Brian Petersen is the co-owner and winemaker for this small, young winery near Belfair, Wash., north of Olympia. This is just his second vintage, and it is remarkable, thanks in part to top grapes from Double Canyon (Horse Heaven Hills), Pepper Bridge (Walla Walla Valley) and Hattrup Farms (Yakima Valley). This leads with Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It opens with aromas of Rainier cherry, bacon, boysenberry and intense spice notes, followed by flavors of plum, exotic spice and loads of red fruit. We love the balance of the moderate tannins and elegant acidity. On the label, this wine pays homage to the SS Dauntless, a steamer in the Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet that was built in 1899 and served in Tacoma, Seattle, Bainbridge Island and Port Townsend. A storm in December 1923 destroyed it.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 290 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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