For the third time in the past six years, the 2011 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year has used a blend in the style of Southern Rhône for a Platinum. Brent Roberts took the Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre — all from Cecil Zerba’s planting in the Blue Mountain foothills — and arrived at a winning formula after his first crush as the head winemaker. Brooding and hedonistic in its style, sweet huckleberry and cherry cordial are its core with leather and Craisins on the backend for a decadent and compelling finish. Award: Bellingham Northwest (double gold).
Rating: Platinum, 93 points
Production: 141 cases
Alcohol: 15.2%
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