June 29, 2018 - I liked this wine, but I was hoping for more. In a word it was subtle. What was there was good but I would’ve liked everything dialed up a notch. It’s definitely an easy drinker.
May 12, 2018 - Nicely structured with noticeable oak & acid spine. Very good, but not "wow" great, as I'd hoped. Latta does it better for a reduced tariff. 92-93
November 18, 2017 - WA Grenache Tasting: Not a lot of notes.. bright fruit, high acidity, slightly oaky.
better than the first, but not great. 4/6 for flight
July 21, 2017 - Drank over 2 days, still vibrant and alive on the 2nd. Lovely wine.
October 30, 2015 - A beautiful Grenache with juicy berry and red fruits and still some good tannic structure with just enough acidity. Almost floral in its presentation with a nice long finish, I think this could improve with a couple more years but it is really good now.
January 5, 2014 - Rhone like, not a typical American Syrah.
August 1, 2013 - this is stunningly good wine. deceivingly clear in appearance (in the best of ways). distinctive aromas. has great structure and is very well balanced. this guy is making great wine; I wish I had purchased more than 2.
June 6, 2013 - Young but fantastic. Evolved nicely over the two days. Finish was silky and very long. Palette was full of fruit but not overwhelming. Great wine.
November 19, 2012 - Tasting through 2010 "reserve" lineup continues. This pours a transparent dark ruby red. The aromatics are perfumed & floral. A very pure expression emerges with raspberry & strawberry. Hints of white pepper & mulling spice waft over as well. What is captivating when you sip the wine is the stunning, soft mouthfeel. Elegant is the best word here. Make no mistake, this is a fruit driven wine, but this miraculous site, the Gunkel "down by the river" vineyard is producing pure , precise Grenache with some sneaky acid & tannins. This shows a strong spiced fig note on the back of the palate which lingers and makes you want more. A brilliant example of what Grenache can be here in Washington. This adds weight & shows more concentration as it takes on air & warms to room temp. Just great stuff here.
Had this with a duo of pork dishes, a roasted tenderloin, some mild sausage added to red beans & rice soup. As I tasted it, I simply had to pull some prosciutto & taste it together. Not surprisingly, it worked beautifully.
November 13, 2012 - 100% Grenache (Gunkel Vineyard)
Flavors and aromas of bright black currant, blackberry, pink peppercorns, tea leaves and graphite. Very pretty on the palate, feminine and extremely elegant. This fine silk of a wine fits the tongue like a glove. Subtle, fine and soft finish. Needs time to show it's best.
Drink 2014-2020.