“Red Moutain has established itself as not only Washington’s premier wine-growing region, but one of the finest in the world.” “Red Mountain has established itself as not only Washington’s premier wine-growing region, but one of the finest in the world.” — SEAN SULLIVAN, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE Red Mountain has made its name by growing some of the best Cabernet in the state. Now, many other grapes are grown here but many of the most highly regarded bottlings in the state are sourced in part or exclusively from here. The highest scoring Cabernet from Washington in Wine Spectator came from Ciel du Cheval, the 2007 Grand Reve Collaboration (97 pts). The Wine Advocate just gave the 2014 Quilceda Galitzine Vineyard a perfect 100 pt Score! “The utterly spellbinding 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard is 100% Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in new barrels. Bravo to the team at Quilceda! This is a sensational vintage from Quilceda's Paul and Alex Golitzin! Both the classic Columbia Valley Cabernet and the Galitzine Vineyard are sheer perfection.” Jeb Dunnick Click here to take a tour of Red Mountain AVA The Red Mountain AVA is located on a southwest-facing slope in south central Washington, a little more three hours from Seattle. At just over 4000 acres it is the smallest wine-grape growing region in Washington. I always tell people that it feels more like a neighborhood than an appellation. Even for Columbia Valley it has a unique combination of diverse geology, gentle south slope, consistent winds and happens to be the warmest spot in the state for grapes. But, years ago (1972), two men, John Williams and Jim Holmes, pioneered grape growing in the area. Everyone thought they were crazy. Even the engineer they hired to dig the well thought they were a couple of crazy “boys”. In 1975 they planted grapes. "It was a good spot, and best of all, we could afford It." says John Williams. Eventually they would plant another vineyard, Ciel du Cheval (see above), the partnership ended in 1994 very amicably both families remain friends to this day and both went on to great things. The first Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was sold to Preston. Winemaker is Rob Griffin, now of Barnard Griffin Winery. "The conventional wisdom in the late 1970's was that Washington was a first class white wine region with limited prospects for reds. My opinion on this point was permanently changed in 1978 with the opportunity to crush the first crop from Kiona Vineyard on Red Mountain. The depth of color and fruit intensity was definitely a revelation as to the potential for Washington Merlots and Cabernets. The fruit yielded wines of tremendous depth and intensity, real diamonds in the rough and a foreshadow of great things to come." - Rob Griffin. “For decades the Williams family has been farming classic varieties on Red Mountain, one of America's great AVAs. They know the land like few others do, and their grapes reflect it.” Bob Betz, Master of Wine Kiona is a family farm. Today, the third generation works the farm and makes the wine. They sell to the best wineries in the state and keep some of the best fruit for themselves. Today, all the land that can be planted with grapes is. But, one of the benefits in being the first to plant is that they can produce truly world class wine that is remarkably affordable. Exhibit A: Kiona Estates Cuvee 2014 A new wine from some of the oldest grapes on Red Mountain (plus some Columbia Valley fruit). The Columbia Valley components bring acid, fruit, and drinkability, while the Red Mountain additions contribute depth, structure, and color. This is a terrific blend of Estate fruit, primarily Cabernet and Merlot with a little Syrah thrown in for good measure. This wine packs serious punch for the price! Holds up to wines twice or even three times the price! Vineyards: 34% Vista, 23% Nine Canyon, 17% Emory, 15% Kiona Estate, 7% Heart of the Hill, 4% Ranch at the End of the Road Composition: 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 21% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre. Now you can spend more money if you want to. But a wine of this provenance is rarely seen at this price point.

