Matt Huse, one of the first products of Walla Walla Community College’s now-vaunted winemaking program, creates his family’s Meritage-style red upon a firm base of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and followed by Merlot (18%), Malbec (6%), Petit Verdot (3%) and Cabernet Franc. And it’s an assemblage of seven vineyards, leading with the Corliss family’s Blue Mountain Vineyard near Yellowhawk Creek and Abeja’s estate Heather Hill. The results show masterful blending with aromas of blackberry pie, black cherry, dark chocolate and baking spices. On the palate, the entry is luscious and approachable with more cherry, blackberry and huckleberry notes. Its round and rich midpalate yields to a gorgeous and lengthy finish of Earl Grey tea and bittersweet chocolate. This earned a gold medal at the 2015 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, an annual judging that funds scholarships for Huse’s alma mater — Walla Walla CC’s Center for Enology & Viticulture.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 410 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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