In honor of the upcoming Seattle Swillfest, I thought it appropriate to raise a glass or two of the NW's finest, sort of a WA wet-twowspective! Sorry I'll miss the party.

'97 CSM Rsv. Chard: Beautiful deep gold color, excellent clarity, w/long, thin legs. Honeyed, spiced pears and orange blossom aromas compliment a smooth, honeyed pear, sweet orange, and perfectly toasted oak barrage of flavor. Long, long finish. Kybo sez 92 pts., $27, "A" QPR. A really wonderful WA chardonnay.

'94 Apex Cab: Decanted for 45 mins. prior to tasting. Brilliant deep ruby color, a small amount of sediment and tartrates at the cork. Semi-opaque, w/deep aromas of sweet plums, green pepper, spices (cloves?), tar, and cedar. The dark fruits well up from the front of the tongue toward the back w/a rush of still firm tannin, followed by a spicy black fruit and sweet oak finish of considerable length. This wine has improved IMO since I last tasted it mid-'00. 92 pts., $40, solid "A" QPR. Glad I still have a couple of bottles left - this one's got a few more years under its cork!

I really enjoy Apex wines. Tonight I had a 98 Cab and thought it was very good for $25. I love the 94 vintage for Washington wines.

Have you had the 98 CSM Res Chard? Can get it here for $20.

DaveMCI;
Haven't seen the '98 CSM Rsv. Chard here yet. I'd appreciate your TN's for my files/when it arrives. Happy 4th!

Just a bump - had another bottle of the '94 Apex last night and it is drinking wonderfully right now.