Ensemble Cellars » What's Happening

Another bottling completed, ENSEMBLE Release Number Six …

Ensemble Cellars — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 20:49:27 +0000

Spring is finally here, the vineyards are pruned but are the buds viable??? We will know soon– so keep your fingers crossed. (We already know damage is severe in many of our vineyards). Another bottling completed, ENSEMBLE Release Number Six now in bottle after the smoothest and most stress free bottling ever! Thanks to the many volunteers who came and helped us. We could not do it without you!! As I write this I am in round two of our blending trials. This year our current Release Seven (only two vintages so far, blending will add the third) is sooooo good by itself that I will be adding less of our new vintage (2010) than we have in the past.

Many of you have signed up to celebrate with our Ensemble Family the release of our first Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine (Methode Champenoise). Our Release Party is coming up on Friday May 6 so sign up soon if you will be in town. (20 spaces left). This Party is open to Allocation List Members and their guests ($35 per person, great food, Sparkling and Red wine poured). Of the 78 cases produced we only have 22 cases left that have not been reserved by our Allocation List Members. You can still reserve up to six bottles ($38.00 each). It will be available for PUP or Shipment beginning April 8. No payment due until wine is picked up or shipped.

Release Number Four and Five—still available, both show our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. If you have not picked up your wine or had it shipped we are still holding it for you. If you have not already done so, please contact us so we can make arrangements to get you your wine.

Spring Release Weekend—We will be pouring Release Number Four and Five plus a barrel sample of our Release Number Six from 10:00AM-4:00PM May 6 and May 7 and 10:00AM-2:00PM Sunday May 8. Specialty cheeses and chocolates will also be served. (Note that we are also open Friday and Saturday April 8 and 9 for those in town that weekend)

Vintage Walla/Entwine—I urge you to attend this June16-18 special event to enjoy some of our Walla Walla Wineries older vintages plus great food and many exciting events (see attached file or check out www.onewineweekend for details). Ensemble will be pouring our “Release Number One”!! Hope you can make it!

Whenever you are in Walla Walla please know that we are happy to come and pour for you! Just call the winery for a tasting appointment (509-525-0231). Thanks for the continued support of our winemaking efforts.

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker
Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker
Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat
Michelle Nelsen (W. WA. Sales)

ENSEMBLE family celebrated NEW YEAR’s with homemade bubbles

Ensemble Cellars — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 04:08:33 +0000

Our family thanks you for another great year and looks forward to the new.

Why does it have to remain so cold for so long?? With the cold snap in November and continued single digit temps in our vineyard locations 2011 will be difficult. Guess global warming has not quite made it to Washington yet!

Our 2010 vintage barrels are tasting great and “put to bed” in the barrel room awaiting Spring Blending trials. Two of our vineyards produced the best fruit we have seen in our nine years of “crushing”. The cool Spring caused a poor “set” which meant smaller clusters and more intense flavors than usual.

The ENSEMBLE family celebrated NEW YEAR’S with homemade bubbles as we had to Quality Control taste our Blanc de Blancs. Oooooh! Just keeps improving–can’t wait for our Allocation List folks to try it this Spring. If you like a crisp, elegant, 100% Chardonnay based Brut with tiny endless bubbles, you will love it. Just call the winery to reserve up to six bottles, ($38.00ea.). No payment due until its released in May. Just 70 cases available.

Release Number Four and Five—still available, both show our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. Those on our Allocation List have likely picked up, (or made plans to pick up), your wine or had it shipped. If not, please contact us so we know your plans for pick up or if needed, we can ship.

Spring Release Weekend—We will be pouring Release Number Four and Five plus a barrel sample of our Release Number Six from 10:00AM-4:00PM May 6 and May 7 so stop in and taste. Of course, specialty cheeses and chocolates will also be served. (Note that we are also open Friday and Saturday April 8 and 9 for those in town that weekend)

Our ALLOCATION LIST is still OPEN– just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production remains at 400 cases so availability is limited. Our “List” continues to fill up, with now close to 600 members. (Are you on the “List”??). No payment is due until wine is picked up or shipped. Although not always at the winery we are happy to come and pour for you! Just call the winery for a tasting appointment (509-525-0231).

We hope to see you sometime in the New Year. Thanks,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker
Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker
Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat
Michelle Nelsen (W. WA. Sales)

The Sun is “HOT”, the Champagne is good, and the wine….

Ensemble Cellars — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:18:19 +0000

The Sun is “HOT”, the Champagne is good, and the wine….

We finally have the heat the vineyards need if we are going to get the fruit ripe before November. With the cool Spring and late “bloom” it will be an interesting year. Our Ensemble Family is well and growing, with Bill and Michelle’s recent marriage.

The Sun is “HOT”, the Champagne is good, and the wine something special—-A toast of thanks all around to our many friends and supporters.

