Half of Wade Wolfe and Becky Yeaman’s production stems from grapes at Zephyr Ridge Vineyard, an expansive site in the Horse Heaven Hills that Wolfe consulted on while employed by Hogue Cellars. The relationship now includes 13 acres of contracted grapes for Thurston Wolfe, and he’s used Zephyr Ridge Zinfandel — and its Italian brother Primitivo — for four Platinum winners over the years. It grows to seven if counting the Dr. Wolfe’s Family Red, which features Zinfandel as about half of the annual blend. Expect aromas and flavors of cherry compote, strawberry freezer jam and baking spice amid a structure that’s juicy with dusty tannins — making this a brighter Zin than many of its California counterparts. Awards: Seattle Wine Awards (best of class/double gold), Bellingham Northwest (double gold).
Rating: Platinum, 93 points
Production: 539 cases
Alcohol: 15.5%
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