90
points
Gamache 2004 Estate Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$28
This is young, tangy, juicy and sweet, with ripe but quite tart fruit, showing plenty of acid and citrus rind. The toasty oak flavors are front and center, and delicious. All the Gamache red wines will benefit from additional bottle age, which will soften and meld the bacon fat, herb and sharp spice flavors. There is a lot of potential here for further development.
— P.G.
(12/31/2007)
88
points
Gamache 2006 Velida Estate Viognier (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$18
This meaty, substantial wine was barrel fermented in neutral oak and hints at oxidation, particularly in terms of its dusty, tawny color. Clocking in at 14.9% alcohol, it definitely shows some heat on the finish. But it’s a full-bodied style with immediate appeal, lush with candied fruit flavors, streaks of butter and toasted nuts. Its weight and mouthfeel are very…
— P.G.
(12/31/2007)
88
points
Gamache 2005 Estate Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$28
Ten acres of Malbec was planted at Gamache in 2003; this is the first vintage to be released. It’s off to a promising start, although the fruit thins out quickly. There are nicely managed tannins, earthy and herbal, tasting of green tea and displaying lovely aromatics. Scents of rose petals mingle with black tea, and in the mouth it is balanced and complex, with…
— P.G.
(12/31/2007)
87
points
Gamache 2005 Boulder Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$18
The Gamache brothers call this blend, which is half Cabernet Franc, one quarter Merlot, and the rest split between Malbec and Syrah, a happy accident—the result of having a shortage of Cabernet Sauvignon for blending. The Franc is a great base wine, a little rough and green, but packed with firm, cool-site red grape flavors. Aromatic and tasting of mixed fruits…
— P.G.
(12/31/2007)