DeLille Cellars alum Chris Peterson developed the playbook for Great Northwest Wine’s top-ranked wine of 2015, and the Woodinville winemaker has followed up that debut 2012 vintage by throwing another tight spiral for retired quarterbacks Dan Marino and Damon Huard using Milo May’s Discovery Vineyard. There’s opulence and complexity starting with the 21-month barrel program of 80% new French oak, which creates aromas of black currant and plum among the notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, sweet herbs and charcuterie. It’s big, bold and brooding on the palate, opening with flavors of black cherry, currant and plum sauce. Superbly managed tannins and Marionberry acidity combine for a rich and delicious finish of molasses and chocolate. Production fell by 50 cases from the inaugural release while their wine club has grown, so the play clock has run out on grabbing some from the winery. At this point, your best bet starts with a well-connected wine merchant.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 450 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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