What follows is an excerpt from the 2009 Walla Walla Spring Release Weekend Report. Download the full report here (Note: Opens .pdf).

While many wineries were, as usual, fairly quiet on Sunday, Va Piano was as busy as I have seen it with cars lining the roadway. Saturday, always the busier of the two days, was apparently even more crowded. Indeed, Va Piano gives every appearance of a winery in full stride as their estate fruit continues to improve with each vintage. The winery also boasts one of the prettiest settings in the valley. All wines sampled at 68 degrees unless otherwise noted.

Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

+

 2008 Sémillon Columbia Valley

 Light gold colored. Hay aromas mix with light oak spices, and a touch of lemon. A good dose of acidity on a wine that still needs to calm down and come into its own. Give 3-6 months. Bottled in January 2009. 90% Sémillon; 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Sampled at 61 degrees.

 $22

+

 Bruno’s Blend IV NV

 Light cashew notes and smoke on the nose. Brightly tart and lively on the palate. A great wine to pair with a zesty red pasta sauce.

 $23

*

 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia & Walla Walla Valley

 A fruit-filled wine loaded with dried currants, sweet spices, tobacco, and anise along with a whiff of white pepper. Dry and tart on the taste. 14.1% alcohol. 392 cases produced.

 $38

*

 2006 Syrah Columbia & Walla Walla Valley

 Light floral aromas mix with clove, vanilla, and spice on an appealing nose. A very slight hint of game. Tart and dry with lots of red fruit on the taste. 14.1% alcohol. 660 cases produced.

$38