They operate one of Washington state’s most picturesque tasting venues, and Mike and Judi Scott don’t appear to be slowing down when it comes to their Needlerock Vineyard nor their wine program. Counoise from the Wenatchee Valley estate gets them to the 75% required to label this expression of the Rhône Valley as a varietal wine, and Mike blended in Zinfandel (15%) and Syrah (10%) from the Wahluke Slope downstream from their Columbia River property. Those ripe components and level of extraction, combined with his use of Balkan oak, make for aromas of macerated plum, cola, vanilla, caramel and baking spice. Inside, it is big yet hedonistic as sweet blueberry, plum and Cherry Mountain Bar flavors are backed by loganberry acidity and a pinch of black pepper. The Scotts suggest serving it with barbecued meat, sausage or hearty stews.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 75 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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