Winemaker Interview: Tom Glase of Balboa Winery
Tom Glase
Balboa Winery is located in Walla Walla, WA and uses grapes from the renowned Columbia Valley appellation. Having firmly established their presence with some outstanding wines, particularly their ‘06 Merlot, ‘06 Cat’s Meow (red blend), ‘06 Syrah and ‘06 Cabernet Sauvignon, I’ve been eagerly awaiting their 2007 vintages which were just recently unveiled at the beginning of September. In preparation for imbibing, I conducted a quick and quirky Q&A (how’s that for alliteration?) with owner and winemaker Thomas Glase of Balboa…
Stacy Buchanan: It might be an assumption to most, but Balboa instantly brings to mind Rocky the boxer, but that isn’t the case… Can you elaborate about the name for the winery and its origins?
Tom Glase: Well, there was no relationship to the boxer, so you would be correct. As for the name’s origin, our first two vintages came from a vineyard on the rocks in Milton-Freewater, OR… And I had been drinking.
SB: You just released four new 2007 vintages. As a whole, how would you describe these wines compared to your ‘06 offerings?
TG: They’re more evolved from the previous vintage. They are older vines we’re using and there’s more experienced wine making and wine growing that is involved in the process of growing these grapes and making wine from them.
Cat’s Meow
SB: Crush is coming up SOON for Washington wineries, if not, here already. Do you have any unusual traditions or silly routines for the harvest season?
TG: As of September 25th, we’re at about 30% done with harvest. Our one tradition is to have champagne the first day of harvest.
SB: What’s the first thing you do once harvest is complete?
TG: Not get up in the morning, and have some more champagne.
SB: These four new wines are all unique and different from each other, which would you say is the most fitting “holiday” wine for the approaching holiday season?
TG: I’d say most likely “The Cat’s Meow” would be the best holiday choice of wine from Balboa as it is a wine that goes well with many different foods. And it’s also a wine that is good by itself. The unique blend of 41% Merlot, 41% Syrah, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon is the major component that makes it such a versatile wine.
All four of Balboa’s delicious new 2007 wines are available for sale at AmericanWinery.com.
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