Judith Henderson’s Wine & Country Living

My backyard habitat is packet with nectar-rich flow- ering plants inviting butterflies of all kinds. This small lush space has inspired my community to join in on the fun of catering to wildlife. Take my neighbor, who appears to be Neanderthal but who loves butterflies; he's given way to lining his driveway with flowering annuals for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

Whether in a pot or garden floor, here's a list of showy annuals you may or may not be familiar with and are tops at supplying months of nectar and flowers for our winged friends: First, the multi colorful zinnia planted in masses. Heliotrope, in deep shades of violet reaching two feet tall, carrying cinnamon aromas. The irresistible globe amaranth with clove-like smell in shades of white. Lantana, reaching 6-feet tall in an array of oranges, reds and pinks. The cosmos, in purple or white flowers, whose wispy arms reach four feet tall. The starflower, resisting humidity and heat in vivid ma- genta and bright white flowers. Verbena, the perfect hanging baskets. And last but not least, the flowering tobacco plant, grown in full sun to part shade providing a tubular flower in white, pink, crimson, peach, purple and lime green.

Again, there's nothing finer than retreating to the garden with a bottle of locally-produced wine. Today I sat on my favorite log among a slew of promising annuals and a bottle of Rasa Vineyards 2009 Plus One, a single vineyard Caber- net Sauvignon, grapes picked from the highly-sought Kiona Vineyards.

Tasting notes for the 2009 Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon are as follows: with first swirl, a rich legging coats the bowl. Nose buried deep in the glass, lilting cassis and rose petal purée opens the senses. With first sip, a lush silky texture paints the inner cheek, splashed in a dark roast coffee, pounded fennel and a quizzical squiggle of graphite. To fin- ish, a tongue wrapped in subtle leather and a lilting smear of intense smoke.

The 2009 Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon is a triple punched Cabernet, racked four times. It is the creation of Rasa wine- maker, Billo Naravane. The 2009 Cabernet holds 67% native fermentation and is rich in color and texture, representing a regal style of Cabernet. Naravane is also acting Professor of Viticulture at Washington State University. Together with brother and vineyard marketing guru, Pinto Naravane, the brothers opened Rasa Vineyards in 2007. The Rasa wine portfolio also includes white wines of distinction and may be tasted by appointment at: 509-252-0900.

Readers, until next week, "Eat Art, Drink Imagination!"

Succulent Cabernet Sauce

1-tablespoon olive oil

3-tablespoons butter

¼-cup minced sweet onion

½-cup red wine

½-cup beef stock

1/2-teaspoon minced rosemary

To melted butter and olive oil, add onions to tender ,de- glaze in wine and beef stock, cook low until thickening. Drape sauce over clean grass fed beef filets paired with Rasa 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Hear Judith's food & wine commentary, feasts! photos and menu: www.chefjudithhenderson.com.