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GSM among Washington’s most delicious blends

By on April 8, 2018

Seven of Hearts 2013 GSM Plus C, Columbia Valley, $25

seven-of-hearts-gsm-plus-c-2013-bottleOne of the Pacific Northwest’s most adventuresome and skilled winemakers, Byron Dooley in Carlton, Ore., reached into two vineyards on the Washington side of the Columbia River across from Oregon — Avery and Hellsgate – for this GSM-style blend. It leads with Grenache (38%) and gets contributions from Syrah (36%) and Mourvèdre (14%), plus Cinsault (12%). The barrel program he used is focused on French oak, but just 10% new wood. Beautiful aromas of boysenberry, blueberry and California red peppercorns lead to a tasty drink that’s a bit darker with a profile of blackberry, pomegranate and baking spice. Pleasing tannins and juicy acidity are nicely integrated, leading for a long and soft finish of blueberry jam.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 347 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

Winery website

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About Andy Perdue

Andy Perdue is the editor and publisher of Great Northwest Wine. He is a third-generation journalist who has worked at newspapers since the mid-1980s and has been writing about wine since 1998. He co-founded Wine Press Northwest magazine with Eric Degerman and served as its editor-in-chief for 15 years. He is a frequent judge at international wine competitions. He is the author of "The Northwest Wine Guide: A Buyer's Handbook" (Sasquatch, 2003) and has contributed to four other books. He writes about wine for The Seattle Times. You can find him on Twitter and .

6 Comments

  1. Scott P

    April 10, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    To not even mention Palencia wineries Casa Amirillo GSM is a travesty.

    If you haven’t had it, you must immediately.

    Reply

  2. Bill

    April 28, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    Syncline “Subduction Red” needs to be included, in part, because it has the 3 GSM + Cinsault & Carignan.
    Just starin’

    Reply

  3. Robert

    April 30, 2018 at 9:35 am

    Covington Cellars ” MA Belle”should be included. Cinsault has been been added to the 2013 GSM blend. A most appealing wine.

    Reply

  4. Steve

    May 3, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    W hy can’t I get midsummer’s white Columbia valley in OHio

    Reply

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