When Bill Grundy famously interviewed the Sex Pistols for ITV in 1976 he asked Siouxsie Sioux, was she worried or was she enjoying herself... "Enjoying myself," she replies. But then the conversation controversially turns on a few swear words and the interviews ends at only 1 minute 30 seconds.
"My wines are not for everybody. My wines are not friendly. They are preposterous," answers Charles Smith from K Vintners to my question whether the reds at 15% alcohol are a true expression of Walla Walla, Washington State.
This was to be a short interview. As I have not tasted many wines from Washington State, I have had to come to my own conclusions. Well, are they as preposterous as the winemaker says?
Hardly. They are perfectly nice. In particular, the Viognier is a quiet little floral with good acidity and restrained manners. We had the Viognier with lobster and it was the best food match of the evening, singing together more like Westminster Abbey choir than a DIY thrash punk band. If this is punk, then it's the young girl with piercings in a floral dress, ripped black stockings and Doc Martins who longs to be asked back to the boyfriend's parents for dinner. Forget preposterous and first impressions, the K Vintners' Viognier is perfectly well-balanced.
The Syrah are very high alcohol at 15% but they take it in their stride. The sweet fruit and white pepper notes of 2008 Morison Lane Syrah worked well with the huge, char-grilled steaks. Did I enjoy myself? Maybe less than Siouxsie Sioux but certainly more than Bill Grundy.
Many thanks to @HawksmoorLondon - the steaks were perfect in every which way, and the food was exceptionally good for tasting wine. Also, @Bibendumwine and @erica_fowler for organising events so well.
Image: Siouxsie Sioux
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