Pizza is my favorite food. Maybe it's because I am a baker at heart, but I love Pizza. I am not a Pizza snob, I have a very ecumenical approach to flatbread; I love traditional Naples style, Chicago, thin crust, thick crust, bring it on. A couple of grilled pizza's, a big green salad, an antipasti plate and a couple of bottles of a lighter bodied red and you have yourself a party. There are number of great bottles out that are perfect for company and affordable enough for a party! Mason's Red by Casey Coble is a perfect example. ROBERT RAMSAY MASON'S RED 2015 $14.99 Mason’s Red was created as a “food friendly” wine with generous acidity to complement all foods-except maybe breakfast cereal. Enjoy Mason’s any night, whether you're eating a fresh harvest from the farmers’ market, oven-fired pizza, or creamy sauces that demand a wine with a structure that cuts through with a pleasurable balance. Mason’s is a Cinsault-based blend that changes every year-picking up the flavors and the personality of the winemaker, Casey Cobble Hightower Murray Cuvee 2014 $14.99 Hightower's entry red is a one of Washington State's best red wine values! Layered and complex, with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors and hints of tobacco, Bing cherry and black currants. Murray a big genial Pup that loved parties! If you have company pull out some nice stuff like a Bottle of Baer Star from Woodinville. Baer winery is a family run winery in Woodinville that has been making waves for number of years. The Baer Ursa has an almost cult like following, and since receiving 95 points and claiming the #6 spot on the Wine Spectator's TOP 100, the Ursa has been getting harder and harder to get your hands on. The Baer Star is affectionately called the "Baby-Ursa' around the shop, this new single vineyard blend from Baer is another Merlot driven blend and just plain delicious. Grilled Pizza with Sausage Dough: 1 Cup Water 2 Tbl Olive Oil 2 tsp sugar 1 tsp dry yeast 1 tsp salt 2 Cup (11oz) OO flour, plus more for work surface Cornmeal for peal Topping: 1 14 oz Can Crushed tomatoes 1 Tbl Olive Oil 1 each Garlic clove, Minced or Pressed ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp Oregano 8 oz Sausage 4 oz Mozzarella, low moisture 4 oz Fontina Red Pepper Julienne, for Garnish Fresh Sage leaves, for garnish Dough 1. In large mixing bowl combine water, sugar and yeast. Let bloom. 2. Add remaining ingredients and combine with hand. Let rest 30 min. 3. Punch down dough and need for a few minutes. Lest retard in refrigerator for 20 – 30 minutes. 4. Pull out and divide into two dough balls 5. Roll out dough into 12” circles. Sauce 6. In bowl combine Tomato, garlic, olive oil and seasoning Prepare Charcoal fire or preheat Gas grill (medium Heat) 7. Lightly spread pizza peel with cornmeal and place one dough on peel 8. Slide dough off onto grill and grill 1 – 2 minutes 9. Remove from grill and invert onto peel 10. Spread precooked dough with Sauce and top with cheese and fresh sausage 11. Slide back onto grill and close cover and cook for another 3 – 4 minutes 12. Remove from grill and garnish with fresh sage and red pepper julienne

So what do you do when get a case of one of the most sought after wines in the world? You post it to Facebook and see who shows up. Today, I present K Vintners Powerline Syrah 2014 $55.99 Limit 1 bottle per person in store only! That's right you must come into the store to get your wine. No phone, no email, no madwine. We want to see your smiling faces! K Vintners Powerline Syrah 2014 $55.99 Damp earth, campfire and stone wafts up from the glass. It gives way to the density of flavor of the palate. Cured meats and olives abound. Tumbled river rock is the home of these vines. From the heart of Walla Walla to your glass. - Winemaker Notes #2 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017 "A knockout Syrah, precise and impeccably built but explosive with personality. Smoky roasted meat and floral blackberry aromas combine with bold, supple flavors of dark plum, pepper and licorice. The tannins are big but polished. Drink now through 2024." 95 pts Wine Spectator A new cuvee that's all from the Powerline Vineyard in the southern part of the Walla Walla Valley, the 2014 Syrah Powerline is all from the Phelps clone, was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in puncheons. One of the more bloody, meaty, iron-laced and savory Syrahs in the lineup, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, ripe tannin and a finish that makes your heart beat a touch faster. Give bottles a few years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade. 97 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate In store only no phone orders first come first serve, limit 1 bottle per customer. Cheers! Lenny

