Yakima Valley winemaker Robert Smasne’s latest release from his Three Vineyard program is a product from the same vintage he earned Washington Winery of the Year honors from Wine Press Northwest magazine. It’s a fun approach blending three Rhône varieties, in part because it begins with often-overlooked Marsanne (39%) from Boushey, following with Roussanne (33%) off Bill denHoed’s Dutchman Vineyard and Viognier grown on Snipes Mountain’s Upland Vineyard. Fanciful aromas of orange, starfruit, baked apple and papaya include cotton candy and caramel corn. It’s no cocktail wine, however, bringing a nice and dry approach of Gala apple, honeydew melon and more starfruit, backed by solid acidity as it finishes with lemon yogurt. Enjoy with grilled salmon.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 137 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Leave a Reply