The Woodinville tandem of Derek Berger and Scott Heinrich spend a fair bit of time on Red Mountain, creating a handful of different red blends from the state’s smallest American Viticultural Area. This one, named for a two-masted sailboat, is dominated by Ranch at the End of the Road Vineyard, which contributed the Syrah (57%) and Sangiovese (14%), and includes Merlot (29%) from Kiona — two of the three Red Mountain sites owned by the Williams family. The dominance of Syrah shows from beginning to end, starting with aromas of boysenberry and Hostess Blueberry Pie, and joined by dusty black cherry, rose petal, coffee and black pepper. The drink is bold with more boysenberry and plum, backed by a plush midpalate and juicy acidity, and finished with black cherry. The sailors suggest pairing this with smoked meats, cioppino and other Italian fare.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 86 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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