Initial “Dosage” trials for our unique Blanc de Blancs Champagne took place recently. This “Brut” wine tastes beautiful, crisp and light, with tiny bubbles and a smooth texture. We will offer this wine exclusively to our Allocation List members next Spring.

Our Cellar Rat, Melissa has been posting on our Facebook page. Become a fan and see what is going on at the winery, from her view. With her new driver’s permit in hand she has been practicing her driving skills around the airport area, (with winemaker beside her—AHHH!!!).

Release Number Five, will be released October 2, 2010. This wine is showing well now and continues our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. If you are on our Allocation List for Release Number Four you are automatically signed up for the same quantity of Release Number Five. You will be contacted in the fall to make arrangements for pickup or shipment.

(No payment is due until pickup or shipment is made).

ALLOCATION LIST IS STILL OPEN, just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production remains at 400 cases. Our “List” continues to fill up, with over 550 members.

Are you on the “List”??

Release Number Four is still available. If you get the chance you should try this wine while we have it. Order by emailing or calling the winery (509-525-0231) to arrange shipping or reserve for pickup. We have attempted to contact all those on our Allocation List to make arrangements for the shipment or pickup of their Release Number Four and most have their wine. If you are one of those who have not heard from us please contact us so we can get you your wine.

The winery will be open for the following special events this year, and also by appointment— just call ahead:

November 5, 6 10:00AM-4:00PM Fall Release Weekend
December 3, 4 10:00AM-4:00PM Holiday Barrel Weekend

We look forward to seeing you in Walla Walla. We are happy to pour for you, just call 509-525-0231 for a tasting appointment. Your interest in Ensemble Cellars wines is appreciated—Thanks

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker
Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker
Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat
Michelle Nelsen, W.WA. Sales

ENSEMBLE Release Number Five is bottled! Now Blending trials begin…

Ensemble Cellars — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:33:30 +0000

The flowers are blooming, the vineyards are pruned, and it looks like Spring in the Walla Walla Valley. ENSEMBLE Release Number Five is bottled! Now blending trials begin, finding just the right mix of barrels from the 2009 vintage (one of our best with bright/concentrated flavors). These are added to the current Release Number Six and Seven blends to get our trademark Bordeaux style, each release with three successive vintages.

The bottling of a small amount of what will be a unique Blanc de Blancs Champagne, (methode Champenoise), was completed successfully. At some point in the next couple of years our Allocation List members will have the exclusive right to purchase the 80 or so cases made. Now we let the yeast do its work on the sugar in the bottle to make those little bubbles we love so much!

Our Cellar Rat, Melissa has put up an Ensemble Cellars Facebook page. Become a fan and keep current on all the details of life at the winery from her perspective.

Release Number Four—now available, shows our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins. If you are on our Allocation List you have likely already picked up, (or made plans to pick up), your wine or had it shipped. If not, please contact us so we know your plans?

Many of you have requested a way to purchase Release Number One. Now you can! Our first “vertical” containing Release One, Two, and Three will be available in a “branded” wood box beginning April 30.

Spring Release Weekend—We will be pouring Release Number Four plus a barrel sample of our Release Number Five from 10:00AM-4:00PM April 30 and May 1 so stop in and taste. Specialty cheeses and chocolates will be served.

Our ALLOCATION LIST remains OPEN– just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production will remain at around 400 cases so availability will continue to be extremely limited. Our “List” continues to fill up (over 500 members, are you on the “List”??). No payment is due until wine is picked up or shipped.

The weather here is beautiful so come visit anytime. We look forward to seeing you this Spring. Just call the winery for a tasting appointment (509-525-0231). Thanks,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker

Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat

Michelle Nelsen (W. WA. Sales)

ENSEMBLE welcomes in 2010…

Ensemble Cellars — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:54:15 +0000

Our ENSEMBLE family thanks our many customers, especially our “Allocation List” members, for their continued support of our wines over the last year. We also thank the many volunteers who helped us bottle, rack, top, crush, punch down, press, and—of course, TASTE!

As ENSEMBLE welcomes in 2010 we look forward to another successful year of making terrific wine, blending Three Vintages to produce that trademark Bordeaux Blend we all love.

January is always a quiet month at the winery, with “topping” up barrels being the only “physical” activity happening. This is good for the winemaker, as his body has a chance to recover from crush. The 2009 vintage was one of our best at ENSEMBLE, with our many vineyards fruit coming in early, with bright/concentrated flavors and dark/rich colors. All wine is through Malic Acid conversion, racked, and now aging in barrels waiting for our Spring blending trials.

The big news is that we crushed a small amount of Chardonnay to produce a unique Blanc de Blancs Champagne, (methode Champenoise). At some point in the next couple of years our Allocation List members will have the exclusive right to purchase the 80 or so cases made. So far, all looks good!

