Charlie “Wine Boss” Hoppes followed one of his early mentors, Mike Januik, into Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope, and this estate site for Novelty Hill is one of the largest and most picturesque parcels in Washington state. It’s also a spice rack for many winemakers, and while Petit Verdot typically serves as a blender to help build structure, the Alexanders ask Hoppes to create a standalone bottling with it. This opens with aromas of chocolate-covered Graham cracker, blueberry, venison jerky and rich tomato paste. On the palate, it’s fun, fruity and firm with boysenberry and black licorice, enjoyable plum skin tannins and blueberry acidity. While the Anelare wines are available for tasting at Nectar in Spokane, sales of this wine are limited to the tasting room near Red Mountain.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 50 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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