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Latah Creek Wine Cellars NV Monarch Red No. 2, Washington, $20

By on July 30, 2014

latah-creek-wine-cellars-monarch-red-nv-bottleThe Conway family dramatically altered the recipe for this second reserve-tier red blend and relied on the Fries family’s Desert Wind Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, and the formula is phenomenal. Nearly equal parts of Merlot, Tempranillo and Malbec from the 2011 vintage got a boost from Hyatt Vineyard 2010 Syrah (18%) spent 16 months in barrel, and the influence of the Rhone variety shows up early in the dark, inviting nose of Marionberry and gaminess, along with notes of black currant, strawberry, chocolate and toast. The pour releases lush flavors of cherry, red currant and ripe red plum. It’s backed by juicy acidity, beautifully balanced tannins and a finish of more chocolate. Suggested pairings include Tuscan Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, one of the many approachable recipes included in Ellena Conway’s cookbook series available at their Spokane Valley winery.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 682 cases

Alcohol: 13.5%

Winery website

About Great Northwest Wine

Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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