- Tinte Cellars donation drive for Ukraine enters final week
- Jackson Family Wines invests in Walla Walla vines, wines
- 2022 Idaho Winery of the Year: Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery
- 2022 Idaho Winery to Watch: Rivaura Vineyards and Winery
- 2022 Washington Winery of the Year: Westport Winery Garden Resort
- 2022 Washington Winery to Watch: Liberty Lake Wine Cellars
- 2022 Oregon Winery of the Year: Chris James Cellars
- Long path of Andrew Riechers leads to early acclaim for Audeant Wines
- The Wine Knows: Upchurch hits sweet spot with Cab on Red Mountain
- Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
Palencia Wine Co. 2012 Casa Amarilla Grenache Syrah & Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley, $36
Victor Palencia got his start in the Washington wine industry as a teen working for Prosser winemaker/grower David Minick, who founded Willow Crest and its namesake vineyard. Minick now oversees vineyard operations for Precept Wine, and owner of nearby Canyon Ranch Vineyard. Willow Crest contributed the Syrah for this GSM-blend, while Grenache and Mourvèdre came from CRV. Combined with Palencia’s winemaking they offer aromas of dark and dusty blue fruit, allspice, clove and fresh-baked brownie. The flavor profile spotlights a broad palate of blackberry and elderberry, backed by a lighter tannin structure with pomegranate acidity. The finish features a touch of minerality and elderberry. While it’s not scheduled to be released until this fall, it’s already showing beautifully.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 105 cases
Alcohol: 14%
0 comments