Wine & Country Living

Barrels take your mark, get set, go! December 3rd through the 5th is Holiday Barrel Tasting weekend across the Walla Walla Valley.

John Abbott, winemaker at Abeja Winery, has a natural affinity to science and creativity, and I love that about this friendly winemaker's wine making.

I became familiar with John's skills a few years back when he made a finessed Pinot Noir for Caneros Winery of Napa. When he left Napa for Caneo Ridge Winery, in Walla Walla, I got in line. Now, John is busy flying around Abeja (Spanish for "bee") Winery, in Walla Walla, and outside of a particular Santa Cruz Mountain Syrah that Wine Guy brings home every time he's in California wine country.

Abbott makes a regal Syrah in the Northern Rhone style. Every red-wine drinker at least once in their lifetime should try Abbott's Syrah. With quality and passion, the '09 Abeja Syrah is complex and well balanced as well as available dur­ing barrel-tasting weekend. Do not miss your chance at purchasing this small-lot red, swooshed in concentrated blackberry, dense spicy fig-mouth, ending in a ribbon of smoke twirling around your tongue.

John Abbott, winemaker, earns 10 Barrels from Wine and County Living for this very approachable wine and because when first opened, you can smell its spicy aroma across the room. It also pairs extremely well with the cheese marinade below. Enjoy!

Quick Marinated Local Feta Cheese

(for wine tasting)

Method:

In a zip-lock bag, add all ingredients, and turn bag several times to coat cheese well in marinade. Set bag in refrigerator for two hours. Remove cheese 45 minutes before service. Allow bag and ingredients to come to room temperature. Remove and plate cheese on bed of herbs. Serve with water crackers and paddle to spread.

Hear Judith Speak @ http://www.chefjudithhenderson.com