Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Grape: Syrah, Merlot and Petit Syrah
Year: NV
Alcohol: 15%
Price point: $18
Year Reviewed: 2018
Check out my longer article on Dave Phinney’s location wines. I am in love with this one from Columbia Valley. I get why it has been rated 95 points by many folks. This clear deep garnet blend is aged in French and American oak. Dave found the best of the region, as usual, and has stated that he wanted to get folks interested in the best wines of each region to get folks to experience the grapes of each region. On the nose, this wine is clean and pronounced with subtle aromas of menthol and eucalyptus and can be an indication that the wine is higher in alcohol or eucalyptus trees are planted near the vineyards. On the palate this is off dry, with flavors of forest floor, pepper after notes, dark fruit, dark chocolate covered blueberries and cherry.
Pair this with blue cheese BBQ, short camembert cheese. This is a silky, slightly tannic velvety blend that goes down quite easy. A long luscious finish that will stain your teeth and tongue quite purple. Outstanding quality from this region and Dave Phinney lands it again…….what an amazing wine maker!