“With my idle hands there's nothing I can't do But be the Devil’s plaything baby and know that I've been used” -Idle Hands by the Gutter twins To say Mark McNeilly and Trey Busch like to keep busy is literally an understatement. Both have made a name for themselves in the wine business, not just as winemakers but as leaders in the industry. Both Mark Ryan Winery and Sleight of Hand Winery garner scores in the 90’s across the board in the press. Both, these guys are not just successful winemakers but champions of the Washington wine industry. They are also great friends, lovers of good food and great music. “Let your hands do what they will do Stand inside, make your maker’s move” Launched in 2009 with a wine called Idle Hands, the wine quickly became a cult hit. 'Idle Hands' was named after a song by Gutter Twins - Mark Lanegan of Screaming Trees and Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs. Both of the Underground wine project wines are sourced from Red Mountain. Idle Hands is a 90% Syrah 10% Cabernet Blend sourced from Red Heaven Vineyard. Devil’s Playground is the inverse, 90% Cabernet and 10% Syrah sourced from Quintessence Vineyard. Both these wines are great expressions of Red Mountain fruit. “My eyes have seen, they have been shown This is an occupation to stand alone” In the highly competitive world of wine it is rare to see this sort of collaboration and camaraderie. These guys make great wine and are the sort of guys that make working in the business fun. DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 (WA) $37.99 This is a delicious, lively and very luxurious Red Mountain Cab for the price. Lots of vanilla laced blackberries, cassis and mocha flavors, with bright, refreshing acidity and juicy tannins. The wine is full bodied and definitely drinks with some sizzle. A nice buy in small batch, top shelf Cab. IDLE HANDS CAB SYRAH 2014 (WA) $32.99 Super rich and full bodied Syrah based blend From Mark Ryan and Trey Busch using Red Mountain's top vineyards. Dark, sexy and full of mocha, blackberry, plum and roasted coffee bean notes. Delicious with a big steak.

10 years ago, the 2007 vintage marked one of the best in Washington State. Quilceda received another 100 pts score, Cayuse and K Vinters both received 99 pts for Syrah and a little project on Red Mtn got the highest score 97 pts, for a Cabernet sauvignon from Red Mountain in the Wine Spectator. The Grand Rêve Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series Reserve 2007 was jointly made by Ross Mickel and Mark Ryan using Ciel du Cheval fruit. “No Washington Cabernet has rated higher in Wine Spectator annals.” Grand Reve Vintners started as a collaboration between Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson to focus on the Red Mountain AVA. This was a fascinating project where five top winemakers made wine from the same vineyard. Ben Smith (Collaboration I) made a Cabernet blend, Ross Michel (Collaboration II) a Rhone blend, Mark McNeilly (Collaboration III) a Syrah, Carolyn Lakewold (Collaboration IV) a Merlot, and Chris Gorman (Collaboration V) a Grenache. One of the releases was that Cabernet Reserve, made with Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan and Ross. Harvey Steiman wrote, “Supple, generous and beautifully focused, accenting its ripe currant and raspberry fruit with hints of licorice, sage, red meat and mineral, lingering on the expressive finish. Combines ripeness with power and exceptional grace.” Only 100 cases were made of this wine. Drink ‘em, if you got ‘em. Ross got his start in the wine biz working at Canlis with Master Sommelier Rob Bigelow. He went on to work with Chris Upchurch at Delille. (Interestingly Chris’ Eponymous vineyard is on Red Mtn.) He then went on to work with Master of Wine, Bob Betz. For almost ten years he worked at the masters side fine tuning his skills not only as a winemaker but as a scholar and taster. He has traveled the world (Australia, South America, Europe and South Africa) to learn all he could about wine. Let’s just say Ross knows his way around Cabernet and Red Mountain. What I am writing about today is his 2013 Red Mountain Cabernet. This is made using Red Mountain fruit: Quintessence & Ciel du Cheval and just flat out rocks! ROSS ANDREW RED MOUNTAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 $19.99 btl / save $10 Rich and dense with black fruit, licorice and spice. Well-structured and refined. This is a powerful blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Merlot. This is what Washington State Cabernet should taste like! Seriously the best deal on Cabernet in the state! This is a great example of Red Mtn Cabernet at $29.99 it is a remarkable value. At $19.99 well it’s just stupid good! get yours while you still can! Lenny

