Wautoma Wines 2014 El Prat Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $28

One of the Northwest’s top talents with Malbec, Jessica Munnell shows her touch with this blend of Malbec from sultry StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) from Tom Merkle’s Wautoma Springs Vineyard in the Cold Creek district. Merkle, Honorary Grower for the 2017 Auction of Washington Wines, partners with Munnell on this brand. They don’t rush El Prat onto the market, investing 30 months in a six-barrel program with half of it new oak. Sweet aromas of blueberry and black cherry include the backing of warm toast. The drink is nicely balanced as flavors of plum jam and vanilla are met by cherry-skin tannins and long finish of black licorice. Wautoma Wines are available in Tri-Cities at Tap & Barrel, Yoke’s Fresh Markets and The Lodge at Columbia Point. Enjoy with prime rib, lamb or burgers.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 140 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

Winery website

2 Comments

1. 

   Kory

   March 8, 2019 at 11:36 am

   This wine sets the bar for the Columbia Basin, with each sip the bar goes higher. True passion gives consumers this excellent experience.

   Reply
   • 

     Eric Degerman

     March 8, 2019 at 3:34 pm

     Greetings, Kory.
     Are you trying to steal my job as a writer?
     Seriously, glad that you enjoy the 2014 El Prat as much as our panel did.
     Sincerely,
     Eric

     Reply