Release Number Four– now released, has been steadily moving out the door. It shows our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. If you are on our Allocation List you have likely already picked up your wine, or had it shipped. If not please contact us so we know your plans for pick up or if you need us to, we can ship. We have attempted to contact all our Allocation List people, so if you have not heard from us our contact information is not working!

Our ALLOCATION LIST is still OPEN– just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production remains at around 400 cases so availability will continue to be extremely limited. Our “List” continues to fill up, with now over 500 members. (Are you on the “List”??). No payment is due until wine is picked up or shipped.

Stay warm, and come visit us anytime. We look forward to seeing you this year. Just call the winery for a tasting appointment (509-525-0231). Thanks,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker

Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat

Michelle Nelsen (W. WA. Sales)

Is it “HOT” enough yet for the grapes?….

Ensemble Cellars — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:14:41 +0000

Late July, with 100+ degree days and no end in sight. Is it “HOT” enough yet for the grapes? Our vineyards love the heat. Canopies are good, fruit set was excellent, clusters look terrific, and we are excited! And HOT!!

Blending trials this spring went well with all blends now together in barrel including the completed Release Number Five, two of the three vintages for Release Number Six, and the beginning of Release Number Seven. We look forward to sharing these with you in the future.

Release Number Four, now bottled, will be released October 3, 2009. It is already showing our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. If you are on our Allocation List for Release Number Three you are automatically signed up for the same quantity of Release Number Four. You will be contacted in the fall to make arrangements for pickup or shipment, based on your Allocation Request. (No payment is due until pickup or shipment is made).

ALLOCATION LIST IS STILL OPEN, just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production remains at around 400 cases so availability will continue to be extremely limited. Our “List” continues to fill up, with over 425 members. (Are you on the “List”??)

Release Number Three is still available with less than 40 cases left. If you get the chance you should try this wine while we have it. Order by emailing or calling the winery (509-525-0231) to arrange shipping or reserve for pickup. We have attempted to contact all those on our Allocation List to make arrangements for the shipment or pickup of their Release Number Three and most have their wine. If you are one of those who have not heard from us please contact us so we can get you the wine, before it is gone.

The winery will be open for the following special events this year, and also by appointment— just call ahead:

–July 31, August 1 11:00AM-4:00PM B-17 Bomber Fair

–October 9 6:00PM-10:00PM Entwine Auction/Dinner

–November 6, 7 10:00AM-4:00PM Fall Release Weekend

–December 4, 5 10:00AM-4:00PM Holiday Barrel Weekend

We look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months and continue to appreciate your interest in Ensemble Cellars wines,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker

Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat

Release Number Four bottled, for fall release….

Ensemble Cellars — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:19:27 +0000

Mid-March, with 20 degree nights and high 30’s during the day. What is going on?? Looks like winter just won’t let go and we are in for another cool Spring. Hopefully the “primary buds” on our vines come thru it all OK– we’ll know fairly soon. Last year’s crop turned out terrific in barrel with blending trials starting next week for the final blend Release Number Five, two of the three vintages for Release Number Six, and the beginning of Release Number Seven. This is the fun part—-blending! Yeah!

Release Number Four bottled, for fall release coming October 15, 2009. We were able to again capture our trademark “style” of exotic spice and dark cherries framed by elegant French Oak tannins with a stylish, and long finish. If you are on our Allocation List for Release Number Three you are automatically signed up for the same quantity of Release Number Four. You will be contacted in the fall when the wine is available for pickup or shipment.

(No payment is due until pickup or shipment is made).

ALLOCATION LIST IS STILL OPEN, just download our ALLOCATION REQUEST FORM and get signed up for our future releases. Production remains at around 400 cases so availability will continue to be extremely limited.

Release Number Three is available with less than 100 cases left. Just download a Release Number Three Order Form and fax it to us or call the winery to order (509-525-0231). We have attempted to contact all those on our Allocation List to make arrangements for the shipment or pickup of their Release Number Three. If you are one of those who have not heard from us please contact us so we can get you the wine, before it is gone.

The winery will be open for the following special events this year, (and also by appointment, just call ahead):

–May 1, 2 10:00AM-4:00PM / Spring Release Weekend

–July 31, August 1 11:00AM-4:00PM / B-17 Bomber Fair

–June 5,6 11:00AM-4:00PM / Vintage Walla Walla

–November 6, 7 10:00AM-4:00PM / Fall Release Weekend

–December 4, 5 10:00AM-4:00PM / Holiday Barrel Weekend

Craig will also be pouring Release Number Three at the Art Spirit Gallery Coeur d’Alene April 23, from 5:30PM-7:30PM, with 7 other Walla Walla Wineries.

We hope to see many of you in the coming months and continue to appreciate your interest in Ensemble Cellars wines,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker

Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat

Release Number Three NOW AVAILABLE, for pickup or delivery….

