Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2008

Served With: Szechuan Green Beans and Eggplant over Rice

Five Things: pale straw, gooseberry, melon, crisp, mineral

COO: Columbia Valley, Washington

Notes: I have to admit, as much as I like Charles Smith's wines, the names are a hoot too. I don't know if it was intentional, but my first reaction upon seeing this in the store was to start humming the 1976 Blondie song "Kung Fu Girls"... As far as the wine, it didn't quite overcome the spicy Asian food, so we'll try to find something a little less intense for the next round.

Website: Charles Smith Wines

Rating: Good

Tags: columbia valley, washington, 2008, riesling, charles smith

The Velvet Devil Merlot 2007

Served With: Gumbo

Five Things: magenta, strawberry, herbaceous, cocoa, heat

COO: Columbia Valley, Washington

Notes: Tasted for the #WAMerlot twitter event. I wasn't sure going into the meal if this Merlot from Charles Smith would pair with the spices (smoked paprika, file powder) and heat (cayenne) from the gumbo (okra thickened), but the wine amplified the smokiness and tomatoes and brought a little heat of its own in the process. Well played, sir.

Website: Charles Smith Wines

Rating: Very Good

Tags: 2007, charles smith, merlot, velvet devil, washington

Syncline Syrah 2005

Served With: Bourguignon

Five Things: inky, leather, morello cherry, cigar, cedar

COO: Columbia Valley, Washington

Notes: A Valentine's Day dinner, a French stew and a Rhone-style wine from Columbia Valley, Washington: A match made in heaven. The smokey syrah had a long finish that paired beautifully with the stew (channeling my inner Julia Child). My only sadness was that it was the last bottle of the four that I picked up a while back.

Website: Syncline Wine

Rating: Very Good

Tags: columbia valley, washington, syrah, 2005, syncline