Spokane native Andrew Browne purchased property near Spring Valley Vineyard, and the Precept CEO established his vines starting in 2009. They span 103 acres, much of it devoted to red Bordeaux varieties, and his winemaker at Waterbrook — John Freeman — takes a Left Bank path with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Merlot (34%) and Petit Verdot. The barrel program of 20 months in 33% new French oak shows in the rich nose of dense cherry and plum with shaved bittersweet chocolate and ground coffee beans, leaving room for hints of dusty rosemary. Those tones are delivered in delicious and dense fashion as elegant tannins carry into a long finish of Bing cherry juice that’s capped by a nice bit of grip from cherry skins. Freeman suggests serving it with well-marbled meats, strongly flavored cheese and pasta dishes featuring a rich tomato-based sauce. As part of Browne Family’s Estate Series, it is a tasting room exclusive, which means they are available in downtown Seattle, Walla Walla and Tacoma’s Proctor District.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 278 cases
Alcohol 13.8%
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