19/20

Review of Washington Wines, October 2011
Composed of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Franc, this wine shows a deep brick red color and aromas of blackberries, black cherries, black currants, with seductive scents of rose petals, cigar box, sandalwood and smoldering incense. On the palate, the dark fruit flavors show an intriguing chewy/svelte texture that combines Red Mountain minerals and scorched earth with tones of licorice, bittersweet chocolate and French roast. The vivid fruits continue on the back, with notes of pencil lead, coffee grounds, crème bruleé and roasted pecans, followed by a lingering, lightly spiced finish that is marked by sweet-dry tannins and toasty oak (86% new French). 19/20 points. — Rand Sealey

* (Excellent)

Washington Wine Report, December 2011
Medium ruby. Aromatically shows abundant toasty notes along with vanilla extract and herbal notes. The palate is medium bodied with dark cherry flavors and silky tannins. 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Franc. Aged 22 months in French and American oak. 15.3% alcohol. 175 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. — Sean Sullivan

18.5/20

Review of Washington Wines, October 2011
This is a combination of two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot from Radar Hill, west of Othello. It exhibits a deep ruby color and sultry aromas of blackberry, cherry, cassis, tobacco, crushed roses, lavender and a hint of violets. The dark fruit flavors are lavish and savory, intermixed with tones of licorice, bittersweet chocolate, and espresso, wrapped around a firm core. The back picks up notes of earthy minerals, mocha, roasted nuts, fruit confit and dried orange peel, followed by a thick chewy tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. — Rand Sealey

19/20

Review of Washington Wines, October 2011
Owned by Patrick Dineen and managed by Patrick Rawn, this vineyard is situated north of Zillah. This 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon combination displays a deep ruby color and an intense nose of wild blackberries, cherries and currants, with whiffs of tobacco, rubbed sage, dried rose petals and violets. The flavors are thick and supple, with a lavish coating of licorice, Swiss chocolate, espresso and notions of spiced cherry pie. The saturation continues on the back, with tones of mocha, stony minerals, crème bruleé, roasted nuts and semi macerated berries. Bright fruit acids (6.3 g/l) provide focus to the lingering, savory ripe tannin finish. High on the hedonism scale, hence 19/20 points. — Rand Sealey

+/* (Good/Excellent)

Washington Wine Report, December 2011
Medium purple. This wine has all the hallmarks of Washington Malbec with peppery spices, plum, and light green notes. The palate is tart and on the lighter side of medium bodied tart with chocolate flavors, grainy tannins, and a silky smooth finish. Occasionally shows a bit of heat. 100% Malbec. Aged 22 months in French and Bulgarian oak. 15.2% alcohol. 75 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. — Sean Sullivan

Wines Northwest: Wines of the Week, August 28 2011
Winemaker/owner Tim Narby crafted this Malbec from grapes grown at Verhey Vineyard near Union Gap, Washington in the western Yakima Valley. The inspired combination of terroir-driven fruit with just the right oak-barrel regimen produced a unique and appealing wine. Look for aromas of earthy eucalyptus and rich boysenberry leading to a palate with berry flavors with notes of herbs and citrus. A pleasant finish of cherry and herbs makes for a great combination with rich meats and sauces. Needs breathing time to develop full character. — Chuck Hill

* (Excellent)

Washington Wine Report, December 2011
Medium ruby. Appealing aromas of dusty cherries, milk chocolate, herbal notes, and exotic spices. The palate is medium bodied with rich fruit flavors and chalky, occasionally dry, tannins that give a firm squeeze before gently letting go. 47% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. Ciel du Cheval, Champoux, Dineen, and Verhey vineyards. Aged 22 months in French and Hungarian oak (33% new). 15.3% alcohol. 150 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. — Sean Sullivan

Top 10 Red of 2011

Compass Wines Newsletter, January 2012
Thanks to Doug Charles of Compass Wines in Anacortes, WA for voting our 2008 Mourvedre as one of the Top 10 Washington State Red Wines of 2011. — Doug Charles

18.5+/20

Review of Washington Wines, September 2011
From a cool site, this wine displays a purplish color and aromas of wild blackberry, black cherry and black currant, Provencal lavender, incense, pepper and spice. The dark fruit flavors are deep and penetrating, infused with black licorice, minerally earth and mocha. The back reveals sensations of roasted cherries, graphite, coffee grounds, dried orange peel and toasted almonds, followed by bright fruit acids on a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish that is dusted with pepper and spice. Only 25 cases produced. 18.5+/20 points. — Rand Sealey

18.5/20 points

Review of Washington Wines, December 2011
This is an exceptional Syrah for the price. Blended with 13% Mourvedre and 8% Grenache, it offers a deep ruby color and aromas of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, lavender, sage and pepper. The red/blue flavors are well saturated, underlain with notes of licorice, chocolate, mocha and stony minerals and earth (Stone Tree and Stillwater Creek). The flavors thicken on the back, with senszxzZXations of macerated berries, graphite, dried orange peel and a squeeze of blueberry juice on a spiced (nutmeg, clove) ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. ($25) — Rand Sealey

+/* (Good/Excellent)

Washington Wine Report, December 2008
A perfumed, expressive wine with Stargazer lilies, blueberries, and mineral notes. The palate is broad and fruit filled with chalky tannins and a lingering finish. 95% Syrah, 5% Grenache (StoneTree). Aged 22 months in French and American oak (50% new). 15.0% alcohol. 50 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. — Sean Sullivan

18.5/20

Review of Washington Wines, October 2011
Composed of 52% Grenache (Stone Tree) with 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, this is an engaging wine. Deep purplish colored, it offers an entrancing nose of sweet raspberries, cherries and black currants, with scents of garrigue (French lavender), orange peel and whiffs of incense and pepper. The supple flavors are lavishly fruited, intermixed with licorice, Swiss chocolate and minerally earth. The back picks up notes of macerated berries, sweet spices and recurring orange peel, followed by a lingering moderate tannin and acid finish. Stainless steel barrel and neutral oak aging maintain the fruit’s purity. 18.5/20 points. — Rand Sealey

+/* (Good/Excellent)

Washington Wine Report, December 2011
Pale ruby. An aromatic, appealing wine with red fruit, blueberries, white pepper, spice, and game. The palate is lush and fruit filled with a drawn out finish. A slight bitter note on the finish is all that holds this wine back. 52% Grenache, 28% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. StoneTree, Stillwater Creek, and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Aged 22 months in stainless steel (Grenache) and French and American oak (Syrah). 15.2% alcohol. 131 cases produced. Sample provided by winery — Sean Sullivan