The Middleton family took the name for their Walla Walla winery project from one of the ships that it used to transport timber from Grays Harbor to California nearly a century ago. Their own Southwind Vineyard near Seven Hills hasn’t reach full production, but this effort from five Columbia Valley sub-appellations by Brian Rudin — now with Duckhorn’s Canvasback program — shows skill and investment. The barrel program of 26 months in 75% new French oak creates a frame for aromas of black cherry, Marionberry, plum and cola, backed by mocha, black pepper and forest floor. On the pour, it’s filled with brambleberry juice of blackberry and boysenberry with blueberry acidity, a pinch of oregano and cherry-skin tannins.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 732 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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