Charles Smith Wines

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CHARLES SMITH    Unique wine names.   Unique labels.  One unique winemaker                     

Charles Smith is known for producing some pretty terrific wines out of Washington over the past 20 years.  Before settling down in Washington to make wine in the late 1990’s, Charles moved to Denmark thinking he would find a position in the wine industry.  What he actually did in Denmark was to manage and book music groups.   While creating promotional material for the bands, he developed his bold graphic black-and-white promotional style.

Smith came to Walla Walla, Washington after leaving Denmark.  With a very small budget and the generosity of the local vintners, he created his first vintage in 2001.  He used fruit from one vintner, crushed the grapes at another facility, and fermented the wine at a third site. He made 330 cases of a minimally produced, biodynamic Syrah which he sold out of the back of his van.  But what people remembered was the label – it was stamped only with a giant, black ‘K’ on a white label.  It was easily spotted across the room but more importantly, they didn’t forget the wine.  K Syrah.

Smith continued to create new wines– all designed with a black-and-white label and with inventive new names.  Who doesn’t smile when you see a bottle of Velvet Devil Merlot?  Boom Boom! Syrah?  Kung Fu Girl Riesling?

For our tasting we will sample six wines from the Charles Smith label (now owned by Constellation Brands) and one from the HOUSE OF SMITH Substance label.

2019 Band of Roses:

We will start the evening with a cool dry Rosé made from 100% Pinot Gris

2020 Kung Fu Girl Riesling:

The story goes that Charles was eating Chinese takeout and watching a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film when he had an idea: a killer white wine to be paired with Asian food.

2018 Substance Sauvignon Blanc Sunset Vineyard:

The Substance label was created with the goal of creating the best value-price Cabernet Sauvignon in America.  It has expanded to include red-blends, Merlot, Chardonnay and this Loire-style Sauvignon Blanc.

2016 Eve Chardonnay:

100% Washington State Chardonnay, producing a dry, creamy and smooth wine.

2019 Velvet Devil Merlot:

When the movie “Sideways” created anti-Merlot sentiments, Charles set out to rebuff the movie’s unflattering portrayal.  One taste of Velvet Devil and you’ll know he succeeded.

 2018 Boom Boom! Syrah:

This spicy Syrah is a tribute to Charles first lost love – a woman named “Boom Boom” O’Brien – and it’s one of the biggest, boldest Syrah’s of all time.

2016 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon:

While Charles Smith Wines does not actually have a chateau, the Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon stays true to the old-world winemaking style from Bordeaux.

Join us on Friday, December 17^th at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg to taste the wines of Charles Smith.

 100% COVID 19 vaccination proof with follow-up 14-day waiting period completion is required to confirm event reservations.  All Center for Disease Control and Pennsylvania Department of Health distancing and safety precautions as well as the Hilton Harrisburg’s practices and policies will be followed as we are their guests. Tables of 4 persons each may be reserved via communication with your reservation notes, or email to the Treasurers.

Click here for reservations.

Members:  $60           Patrons:  $55         Nonmembers:  $70

*From charlessmithwines.com and houseofsmith.com