Wahluke Slope is backbone of Washington wine industry

Forgeron Cellars 2013 Primitivo, Wahluke Slope, $35

One of the prime spots in the Pacific Northwest for Italian varieties is Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree Vineyard, which explains why longtime Walla Walla winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla devotes her Primitivo to this hot site. She brought this lot back to the winery on Sept. 26, pressed it off on Oct. 10, then aged it in neutral American oak. A sense of toastiness leads to aromas of mocha, black pepper and sassafras followed by blackberry, black currant and black cherry. Inside, there’s a mouth-filling presentation of blueberry and Montmorency cherry that’s bracketed by pleasing tannins, juicy pomegranate acidity and a pinch of pipe tobacco. Suggested pairings include charcuterie and prosciutto.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 161 cases

Alcohol: 14.3%

Winery website

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