Kestrel

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Kestrel 2002 Estate Sangiovese (Yakima Valley)

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Price $20

Sangiovese is showing some promise in Washington state, and the extra care given this wine includes bleeding off 12% of the juice to intensify color and flavor. Violets and cranberries, cookie dough and hints of tobacco can be found, along with the puckery acids characteristic of the grape. — P.G. (4/1/2005)

points

Kestrel 2004 Winemaker's Select Co-ferment Estate Syrah (Yakima Valley)

Price $38

Kestrel remains one of the most enigmatic Washington wineries; brilliant at times, disappointing at others, possessed of excellent old-vine fruit and yet plagued with inconsistency. This Co-ferment Syrah was excellent in 2002 and even better in 2003, but falls a bit short in 2004. It’s got the purple-black color but not the density to match; the fruit flavors are… — P.G. (12/31/2007)

points

Kestrel 2004 Merlot (Yakima Valley)

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Price $22

There is just 9% Cabernet in the blend. Smooth and light, with lean flavors showing herb and bark. The tannins have a green edge to them, and perhaps as a result, the vanilla flavors seem to stick out rather awkwardly. — P.G. (12/1/2007)

points

Kestrel 2005 Signature Edition Raptor Red (Yakima Valley)

Price $60

The Raptor Red, made in limited quantities, is Kestrel’s most expensive wine. It’s an interesting Bordeaux blend, and incorporates some old vine fruit. Subtle flavors include a rich mix of fresh herbs, earth and lightly-ripened berries, swathed in substantial new oak. — P.G. (11/1/2010)

points

Kestrel 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $21

The winery held back releasing the wine until this spring, probably to give the tannins extra time to soften up. It’s got herbal flavors and the fruit seems to be fading. Drink up. —P.G. — P.G. (9/1/2002)

points

Kestrel 2002 Signature Edition Co-Ferment Syrah (Yakima Valley)

Price $38

Shows some pretty red berry and violet notes, but they’re slathered in vanilla, caramel and cinnamon toast. The lavish oaking gives it a smooth, attractive mouthfeel, but two of our reviewers found this wine too alcoholic. — W.E. (9/1/2005)

points

Kestrel 2002 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $20

A Bordeaux blend whose oaky nose is leavened with leather and tobacco scents. The cherry and plum fruit flavors are substantial enough to bring the wine into a briefly sweet pie cherry midpalate. Chewy and astringent on the finish. — P.G. (12/15/2005)

points

Kestrel 2002 Old Vine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Price $50

Hard and tannic with scents of old leather. Very slowly the black cherry fruit emerges, along with moist earth, coconut and vanilla. Barrel flavors overpower the lightweight fruit, which is simply plowed under with oak. The hot, bitter tannins add a jarring note to the finish. — P.G. (12/15/2005)

Most Reviewed Designations

Co-ferment Estate Co-fermented Estate Estate “Old Vine” Lady In Red 5th Edition Lady In Red Holiday Old Vine Old Vine Estate Raptor Red Signature Edition Co-Ferment Winemaker Select

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Mourvèdre Pinot Gris Red Blend Rosé Sangiovese Syrah Viognier

2010 Buehler Estate

A pretty, polished and tasty wine for drinking now. Made from 100%…

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