Best Buy! Those who have visited the Walla Walla County town of Waitsburg may be familiar with this label. The photo of Charles Bieler and Charles Smith was staged in front of American Legion Post No. 35, a building Smith purchased and had painted. Their combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%) and Syrah from two of Washington’s largest groups of vineyards — Goose Ridge near Richland and Milbrandt (Wahluke Slope, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley). There’s a snootful of black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate and vanilla, while the palate seems to allow the Syrah to take the lead with dark plums and boysenberry. Acidity pushes ahead of tannin, while oak influences of dark chocolate and vanilla make for a lingering finish. Smith’s wines are distributed in virtually every state in the country, which should put these stars and stripes within the reach of many.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 48,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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