April 22nd, 2012
The 2012 vintage kicked off with bud break in mid-April, which was about 10 days later than normal. However, with the warm weather that we’ve experienced lately, the vintage is gaining momentum. The La Niña appears to be fading and we are anticipating the summer months will be warmer & drier than the previous two vintages.
Below are a few photos that we took as we strolled through the vineyard during bud break.
- Mike Miller, Owner & Grape Grower
Posted in Uncategorized
March 13th, 2012
Wine Press Northwest wrote a nice article about local Sangiovese wines including Airfield Estates 2008 Sangiovese described below:
“Lush strawberry jam, black cherry, chocolate-covered raspberry and cinnamon aromas don’t mislead on the flavor profile. The structure shows lots of extraction, richness and barrel influence as the tannins muscle through the acidity. Hints of crushed leaf should add to its ability to pair with a bowl of minestrone or osso bucco.”
Check out the full article: Sangioveses stand up well against Italy’s best | HeraldNet.com – Northwest Wines.
Posted in Uncategorized
February 13th, 2012
As the new year starts, we look forward to a new and fantastic year ahead. The long protracted fall allowed for our young vines to harden to the extreme temperatures of Winter. This will allow us to establish those vines to our trellises this Summer, and we should be able to reap the rewards of this establishment in 2013. When Winter finally arrived, temperatures did not approach thresholds that would result in significant bud injury, thus the vines are primed for a full crop. As you might remember, last year was not so kind to us, so we’re quite excited about this prospect. In addition, the entire Yakima AVA is dependant on the Yakima River and its tributaries for water supply. Thus far, the Snow pack for the Cascades has been at normal to above normal levels so the water supply looks to be solid for the new vintage.
There are other variables that we need to navigate to complete the season. We are hoping to say goodbye to the La Niña. Its presence has resulted in historically two of the coolest growing seasons on record. Warmer Summer temperature will supply the heat units necessary to bring our grapes to full maturity much earlier this year. This will lessen our exposure to fall frost, reduce disease pressure throughout the Spring & Summer, and give us a better opportunity to produce the highest quality fruit.
Last season was incredibly challenging. We had to deal with additional pressures brought on by high disease indexes. This required intensifying our regimes and we found ourselves working longer hours than we had ever experienced. We decided that our operation required another tractor in order to deal with this pressure. We rented a Kabota, thinking that we would use it for a short period of time, then return it to the dealership after our needs had been satisfied. What we discovered was it used about 70% of the fuel our other John Deere tractors were using, doing the same job at the same speed. This did not seem to require to much thought, we changed the contract to a purchase and ended up trading an older unit in for a second Kabota. Fuel consumption is a huge component of our budget, and we could see that we could make the payments on fuel savings. At the same time, we are also reducing our environmental footprint.
We continuously strive to achieve the desirable outcome by applying softer chemicals, using less fuel, and putting into practice a myriad of other “sustainable practices†in efforts to reduce our footprint and provide a safer environment for our crew. We are only here for a short time. Our farms and our vineyards will outlive us. We need to be responsible as growers to ensure their survival. Farmers are true stewards, spending millions of dollars annually to improve their farms. Next time you meet a farmer, give him or her a hug.
Posted in Airport Ranch, Farm
December 27th, 2011
Ring in the New Year with some wonderful wine & appetizers.
Below are a few of Airfield’s recommendations:
2010 FLYGIRL WHITE
Pairing: Spring Rolls, Shrimp Cocktail, a Fresh Fruit Tray, and Gouda Cheese.
2010 VIOGNIER
Pairing: Hummus Spread, Chicken Satay, & Asian Lettuce Wraps.
2010 LIGHTNING
Pairing: Smoked Salmon, Crab Cakes, Fish Tacos, and Sautéed Scallops.
2010 RESERVE CHARDONNAY
Pairing: Fried Calamari, Mini Quiches, Baked Brie, Cheese Fondue, and Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto Spreads.
2010 BOMBSHELL RED
Pairing: Barbecued Chicken Wings, Beef Sliders, Smoked Sausage, & Smoked Gouda or Sharp Cheddar.
2008 MERLOT
Pairing: Tenderloin Crostinis, Veal Rolls, Potato Skins, & Stuffed Mushrooms.
2009 MUSTANG
Pairing: Bacon Wrapped Venison or Blue Cheese on Caramelized Onion Flatbread.
2009 SPITFIRE
Pairing: Bruschetta, Italian Meatballs, Mini Pizzas, or an Antipasto Plate of Cured Meats, Mediterranean Olives, Roasted Peppers, Marinated Vegetables, Mixed Nuts, & Assorted Cheeses.
2009 LATE HARVEST GEWÃœRZTRAMINER
Pairing: Mixed Berries, Cheesecake, Custard, Crème Brûlée, Shortbread, & Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Blue Cheese.
Posted in Chef's Corner
December 2nd, 2011
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The Gift that Keeps Giving All Year Long!
