There are many layers to Ron Irvine’s place in the Washington wine industry, which began 40 years ago as a Seattle wine merchant. He’s been making wine on Vashon Island for 25 years, but he took the plunge not long after 9/11 by buying Vashon Winery. His Pinot Noir from Monument Farm presents aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, red cherry skins and violet, while the fluid is rich with flavors of Marionberry, boysenberry and plum. Barrel influences of vanilla, toast and coffee add length to this nicely made, low-alcohol wine. Irvine has about 40 retail accounts in the Seattle area, including a few restaurants and the Vashon Saturday Market. And despite its 600-case production, Vashon Winery — open each Saturday from April through October — also is among the few which still do not charge a tasting fee.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 25 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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