Oregon Grenache v. Rhone Vacqueyras

Open that bottle night was this past weekend.  I was inspired by the Classic sud Ardeche in the Rhone to open a bottle of 2004 Chateau des Tours that had been resting in my cellar.  A number of races were cancelled last week due to a freak snowstorm in Europe.  The show went on in the Rhone Valley and the top 5 was dominated by French racers.

Will the Chateau de Tours be able to uphold the French racer's winning ways?

2004 Chateau des Tours Vacqueyras v. 2011 Edwin Dyer Grenache

Washington Merlot a Trois

This past weekend featured a number of races and Team Sky is already dominating the early season.  They had victories in the Tour of Oman and the Volta Ao Algarve last week.

In the Seattle Urban Wineries feature for the month of February, Ward Johnson Winery one ups Team Sky with three medal winners grappling for an opportunity to represent Washington state in a future match with the Old World.

Keeping it in the family.  Ward Johnson Winery Merlot 2006 v. 2007 v. 2008 in a stupendous sibling rivalry.

Battle Royale: Washington vs France

The first stage race of the season in France took place last week through Provence.  The Tour de Med is a 6 stage race that tours through South East France.

This week's matchup features a Southern France inspired wine from Robert Ramsay taking on "the King" of Bandol, a Mourvedre dominant mauler.

2010 Robert Ramsay Par la Mer v. 2010 Domaine Tempier Bandol

Washington Cab v. Alexander Valley

The most hyped (and possibly) biggest American sports event took place last weekend.  That's right, Superbowl XLVII (47 for those of us that are Roman Numeral challenged).  The biggest, baddest brawl featuring men clad in tight fitting clothes, body armor and helmets.

This year's superbowl featured East vs. West with the Baltimore Ravens taking on the San Francisco 49ers.  When the Ravens ran the second half kickoff back for a touchdown this looked like it was going to be another boring blowout.  Instead, San Francisco stepped up and threw down a bad ass comeback and nearly stole the game.

This week's matchup stays close to home and features some West Coast style with a Washington Cabernet Sauvignon taking on a challenger from the Alexander Valley.

2006 Cadence Camerata v.  2006 Close du Bois Briarcrest Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington Malbec v. Argentina

The pro racers stayed South of the equator visiting Argentina for the Tour de San Luis  These early season races are an opportunity for the established racers to work on their form and for the youngsters to show people what they've got.  It is also a time when some of the lower level teams get their one chance during the season to match up with the big dogs.

This year the overall race winner was Daniel Diaz, a local pro from Argentina.

This week's challenge visits Argentina and celebrates the local's victory with a bit of Malbec mayhem.

Flying Trout Malbec v. 2007 Lamadrid Gran Reserva Malbec