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Posted in Uncategorized
December 2nd, 2011
‘Tis the season for fine wine & food! Below are traditional holiday foods with Airfield Estates wine recommendations:
Prime Rib: Cabernet Sauvignon
Filet Mignon: Aviator
Lamb Roast: Mustang
Brisket: Reserve Syrah
Ham: Reserve Chardonnay, Merlot, & Tempranillo
Pork: Lightning, Counoise & Dolcetto
Turkey: Viognier, Pinot Noir, & Grenache
Italian Feast: Spitfire, Sangiovese, & Barbara
Mexican Cuisine: Flygirl White, Bombshell Red, & Malbec
Posted in Uncategorized
November 17th, 2011
With a variety of foods served at Thanksgiving, the ideal Thanksgiving wine should be able to pair well with a wide range of flavors. It shouldn’t be too delicate or too overpowering for the food. Below are some terrific choices that the staff at Airfield Estates recommends. Most importantly, drink what you like! Cheers!
2010 Unoaked Chardonnay
White wines pair wonderfully with Thanksgiving. If you are looking for something crisp and refreshing, Airfield’s Unoaked Chardonnay is a good choice. Although it is light bodied, it is supple and creamy enough to pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes! Yum!
$15 BUY ONLINE
2010 Viognier
For an ever-so-slightly oaked white, try our 2010 Viognier. With a zesty crisp entry, round mid-palate, and lingering nuances of stone fruit and honeysuckle, this wine will nicely complement turkey and sides such as cranberry sauce, yams, and salad.
$15 BUY ONLINE
2009 Lightning
5% Viognier, 25% Roussanne, & 10% Marsanne. Aged for 10 months in oak barrels, this Rhone style white blend is crafted to light up the senses. Tantalizing flavors of peach, citrus, and honey engage the palate while the wine’s natural acidity strikes a balance with its creamy, round, full-bodied mouthfeel. This wine is very versatile and will pair wonderfully with turkey and hearty side dishes.
$18 BUY ONLINE
2010 Reserve Chardonnay
Aged for eleven months in oak barrels, this medium-bodied wine showcases an elegant rounded mouthfeel, fresh acidity, and flavors of citrus, lemon, and cream. Well-balanced, this food-friendly wine pairs with ham, turkey, butternut squash soup, garlic mashed potatoes, & sautéed vegetables.
$20 BUY ONLINE
2010 Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is often considered one of the best wines to pair with Thanksgiving. With limited production of 2 barrels, this Pinot Noir showcases layers of raspberry, rose petal, sweat oak, spices, and black tea with a soft lingering finish. With a medium body and soft tannins, this red will pair wonderfully with turkey. It’s fresh acidity will also help cut through rich dishes.
$32 BUY ONLINE
2010 Counoise
This Counoise reveals an enticing bouquet of spice, mulberry, and nuances of oak. With integrated flavors, this medium-bodied wine has smooth tannins and a palate pleasing finish. Pair this Counoise with poultry, slow-cooked meats, and hard cheeses.
$30 BUY ONLINE
2010 Grenache
This medium-bodied, multi-dimensional wine exhibits layers of cranberry, raspberry, and spice. Smooth tannins and an exceptional depth of flavor carry through to the finish. Limited Release. 25 Cases Produced.
$35 BUY ONLINE
2010 Tempranillo
Flavors of boysenberry, cherry, and a hint of vanilla combine with soft tannins and lead to a smooth finish. This wine is traditionally paired with Spanish style dishes. It is a good match for a flavorful herb rubbed turkey, glazed ham, spicy foods, and medium hard to hard cheeses.
$25 BUY ONLINE
2008 Merlot
Complex & concentrated with flavors of dark berry & plum. Low yielding vines & extended barrel aging have brought forth supple tannins & a full-bodied mouthfeel, creating a balance that can hold its own against hearty meats, yet pairs perfectly with pasta, stuffing, & gravy covered turkey.
$25 BUY ONLINE
2009 Mustang
61% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 7% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre, & 2% Counoise. This Rhone style red blend lends complexity to both the nose and the palate. Concentrated flavors of cherry emerge with underlying hints of white pepper and toasted oak. Yielding velvety tannins and a smooth, well-balanced finish, this wine pairs impeccably with grilled meats, spice rubbed turkey, wild game, robust cheeses, wild mushroom stuffing, and rich flavored pastas.
$25 BUY ONLINE
2010 Runway Late Harvest Riesling
The Riesling grapes were picked on November 8th, 2010. This late harvest concentrated sugar levels to produce a pleasing bouquet of candied white peach & sweetened grapefruit with delectable flavors of apricot. Enjoy with crème brulée, apple cobbler, cranberry tart, and classic pumpkin pie.
$15 BUY ONLINE
Posted in Uncategorized
October 26th, 2011
Thank you to everyone who attended our Fall Festivities! Below are photos the run, stomp, & dinner. Feel free to email us your photos and we’ll add them to our wall. Simply click on the photos below to view the enlarged version:
Posted in Uncategorized
October 12th, 2011
Congratulations to the finalists of Airfield Estates 2011 Vineyard Run!
