The Umikers’s ongoing relationship with the Verhey family — which farms Roosevelt Ridge near the Columbia Gorge and its namesake planting near Yakima — is on display with the Clearwater Canyon program for Petite Sirah. This marks their third Platinum with the boisterous red Rhône grape, which speaks loudly with bold purple fruit, sage and white pepper. “Petite Sirah is difficult to work with,” said one winemaking judge. “There are the huge aromatics, but it’s also hugely tannic, so you have to strike a delicate balance — how to hold onto the aromas and still have a wine you can drink. They did a brilliant job.” Awards: Great Northwest Invitational (best of class/gold).
Rating: Platinum, 94 points
Production: 146 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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