Isenhower Cellars 2015 “i” Holiday Paintbrush Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $20
It’s rare to find wines from a Walla Walla Valley producer at this price, yet here is a wide-ranging, youthful and approachable red from Brett Isenhower. And he brought in fruit from such vineyards at Dineen, Olsen Ranch and Upland from the Yakima Valley, Wallula in the Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla plantings Les Collines and Seven Hills. Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Petit Verdot (22%) supply the structure, with smaller yet not insignificant contributions of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Red currant, boysenberry and Van cherry aromas include a pinch of black pepper. Those same red tones make their way into the flavors. Smooth notes of loganberry, milk chocolate and tobacco lead to a bright finish of cranberry and Morello cherry. Sales of this “i” series are limited to wine shops and restaurants as glass pours, and its price and wide-ranging food applications make it a fit.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 296 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
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