Wine Rack Store Blog

“Bottle shock” describes a phase new bottled wine must survive to reach it’s prime. Although I am a bit of a wine fiend, I only recently heard this term. I spent some time in the Horse Heaven Hills, tasting wine, and talking with vintner’s, when I first learned about this stage of wine-making.

In the scientific sense of the word, bottle shock, also called bottle sickness, is when wine takes on peculiar, not-necessarily-good flavors. These strange flavors make the wine taste less fruity, and make the presence of the alcohol more noticeable. It almost certainly occurs after bottling, and can occasionally happen after being subjected to frequent shaking or changes in temperature and/or lighting. So, please people, when you are angry, don't take it out on your wine or it will get "shaken wine syndrome".

Luckily, “bottle shock” is usually temporary. Doctor Wine Charm’s orders are a couple weeks of rest and relaxation in any of the specially designed wine resorts available at the Wine Rack Store. Each rack is designed for optimal storage, and protection. No “bottle shock” here!

Labels: bottle shock, doctor wine charms, horse heaven hills, wine rack

I recently had the opportunity to meet Jon Martinez at his vineyard in Prosser, WA. It was 5am, the sun was just peeking over Horse Heaven Hills, and the valley was bathed in the morning’s golden light. Once my eyes began focusing (not an easy feat for me at that hour), I was completely awed by the view. Rolling hills of grapes vines stretched out before me, budding with the promise of enough future wine to fill my entire instant wine cellar! Each tiny new tendril of vine was like a child, and Jon treated them all with the utmost of attention. Under his loving care, Jon’s hopes and dreams grew more fruitful by the minute. Of course, his financial success depended on those grapes, but for him, it seemed to mean much more than money. I allowed the valley to wrap me in it’s history, and I think, perhaps, I felt a bit of what Jon must feel every day. I saw the hours and hours of countless families toiling to create the abundance that would supply the rest of the world with apples, cherries, and grapes. I connected with the earth and all that is living. I basked in the glory of nature, and the infinite possibilities of growth and renewal.

As Jon talked about his new adventure, Maison Bleue, I felt inspired, and yes, a bit envious. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to such a gorgeous view everyday? Who wouldn’t want to spend their day fondling grapes and sampling wine? I would! Jon has big plans for Maison Bleue: Estate Wines, Onsite Tasting Room and Inn, a second tasting room in Woodinville, and of course, the family homestead overlooking his glorious grapes! I wish all the best for Jon and his family. I hope to visit again soon, and I’m looking forward to Jon’s wine taking up residency in my cellar. If you have the opportunity to visit Prosser, be sure to stop in and tell Jon: Jenn sent ya!

Labels: Classic Wine Rack, grapes, horse heaven hills, instant wine cellars, prosser, vines, vineyard, winery