Red Rhone blends a delicious Northwest trend

Palencia Wine Co. 2014 Casa Amarilla Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre, Yakima Valley, $36

Victor Palencia produces standalone bottlings of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre under his own brand at the Walla Walla airport, but the Casa Amarilla is a GSM-style blend that seemingly pulls the best from each variety. The barrel program surrounding the 60-30-10 ratio is limited to French oak. It offers an abundance of toast in the aromatics with lots of chocolate, nutmeg and vanilla but also a nice mix of blackberry, black cherry and black pepper. It’s a delicious drink without nearly as much of barrel influence, instead focusing on sweet blueberry and blackberry flavors. Supple tannins, a nice backbone of minerality and a trail of chocolate combine for a long finish.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 150 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

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