MENS FINALISTS
1. Jason Stiles
2. Steve Waller
3. Kenton Barry
WOMENS FINALISTS
1. Carol Clingan
2. Jessica Berglund
3. Marianne Haukli
YOUTH FINALISTS
1. Noah Kessler
2. Jace Ziegler
3. Gavin Kessler
DOGS FINALISTS
1. Abraham (accompanied by Jay Gardner)
2. Duke (accompanied by Chris Bedker)
3. Kona (accompanied by Jason Pearson)
CLICK HERE to here to view the complete list of finishers & times. (Please Note: Times over 1 hour were not collected.)
Posted in Uncategorized
September 22nd, 2011
Airfield Estates 2009 Aviator – 91 POINTS
The 2009 Aviator is made up of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the balance Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec aged in 50% new French oak for 21 months. It was a barrel-selection of the best Bordeaux varieties in the cellar. It exhibits an inviting nose of sandalwood, exotic spices, incense, violets, herbs, black currant, and blackberry which set the stage for a rich, savory, plush, layered wine with excellent depth and length. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2024. There is one sweet wine in the collection. Drink: 2013 – 2024.
BUY: $35
Airfield Estates 2009 Bombshell Red – 88 POINTS
The red wines begin with the opaque purple 2009 Bombshell Red, a blend of 45% Merlot, 41% Syrah, with the balance Malbec, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot aged for 11 months in 25% new French, American, and Hungarian oak. Spice box, cherry blossoms, incense, cedar, and assorted black fruits lead to a straightforward, juicy, pleasure-bent wine with enough structure to drink well for another 5-6 years. It is an excellent value. Drink: 2011 – 2017.
BUY: $17
Airfield Estates 2009 Lightning – 91 POINTS
The 2009 Lightning is a blend of 65% Viognier, 25% Roussanne, and 10% Marsanne that was barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in seasoned oak with batonnage. Aromas of toast, mineral, honey, melon, peach, and apricot set the stage for a creamy-textured, layered wine with loads of tropical fruit on the palate. This well-balanced, lengthy effort will provide enjoyment for several more years.
BUY: $18
Airfield Estates 2009 Reserve Syrah – 90+ POINTS
The 2009 Reserve Syrah was aged in 50% new Hungarian oak for 11 months. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up alluring aromas of game, bacon, blueberry, lavender, and plum aromas. Mouth-filling, succulent, and structured, it has plenty of flavor but is quite one-dimensional at the moment. It has 1-2 years of aging potential so perhaps it will gain complexity in the cellar.
BUY: $35
Airfield Estates 2009 Runway Cabernet Sauvignon – 89 POINTS
The 2009 Runway Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from the most fruit-forward lots in the cellar and spent 11 months in 25% new, mostly American oak. Cedar, cinnamon, clove, espresso, rose petal, and black currant aromas lead to an easy-going, savory, ripe Cabernet with excellent varietal character. Lightly structured on the palate, this medium-long effort will drink nicely over the next 6 years. Drink: 2011 – 2017.
BUY: $18 (Only Available to Wine Club Members)
Airfield Estates 2010 Runway Late Harvest Riesling – 92 POINTS
The 2010 Runway Late Harvest Riesling was made with 50-60% botrytis infected fruit and finished with 15% residual sugar. Peaches, tropical fruits, honey, and botrytis aromas lead to a viscous, vibrant wine with superb natural acidity that frames the fruit brilliantly. This wine is all about pleasure; how long it will last is difficult to say but there is no rational reason to defer your gratification. By the way, it is also an outstanding value in sweet dessert wine.
BUY: $15
Airfield Estates 2010 Sauvignon BLanc – 89 POINTS
The new releases begin with the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, aged in stainless steel. Fragrant aromas of citrus, spring flowers, cut grass, and baking spices informs the nose of a dry, crisp, vibrant wine in which the fruit is nicely framed by the lively natural acidity of the vintage. Drink this excellent value over the next 12-18 months.
SOLD OUT
Airfield Estates 2009 Spitfire – 90 POINTS
The 2009 Spitfire is made up of 61% Sangiovese, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel where the wine spent 11 months. Smoke, cherries, rose petal, spice box, tobacco, and cassis lead to a full-bodied, savory, structured wine with 1-2 years of aging potential. It displays good volume and a lengthy, pure finish. Drink this tasty effort over the next 6-8 years. Drink: 2011 – 2019.
BUY: $25
Airfield Estates Tempranillo – 90+ POINTS
The 2009 Tempranillo contains 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 11 months in a mix of oaks. The bouquet is somewhat reticent but with coaxing displays spicy black fruits and toasty oak. Savory and ripe on the palate with good varietal character, it is another piece of evidence of how Tempranillo can perform in eastern Washington. Drink this lengthy, nicely proportioned effort from 2012 to 2019. Drink: 2012 – 2019.
BUY: $25
Airfield Estates Zinfandel – 90 POINTS
The 2009 Zinfandel is a whopper (16.4% alcohol) but the pH is a normal 3.58 and the wine offers up good briery, varietal aromas with no signs of heat. On the palate black cherry and spice notes offer a pleasing array of flavors in this dry, powerful Zinfandel. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. Drink: 2011 – 2017.
BUY: $28
Posted in Uncategorized
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