Interesting wine being poured on this Holland America "Wines of Washington" cruise: Chateau Ste. Michelle's Orphelin. (That's French for orphan). It's a blend of nine international varieties including the Rhone (syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, grenache), Italy (sangiovese) and Portugal (souzao, touriga) plus (to "round it out" for the American palate), cab sauv and petit verdot. Would be tempted to call it Kitchen Sink except that it's really tasty and great with both fish and cheese.
The winemaking staff basically blended a bunch of "orphan" barrels, small lots of wine that wasn't going into any of their other products. Offered to members of Ste. Michelle's Vintage Reserve Club last year, the wine carried a $40 price tag and sold out so fast it never reached the general public. The 2004 vintage will be released to the restaurant trade later this year, aimed at the high-end, by-the-glass market.
For its part, Holland America puts a lot of effort into the look and feel of its cruise experience. In the upscale Pinnacle Grill of the ms Zaandam, for instance, the plates are Rosenthal's Bulgari pattern. So, what are the five fruits on the design? (Hint: one's a lemon.)
First set of correct answers wins dinner for two at the Art Institute of Seattle's Portfolio Room.
