- New Alliance of Women in Washington Wine already stands at 200 strong
- Bullocks bid goodbye to Eye of the Needle Winery in Woodinville
- VineLines Dispatch #7: That’s a wrap
- Former Oregon car dealer gears up with Jachter Family Wines
- VineLines Dispatch: 6 Vineyards at Work
- L’Ecole Nº 41 to create wine bar at Marcus Whitman Hotel
- VineLines Dispatch: Harvest surrounding Lake Chelan
- Northwest restaurateurs purchase Basel Cellars in Walla Walla
- Hayden Homes CEO buys interest in Pepper Bridge, Amavi wineries
- Walla Walla Community College to receive $15 million gift from MacKenzie Scott
Aluvé 2012 Primo Volo, Walla Walla Valley, $48
J.J. and Kelly Menozzi moved to the Walla Walla Valley after each served in the Air Force for two decades as pilots, and they have launched their new winery and vineyard they’ve planted near Mill Creek. Their debut release is this Left Bank-inspired blend that’s heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon (79%) from two nearby vineyards – Wild Rose and Yellow Bird – and they’ve named it for the Italian phrase for “first flight.” It takes off with aromas of blackberry, plum, toasted oak, cocoa powder and minerality. On the palate, there’s a smooth approach with blackberry and black cherry flavors, leading to a rich midpalate. Its expansive finish waves in coffee and baking spices. The Menozzis made their instructors at Walla Walla Community College proud by using this to earn a gold medal and best of class honors at the fourth annual Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition. And perhaps they celebrated with their suggested pairing of Penne with Braised Short Ribs.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 209 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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