Ensemble Cellars — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:09:04 +0000

It’s now October 15 and the weather is just not cooperating, unseasonably cool (50’s), with a few “frozen” nights in the low 30’s. Many vineyards are “crisping” up with their leaf canopies no longer capable of ripening fruit. The good news is that the fruit we have in; including our merlots, cabernet franc, and two of our cabernet sauvignon blocks are potentially the best we have ever crushed. Time will tell. We expect to pick our last two Cabernet Sauvignon blocks in the next 10 days (our leaves are still functioning!).

Release Number Three NOW AVAILABLE, for pickup or delivery, just download a Release Number Three Order Form or call the winery to make arrangements (509-525-0231). If you are on our ALLOCATION LIST you will be contacted to confirm your delivery and pickup information. The wine is showing off its exotic spice and dark cherry flavors with layered complexity and good balance.

We still have room on our ALLOCATION LIST, so download our ALLOCATION REQUEST form and get signed up now for our future releases. We are keeping our production to around 400 cases so availability is extremely limited. If you are on our allocation list for Release Number Three you are automatically signed up for our future allocations. If you would prefer not to be on our ALLOCATION LIST, just call the winery and let us know.

Don’t forget our special “Release Weekend” November 7 and 8. We will be pouring our new Release Number Three as well as barrel sampling Release Number Four. Wonderful cheese and locally made chocolate treats will be served. If you cannot make it that weekend, just call and make an appointment whenever you get into town.

We look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months and continue to appreciate your interest in Ensemble Cellars wines,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker

Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Melissa Nelsen, Cellar Rat

Release Number Three Allocations still are available…

Ensemble Cellars — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:08:20 +0000

As I write this it is early June, unseasonably cool (50’s), windy, and just pouring rain. Enough!! We need some heat, as bloom is already at least a week overdue and we want to harvest our fruit in the fall while we still have some “heat units” available from mother nature for ripening.

Thanks! To everyone who has already signed up for our next wine, to be released beginning October 15, 2008 (Number Three). The theme of exotic spice and dark cherry showing layers of complexity with our trademark juniper notes and elegant French Oak continues. Almost 300 allocation requests have been received so far. Release Number Three Allocations still are available, just complete and send/fax in the Allocation Request Form.

This summer, on July 31, you’re invited to a great Golf Tourney, sponsored by Northstar, and other Walla Walla Wineries, including Ensemble Cellars. Click here for an invitation and click here for a registration form. You don’t have to have a team, they will pair you up with others, as needed. Although my team has finished last the last two years, the prizes are fantastic! (We will be attending a James Taylor concert this summer, as a reward for finishing last)

Don’t forget our special “Release Weekend” November 7 and 8. We will be pouring the wine and serving wonderful cheese and locally made chocolate treats. It is not too early to make plans to assure you get the accommodations you prefer.

We are pleased that Release Number Two was selected as the Best Bordeaux Blend over $20 in WA State, (April issue of Seattle Magazine). The twenty cases of this wine left won’t last long.

Open by appointment, we look forward to seeing you in Walla Walla soon. We continue to appreciate your interest in Ensemble Cellars wines,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Release Number Three now in bottle with fall release…

Ensemble Cellars — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:42:11 +0000

Winter is over, the wine is bottled, and the vineyards are pruned. We are excited about our Release Number Three now in bottle with fall release scheduled for October 15.2008. This beautiful blend of exotic spice and dark cherries shows layers of complexity with our trademark juniper notes and elegant French Oak tannins showing on the long lasting finish. Production included 380 cases, 72 magnums, and a limited number of larger format bottles.

Many of you are on our “Allocation List” and have already submitted and received confirmation on your Allocation Request for;

Release Number Three. THANK YOU!

Allocations are still available and we urge you to download the form and fax it to us to assure you will receive the wine you want.

(note that NO PAYMENT is due until pickup, delivery, or shipment is made in the fall). Tasting Notes for this wine are also available for your information.

We are having a special “Release Weekend” November 7 and 8. We will be pouring the wine and serving wonderful cheese and locally made chocolate treats.

A small amount of Release Number Two is still available for purchase and will be poured at the upcoming Spring Release Weekend event May 2, 3, and 4 in Walla Walla. We will also have some special larger format options available for those who prefer “big” bottles.

The April issue of Seattle Magazine highlights the winners of the 2008 Washington Wine Awards. We are pleased that Release Number Two was selected as the Best Bordeaux Blend over $20 in the state in a large tasting event in which the finalists were judged “blind” to pick a winner.

Don’t wait to pick up a few more bottles before it is gone!!

Open by appointment, we look forward to seeing you in Walla Walla soon. We continue to appreciate your interest in Ensemble Cellars wines,

Craig Nelsen, Winemaker Bunny Nelsen, Asst. Winemaker

Download Tasting Notes
Download Allocation Form