Thurston Wolfe Wines Featured at Bistecca Restaurant

Last month I moderated a six-course dinner at Bellingham’s Bistecca Italian Steakhouse. Each course, superbly prepared by Chef Marc Eilberg, was matched with a premium wine from Thurston Wolfe Winery in Prosser.

Thurston Wolfe winemaker Wade Wolfe always does an excellent job with a wide array of varietals and offers them at extremely reasonable prices. Here are my tasting notes on some of the wines that were served:

2005 PGV (about $15): This blend of 70 percent Viognier and 30 percent Pinot Gris results in a full-bodied white wine with wonderful fruit aromas and just the right balance of acidity. It was paired with seared scallops and a light wine butter sauce and will also go well with chicken and other seafood dishes.

2004 Lemberger (about $15): A lovely red wine with berry and cherry flavors, touches of black pepper spice and a subtle vanilla finish. The wine was a wonderful complement to Eilberg’s marinated pork loin and butternut squash ravioli, accompanied by an incredible smoked golden tomato sauce.

2003 Sangiovese (about $16): Blended with 11 percent Syrah, this Sangiovese is packed with intricate flavors and plenty of character. Lovely floral and slightly smoky aromas lead to red fruit flavors topped by a touch of spice and the varietal’s signature acidity. An entrée of slow roasted leg of lamb with grilled eggplant provided a perfect food/wine pairing.

Thurston Wolfe wines can be purchased locally at The Vines, The Purple Smile, Community Food Co-Op and selected Haggen stores.