Years ago, in the early 1990’s I prepared my first Winemakers dinner as a chef. The winery was L’Ecole No. 41 that was the first time I met Winemaker Marty Club. At that point the winery was less than 10 years old and Marty has just joined the winery a few years earlier. Since that time L’Ecole No. 41 has gone on to garner international acclaim and be recognized as one of Walla Walla’s First Growths. But, it was the day that I became a lifetime fan of L’Ecole. The wines were fantastic and Marty was one of the most generous nicest people in the business I had met. The winery itself has become an Icon. Driving into Walla Wall on highway 12 you can’t help but notice the old school house. The Frenchtown School was built in 1915, so named because of the number of French Canadians that settled in the Walla Walla valley. The Original label was a watercolor painting by 8 year old cousin Ryan Campbell,( now in his 40’s). L’ Ecole was founded by Marty’s in laws Jean and Baker Ferguson as a little “Retirement project”. Jean and Baker always believed in the potential of Walla Walla Wines, and that dream was finally realized when L’Ecole’s 2011 Estate Ferguson was awarded the Best Bordeaux Blend in the World at the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards in London. Over the years the accolades and awards have piled up, but unlike many wineries that have achieved certain notoriety, the family has always remained approachable, friendly and generous. You are just as likely to Marty or his daughter Rebecca at a tasting or dinner as you might one of theirs sales team, many of whom have been with company 20 years or more. “Marty Clubb has built L’Ecole N° 41 into one of Walla Walla’s flagships…making wines that represent the region, the wines that signify Walla Walla.” Patrick Comiskey, Wine & Spirits Magazine Marty is highly respected in the wine industry and continues to give back and pay it forward. Marty has served more than 20 years on the boards of various wine industry associations like the Washington Wine Commission. He is currently President and Director of the Washington Wine Institute. Marty was instrumental in the founding of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and served as its president for six years. Marty worked with other industry pioneers in the development of the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture. In 1977, the Fergusons bought the old school house with the idea of starting a winery. That same year that Gary Figgins started Leonetti. Now 40 years later their legacy lives on in one of the most beloved wineries in Washington State.

I recently had the privilege of attending a tasting in Woodinville at the Long Shadows tasting room for a vertical of the Pedestal Merlot. These limited releases were conceived by Washington State wine pioneer Allen Shoup and he teamed up with Michel Roland (Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world’s most famous wines) We were seated and poured the 2003 vintage thru the 2008 and finished with a couple of surprises that were not expected; the 2009 and the 2014! In attendance were the Director of Wine making and Viticulture for Long Shadows since the first vintage Gilles Nicault, Allen Shoup himself Sean Sullivan (Writer for the Wine Enthusiast) and others Let’s jump in and see what I thought. 2003: 14 years later and this baby is still holding up, aromas of leather and freshly shaved pencil with dried fruit characters. Tasting, blueberry, cedar and spice with nuances of mocha. A little Petite Verdot and a splash of Cabernet Franc with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ciel du Cheval on Red Mountain helped this wine last in a hot vintage. Surprising 2004: My favorite of the flight! 2004 was a cold winter and the fruit aromas are still intense with blackberry and baking spice that carry thru to the palate and weave thru layers of ripe tannin resulting in a full bodied Merlot with concentration and length. The blend very similar to the 2003 very impressive. 2005: I see a difference here from “03” and “04” the fruit is fresher with dark cherry and blackberry on the nose and the palate with toasty oak and intensity in the mid-palate finishing with layers of black fruit. No Petit Verdot in this blend for the first time. Showing very well. 2006: More intensity than any of the previous wines, deeper, darker, richer. The 2006 was nearly a perfect growing season and produced big jammy wines well suited to Michel Roland’s style. There were some early worries of high heat but in September temperatures cooled enough for flavors to fully ripen. This was the first time the wine was made at the new winery and fermented in 1500 gallon wood tanks and first time using a splash of Malbec. Very good and my second favorite of the flight. 2007: A very similar vintage to 2003 as they were both hot and very close in the blends with no Malbec added. I find this wine to be a little smoky and has a wonderful intensity of vivid black currant cocoa and violets. Rich and focused, I think this one is still a little tight and can go for a while but will be better in the long run. Amazing considering it is ten years old. 2008: This was a bit cooler vintage than previous ones resulting in grapes with wonderful acidity. Modest summer temperatures and meticulous care thru the growing season set the stage for an excellent harvest. September and October were picture perfect delivering fruit brimming with flavor. The palate was vibrant with blackberries, currants and red fruits framed by oak and bittersweet chocolate. Drink this one before your 2007’s. Everything just seems to be in balance. 2009: The 2009 vintage was hot in the beginning but cool at the end with some rain and fog a tricky vintage but the wine is showing beautifully. Flavors of cherry preserves black and blue fruits coffee and toasted coconut. Once again meticulous care during the season and in the blending give proof that these wines are consistent year to year. This wine has a younger personality but will still age well. 2014: The 2014 vintage was the hottest vintage of record to date. Wow a big rich wine deep purple in color. This wine has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec similar to previous vintages. This is an awesome wine with its deep purple color and flavors of black fruit, plum, coffee, baking spice and sweet oak. Once again showing a consistency in style due to meticulous vineyard management and blending regardless of the vintage. I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and look for more in the future with Washington’s rock star wine makers. If you ever have any questions contact me jeff@esquin.com

