Walla Walla wine served at Obama state dinner

Cheers to Poet’s Leap.

The Walla Walla-produced Riesling made the menu Wednesday at the White House’s state dinner for China.

President Obama, guest of honor Chinese President Hu Jintao and a bevy of high-profile guests from diplomat Henry Kissinger to renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma dined on what news reports described as a “quintessential American” meal.

Along with Maine lobster, rib eye, apple pie and ice cream, the guests’ glasses were filled with a couple of Washington wines, including the 2008 Poet’s Leap Riesling.

Poet’s Leap is one of numerous wines created at Walla Walla’s Long Shadows Vintners, located off Frenchtown Road. There, internationally acclaimed winemakers from the major wine regions of the world are owner/partners in their own single wine. Each of those wines are intended as a “best in type” to showcase both the Columbia Valley and the signature style of the winemakers.

Poet’s Leap is crafted by Armin Diel, one of Germany’s most acclaimed Riesling producers and proprietor of Schlossgut Diel.

The other Washington wine to make the menu was Quilceda Creek cabernet.