This year, Mary Tuuri Derby celebrates the 10th anniversary of DaMa Wines, and she continues to show the promise of Rhône varieties grown in the Yakima Valley by Lonesome Spring Ranch. The Benton City, Wash., vineyard run by Colin Morrell has been the source for the popular DaMa Nation GSM blend, but here the focus is all on his Grenache. Harvest took place Oct. 11 at 26 Brix, a targeted sweet spot for winemakers looking to showcase Grenache. The 18-month fermentation in neutral barrels factors into to a remarkably lighter style – almost rosé-like. It’s filled with finesse and full of charming strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors, backed by sweet herbs and dried red currant. Its delicious balance wowed judges at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, where it merited a double gold medal and best of class for Grenache $25 and over. Adding panache to the package is the label, which features La Maison Modern by late Italian illustrator Manuel Orazi.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 132 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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