“Last chance on local Asparagus” the sign and the fruit stand read. so just grabbed a bunch, I can always use a bunch of asparagus – as a side, in a salad, as an appetizer with coddled eggs and prosciutto. It’s asparagus. But just having returned from Yakima I decided to try my hand at a local favorite – Asparagus Tamales. Asparagus tamales have been made famous by Los Hernandez tamale shop in Union Gap, Yakima County. Owner Felipe Hernandez has become a local legend and international celebrity for his family’s tamales. He has been running the modest little shop for over 25 years and started making the Asparagus Tamales on a whim one night with some leftover masa. The secret ingredient he says is Pepper jack cheese. So below I have my own take on asparagus Tamales. I add some fresh chile verde to give it a little kick. Any wine professional will tell you that pairing to a asparagus is tricky, but the secret is to have a wine with enough acidity to handle the chemical mercaptan that give asparagus it’s unique flavor (and experience). Then there is the chile verde you have be wary of even a little spice so a little hint of sweetness is a great help. Pinot Gris to the rescue! 2016 Ross Andrew Celilo Vineyard Pinot Gris $15.99 Made from a Pinot Gris block planted in 1975 in Celilo Vineyard, a prized high-elevation site in Columbia Gorge near the town of Underwood, WA. It is arguably one of the greatest white grape sites in Washington with its cool climate, wonderfully mineral rich soil and high winds that move the 50" of annual rainfall off the canopy. The aromatics and palate of this wine really showcase what vine age can do to a wine. Asian pear, white flowers and nectarine. The palate is vibrant and crisp with a touch of minerals on the finish. A perfect food wine. especially tricky foods. Ross got his start as a Sommelier at Canlis under MS Rob Bigelow and learned winemaking at the right hand of the Master, of Wine Bob Betz. Ross’s style is reminiscent of Betz, being both polished and complex. He went on to make the highest scoring Cabernet ever from Wine Spectator. Saturday August 12 we will be tasting his latest releases including his Celilo Pinot Gris, Boushey Syrah and his award winning Red Mountain Cabernet. Cheers! Lenny Asparagus Tamales ________________________________________ 18-ounce package dried corn husks 1 1/2 cups lard (or vegetable shortening), slightly softened 1 ½ Teaspoons Salt 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon chile powder 3 1/2 cups dried masa harina 2 1/4 cups hot water 1 to 1 1/2cups chicken broth 1 bunch Asparagus, blanched 8 ounces pepper jack cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ large yellow onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 cup chicken stock or water 3 each poblano Chile peppers, seeded and chopped 1 each jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped 1 pound Tomatillos, husks removed 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped 1. Separate husks and submerge in hot water place a plate on top to keep submerged. Bring to simmer and let stand for at least an hour. 2. Grill or roast peppers and tomatillos until blistered and a little charred. Place into plastic bag and let cool. In a large sauté pan heat olive oil and Sauté onions and garlic until soft add salt and cumin. Add chicken stock and reduce to simmer, set aside. Peel cooled peppers and tomatillos and place in bowl of food processor or blender. Add cooled onion mixture and cilantro then puree until well combined. 3. For Masa: In a large bowl combine salt, baking powder, chile powder, Harina flour and hot water. Adding chicken stock a little a time work dough until light and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and let rest. 4. Set up steamer: in a large stock pot place a collapsible steamer basket, add an inch or so of water. 5. To make tamales: separate out the largest and most pliable husks, at least 6 inches across on the wider end and 6 inches long. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of masa onto a husk, spread with a spatula out to the edges of each side save for the narrow top. Spoon a teaspoon of verde sauce onto center of masa add a couple of blanched asparagus, top with pepper jack cheese. Roll up the tamale and fold the bottom up. Place in steamer folded side down. Layer the finished tamales in the same fashion open end up. Watch carefully that all the water doesn’t boil away and, to keep the steam steady, pour boiling water into the pot when more is necessary. Tamales are done when the husk peels away from the masa easily. Let tamales stand in the steamer off the heat for a few minutes to firm up.

