From the "Pens of Friends", tasting notes for our 2012 Chardonnay:

From our "wine taster extraordinaire" Kelly, here are the first tasting notes for our 2012 Chardonnay, made with grapes from the Ancient Lakes of Washington AVA near Quincy, Washington.

Nose: Honey, almond, vanilla.

Mouth: Vanilla, soft oak, crisp apple, kiwi, melon, citrus. Very dry.

Would pair wonderfully with: Sharp or bleu cheeses, veal piccata, pesto salmon, margherita pizza.

And from our "wine/food pairing expert" Joanne, after sampling with the dish that follows the tasting notes.

"Subtle" describes this latest Chardonnay from Wedge Mountain winery. Delicate aromas of fruit and a whiff of toast invite further exploration. One sip reveals the honeyed richness of toasty caramel in the silken mouth-feel that lingers after the wine is gone - evidence of the brief ageing in new French oak.

For a delightful meal: Copper River salmon topped with seasoned panko crumbs, Borsetti (little purses) pasta with cheese and a chanterelle and shallot wine and cream sauce, sugar snap peas.

Salad: mixed greens with toasted almond oil and orange muscat champagne vinaigrette, fresh orange slices and toasted sliced almonds.

From Mary Ann: Is your mouth watering yet?