price until January 31st on Internet/ Telephone Sales ONLY.

Download Wines of the Month

2 Fontana di Roma ...

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New Arrivals: Belle Glos 2007 Collection

Consistently scoring 90+ in all labels, Belle Glos is definitely one of wine writers favorite names. These achievements come after years of successful experiences and winemaking understanding, the Wagners being the same family responsible for Caymus Vineyards.

For serious Pinot Noir lovers, Belle Glos is a must have cellar selection. Availability is very limited and for a limited time, a special price will be offered through telephone sales only.

Rarely can we offer the complete collection of the latest vintage. . . read more.

Collector's Selection: Cask 23 2005

A classic example of tremendous power and great finesse. The wine presents a symphony of aromas from sweet black fruit to cigar box, from savory spices of clove, allspice and licorice to dried herbs and flowers, even a touch of minerality. This complexity carries over to the palate with flavors that are reminiscent of spiced chutney. The bold flavors are wrapped in a blanket of supple tannins and persist through an extraordinarily long finish. It’s a wine sure to enhance any dining experience. Savor it alongside venison chops with blackberry compote, bacon-wrapped quail, or a selection of aged artisan cheeses. Read more...

As this is a fine collector's label, quantities are limited. For a limited time only, a special price will be offered through our Internet / Telephone Sales service.

Please call Niolka Alicea at 787 781 2070 X1339 for more information.

News, classes, tastings ...

Missed our last edition?

Click here to see our Pinot Noir issue and our Pinot Noir Tasting Guide, read about Calera Wines, news, and more!

Get those New Years resolutions to a great start!

Our Intermediate Wine Course will begin next Thursday, January 29nd. See the Calendar or go to the "Academy" link for the schedule and registering information.

Our Basic Course will begin next Thursday, February 5th. See the Calendar or go to the "Academy" link for the schedule and registering information.

The Best of Washington Tasting at Plaza Cellars

Friday, February 6th, 6-9pm. More than 30 wines will be showcased "festival style". Organize your wine friends and make your reservations today. Limited capacity. $55.00 per person. Call 787 781 20 70 X1339. See our Calendar for more information.

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