Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  4/9/2009 (link)

  (STONE RIVER Beresan) Stone Dear Friends, I'm still in Europe but this has just arrived and it's reported to be terrific. Beresan's Stone River has an ample following in the Northwest and we always seem to have requests for the new vintage. The 2005 has caused a nice little uproar in Seattle and it's doing so for the opposite reason you may expect: restraint. Owned and operated by Tom Waliser (the vineyard manager for Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills - he was voted Washington Wine Grower of the Year by the WWC for 2008), he also owns owns and farms two other vineyards in close proximity: Waliser and Yellow Jacket - all are biodynamically farmed, including Beresan Estate (a rarity in the US). From an outstanding vintage in Washington State, this is Beresan's best wine and it's priced at a very fair level for the genre. It comes from Tom's own Waliser and Yellow Jacket with a small amount of the best that Pepper Bridge has to offer (he should know). It is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that is aged in a majority of older oak to emphasize the fruit and not the cooperage. Vinified to be a true synthesis of what I call the "north and the new" (northern latitude and the New World), this wine has grown up over the years and it appears to be headed toward a much larger stage. From Tom Glase (the winemaker): "Our Stone River Blend (2005) is our classic style, formatted from fruit off of our Cobblestone Estate Vineyards (Waliser/Yellow Jacket) and a pinch of Syrah from Pepper Bridge Vineyard. The 2005 Stone River shows incredible fruit flavors of smooth berry, plum and pomegranate, with hints of tobacco, spice, minerals and chocolate. This wine has a soft tannin makeup, which creates a very approachable wine that is enjoyable now and over time." Sounds like a top dinner party choice to me. In addition to a first rate example, you can also feel good about supporting some of the good guys in the trade who have gone out of their way to pioneer a biodynamic ethos - an important facet for me. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price: 2005 Beresan "Stone River" (Walla Walla) This wine will be available for local pick up in a few weeks and ship this season (around May 1st for posting). Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA WA4200

Washington Wine Report

• By Sean Sullivan
  2/5/2009 (link) ***** points

  (Beresan Winery Stone River Walla Walla Valley) Holy smoke Batman! Smoky syrah nose jumps out of the glass (make sure you have your wine away). A rich, luscious mouth feel. Opens and expands with a long finish. After decanting, a fascinating nose shows through will full-on pomegranate juice, lychee, and berry. This is complimented by Panda bear licorice laced with milk chocolate when the wine is not swirled. An excellent, complex wine. 35% Cabernet; 25% Syrah; 25% Merlot; 15% Cab Franc. Waliser (41%), Yellow Jacket (49%), and Pepper Bridge (10%) vineyards. 14.1 % alcohol. 420 cases produced.