The Wahluke Slope might be the best growing region in the Pacific Northwest for Zinfandel, which explains why an increasing number of winemakers in both Washington and Oregon source this luscious Italian red grape from this portion of the Columbia Basin. Wenatchee Valley winemaker Mike Scott, who grows some big reds of his own, taps into the Jones family’s plantings for Zin near Mattawa, where they farm two blocks. Aromas of cherry preserves, blackcurrant jam and strawberry candy lead to flavors or more of the same amid a structure that’s Californian with a tug of cranberry-skin tannin. Beautiful raspberry brightness and a pinch of white pepper combine for a long and juicy finish that comes with some hedonism.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 77 cases
Alcohol: 16.4%
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