I recently ventured up to Red Mountain to taste some wines, walk some vineyards and see old friends. There are few places in Washington that produce better wine, some say, some of the best in the world. But, for me it's the people. The Williams' family, the Holmes', the Hedges', the Hightower's, the Frichette's, the Pearson's - Red Mountain is the smallest AVA in the state and it feels more like a neighborhood than an appellation. If Red Mountain had football team Charlie Hoppes would be the head coach. He is the sergeant at arms, the baby whisperer, Charlie Hoppes is the Wine Boss. Charlie Hoppes is one of the most respected winemakers in Washington State. A Yakima Valley native with a degree from UC Davis he got his start in 1988 working with Mike Januik at Snoqualmie Winery and followed him to Chateau Ste. Michelle in 1990 becoming the head red wine maker until 1999. After stints at Waterbrook in Walla Walla and Three Rivers he started his own winery Fidelitas. In 2007 he purchased his first 3 acres on Red Mountain and built a tasting room. Did I mention that he has a degree in economics? Instead of taking up prime vineyard land on Red Mt he has a 30,000 sq ft production facility in nearby Richland - "Wine Boss". There he produces his wines plus makes wine for a half dozen clients. The tasting room on Red Mountain has a beautiful panoramic view of the valley. I first visited Charlie and the tasting room shortly after it was built. Tasting the wines with the "Wine Boss" himself and eating some of the best tacos I have ever had is one of my fondest memories. Charlie is one of the most generous, easy going and intelligent people working in the Washington wine industry. 2017 marks his 30th vintage, and in that time he has made quite a name for himself including being named Seattle Magazines Winemaker of the Year in 2013. His wine continue to garner high ratings from press - his 2012 Ciel du Cheval Cab rated 94 from Parker and the 2013 Quintessence was ranked #4 in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine Top 100. Recently 6 of his 2014 releases received 93 -95 pt scores from the Wine Advocate! Did I mention every time I go to Red Mountain I end of having tacos? Just thinking about Red Mountain makes me crave Tacos. So today I give you my simplified recipe for Tacos Al pastor. Paired with some of Charlie Red Mountain Malbec and you have winner! FIDELITAS MALBEC RED MOUNTAIN 2014 Tacos al Pastor ________________________________________ *****Marinade 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano 1 teaspoon dried ground cumin seed 3 chipotle peppers, packed in adobo sauce, plus 2 tablespoon adobo sauce 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 Tablespoon Paprika 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar 3 whole cloves garlic 2 Tablespoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons sugar ½ cup pineapple juice from canned pineapple ½ cup water 3 pounds boneless Pork Shoulder To Finish and Serve: 1 14 ounce canned pineapple diced 20 small flour or Corn tortillas, heated and kept warm 1 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup finely minced fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems 4 ounce Cotijo cheese 1 cup Pico de Gallo, salsa 3 to 4 limes, cut into 8 wedges each for serving 1. In bowl of blender combine the ingredients for the marinade. Puree until smooth about 3 minutes. 2. Cut Pork roast into 4 or 5 large pieces toss with marinade. Place into large roasting pan or Rondeau and cover. 3. Place into 275 degrees oven and roast for 4 hours. 4. Remove and let cool. When cool use two forks to pull pork apart. Stir to combine. 5. Serve meat and garnishes immediately with warmed tortillas, pineapple, onions, cilantro, salsa, cotijo, and lime wedges. Meat will be very moist and should be packed into double-stacked tortillas for serving

Ashley Trout has been making waves throughout the Pacific Northwest after launching Vital Wines and March Cellars in 2016. Vital Wines is a community-driven, non-profit winery founded on providing better healthcare for vineyard and winery workers in the Walla Walla Valley. All profits are donated to the SOS Health Services of Walla Walla. A pioneer effort of its kind. We were able to grab a couple cases of the rarely available Vital The Gifted for you.

Vital The Gifted $24.99

52% Cabernet Sauvignon 29% Malbec 10% Cinsault 10%Tinta Cao

Blackberry and plum, fig and woody thyme stems lead to cracked pepper and baking spices, dried papaya and rare white chocolate notes. An absolutely stunning Washington blend! Join Ashley Trout as she pours Vital Winery + March Cellars wines on Friday from 4-7PM, at our tasting table, while supplies last