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Smasne Cellars

In 1979, Harlan met a young winemaker named David Lake, who had just landed in Washington as winemaker for Associated Vintners — later to be renamed Columbia Winery. Lake was enamored with Otis Vineyard and made celebrated vineyard-designated Cabs and Chardonnays from Otis beginning with the 1981 vintage.

“David was a wonderful fellow, a wonderful winemaster,” Harlan said. “And he became a good friend.”

Lake died in 2009, and Columbia Winery is now owned by Gallo, which still purchases a lot of the grapes from Otis Vineyard. Harlan said he’s finally ready to retire completely from the grape business and focus his energy elsewhere.

“Sean Tudor brings lots and lots of enthusiasm to the table,” Harlan said, hinting that the younger Tudor reminds him a bit of himself in his youth. “I am delighted to turn this over to Sean.”

The younger Tudor is teaming up with Robert Smasne, one of the most prolific winemakers in the Yakima Valley, whose winemaking facility is just a few miles from Otis Vineyard. Together, they will be producing 200 cases of wine under the Tudor Hills Winery label from the 2013 vintage. A Sangiovese rosé and Chardonnay will be released next spring, and a Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon will follow.

The Cabernet Sauvignon will come from the 1956 vines at Otis. Tudor plans to release it in 2016 to mark the 60th anniversary of their plantings.

“It’s a unique family story,” Tudor said. “I’m anxious to share it.”

Smasne is especially excited to work with these old vines. He grew up next door, where his parents grew Concord grapes. As a child, Smasne and his brothers would sneak into Otis Vineyard and taste the grapes. Even as a 10-year-old, Smasne noticed something different about the grapes Harlan grew, and a winemaking spark flickered in his young mind.

Yet even though he grew up in the shadow of Otis Vineyard, and the fruit here inspired his remarkable winemaking career, he’s never made wine from Otis Vineyard grapes. Until now.

Before launching Smasne Cellars, Smasne worked at Covey Run, a winery then owned by the same company that controlled Columbia Winery. As a result, Smasne worked with Lake and recalls the Otis Vineyard connection.

“He loved making wines from this vineyard,” Smasne said as he stood amid the 57-year-old Cab vines. “I’m really excited.”

Last edited on 7/13/2014 by cpauling

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