Les Collines vineyard provided the fruit, a thick, honeyed mass of dried apricots, peaches and papaya. Dense yet retaining its acid-driven structure, it’s a rich, seemingly endless dive into a vat of sweet nectar. The residual sugar (9.6%) and alcohol (10.5%) are in perfect balance.
— P.G.
(11/1/2010)
A hint of mint can be detected in the opening aromas of this Merlot, which includes a splash of Cabernet Franc in the blend. Licorice, smoke and deep cassis flavors all contribute to an intense, seductive wine, with velvety tannins enrobing a lingering finish.
— P.G.
(12/31/2012)
A candidate for the best Zinfandel in Washington, this firm, claret-like offering is loaded with sweet berries and spicy, pine needle penetration. Supple and smoky, it threads a dark streak of iron ore into the polished tannins. Very fine winemaking.
— P.G.
(11/1/2010)
Nothing shy here; this 100% Primitivo, from the Stonetree vineyard, lists the alcohol at 15.5%. Dark and musky, lightly earthy and soft, it’s a luscious bottle which blankets the tongue with rustic (in a good way) black fruits and exotic spices. For the finishing kicker, barrel aging brings in dark chocolate. Rare and wonderful.
— P.G.
(11/1/2010)
Beautifully aromatic, this purple-hued wine offers generous plum and black cherry flavors that are cloaked in mocha, with muscular, earthy tannins. It spent over two years in barrel (half new oak), and will benefit from a bit more bottle age for all of its rich flavors to fully integrate.
— P.G.
(12/31/2012)
Roughly half of the blend is made from fruit that comes from 30-year-old vines. An addition of 6% Muscat adds a scent of tree fruit, and the lovely citrus and stone fruit flavors are enhanced by a fresh-baked bread note. It has excellent concentration and impeccable balance, plus a long, satisfying finish.
— P.G.
(4/1/2013)
Thoroughly delicious, this clever blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne is a joyride of green and yellow fruit, citrus and pear, honeydew melon and sweet orange peel. It’s complex and distinctive.
— P.G.
(12/31/2012)
A luscious cascade of apples, pears, honeydew melon and sweet pineapple fruit is set against lip-licking acidity. Just one third was aged in new French oak, the rest used barrels. There is a hint of heat in the finish, but the wine delivers a good long ride across the heart of the palate.
— P.G.
(9/1/2011)