What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD)

Last April at Taste Washington, I had the opportunity to meet Kevin Cedergreen and try some of his wines. Cedergreen's booth was my first stop of the day and ended up being one of the more memorable. Not only was I taken with Kevin's riesling, old vine chenin blanc, and sauv blanc, but I really enjoyed hearing Kevin tell his story about how he became a winemaker.

Kevin hails from eastern Washington where he grew up amongst apple orchards. About ten years ago, he left his work as a landscape architect to train as a winemaker, taking extension courses at UC Davis, managing a lab in a custom crush facility, and working the off season in New Zealand. For a period of time, Kevin was working two harvest seasons each year, effectively doubling his training regimen.

In 2002, Kevin established Cedergreen Cellars and began crafting reasonably priced, food friendly white wines, eventually adding a few reds to his portfolio.

I was reminded of Kevin's story while shopping for wine the other day. There on the shelf was the telltale red square on a bottle of Cedergreen Cellars 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($14). On the back label, Kevin shares the following description:

"We produce small batches of finely crafted wine from Washington's Columbia Valley. Our non-oaked Sauvignon Blanc is a celebration of the fruit with a vivid palate making it a great wine to enjoy with food. The bright flavors pair extraordinarily well with a Ceasar salad, grilled fish or roasted vegetables. It's also great around the campfire with beans and wienies. We love this wine. Enjoy!"

Following Kevin's suggestion, we paired his sauv blanc with a grilled King salmon Ceasar salad. On the eyes, the Cedergreen was a light yellow/green color. On the nose, it had a slight hint of green grass followed by melon and mineral notes. On the palate, it offered bright acidity and a clean finish, but not much else in the way of fruit.

The Cedergreen sauv blanc got better as it warmed up in the glass. Even still, I was hoping for some of the green grass to reveal itself. Alas, it was not to be this time. Regardless, I would be willing to try this wine again. And I am eager to pick up a bottle of Kevin's smaller production chenin blanc and riesling before it's gone.

Useful Links for Cedergreen Cellars
Tasting Notes for the Cedergreen '07 Sauv Blanc
Wine Cow's profile on Kevin Cedergreen