The star of the Piedmont in northwestern Italy isn’t an easy grape to grow anywhere, but Mike Andrew’s vineyard in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills shows promise with the berry that’s the base of Barolo and Barbaresco. In the hands of Oregon vigneron Byron Dooley, this wine displays both typicity and terroir, starting with the classic Nebbiolo color and following with aromas of Queen Anne cherry, Simpkins Blackcurrant Travel Sweets, cola, black licorice and Milk Duds. Inside, the flavors are a combination of Bing cherry, cranberry and rhubarb, making for a good grip of tannins and mouthfilling juiciness. The finish of pomegranate includes some dustiness – a remarkable sensation found in so many wines from the Horse Heaven Hills.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 124 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
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