Walla Walla Wines, soft, pretty or powerful

You'd think one Walla would be sufficient.

"Walla," as I have been made to understand, is the Nez Perce word for water. And Walla Walla then means essentially, a "lot of water."

Now, if you've been to Walla Walla, you may be wondering about the lot-of-water part, unless you came from Yakima or the Tri-Cities, where there's virtually no water. The Walla Walla Valley, tucked up against the Blue Mountains, is a verdant oasis compared to the parched, dusty hills further up the Columbia Valley.

Today, Walla Walla is known for its sweet onions, maximum-security prison, and of course, overpriced wine. Just kidding.

Though it is true that most of the wineries in Walla Walla are self-described "boutique" wineries, and sometimes their prices can cause sticker shock.

... As the Walla Walla Valley tends to be a bit cooler than further up, the cabernet sauvignons are a little softer. If you're looking for power and structure, go elsewhere, but if you want a nice wine to cozy up to, try the Patit Creek Cellars, 2002 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $35. The purplish hue suggests this may need a little more bottle age. But all the cab elements are here, from the blackberry and hint-of-mint in the nose to the leathery tannins, and blackberry/raspberry flavors. Delicious right now, but will certainly benefit from further aging.
Read the rest of the article at: Statesman Journal - Walla Walla Wines