Every year I make a point of visiting the Walla Walla wine region to taste the new stuff, and every year I’m amazed by how good it is. Apparently I’m not the only one who’s noticed, because there are now twice as many wineries as last year. In addition to Leonetti, Woodward Canyon, L’Ecole, Waterbrook, and others, we now get Bunchgrass, Three Rivers, Cayuse, Reininger, and more. Can we possibly sustain this growth? At what point is there more wine than we need? We can only wish them luck.

Can I be perfectly Franc?

In my never-ending quest to introduce you to unusual grape types, I offer the 1998 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc ($25). Phenomenally complex, this wine oozes flavors of plum, currant, cinnamon, toffee, and a hint of smoke. Even though I received this wine as a free sample, I intend to actually buy some. Good god . . . what am I saying?! Contact them at WallaWallaVintners.com.

Hi Dennis,

I like wine but only the really sweet kinds. It was a match made in heaven when I tried a Muschovy d’Oro at a Napa winery. But since that bottle, I haven’t had much success finding another. Any clues, tips, advice, Web sites you can offer?

CAT, CAPITOL HILL

Cat,

It may be possible that the reason you can’t find the wine is because it’s not called Muschovy, which I believe is a combination of muskrat and anchovies. You’re looking for Muscato d’Oro, an absolutely delicious dessert wine with flavors of spice and orange blossom. I’d also recommend a wine called Vin Santo. You can dunk biscotti in it for an awesome dessert. Try DeLaurenti’s in the Market.

e-mail Dennis at wine@seattleweekly.com