He’s shifted his focus to managing vineyards and production, yet Shane Collins leaves a cellar of outstanding wines for Napa-trained winemaker Elizabeth Keyser from the Dufenhorst family’s planting within the proposed Rocky Reach appellation. The lineup includes this Right Bank-inspired blend of Merlot (35%), Malbec (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon that pays tribute to the Columbia River’s 11 dams south of the 49th parallel. There’s light toast behind the aromas of Bing cherry, blackberry cola and caramel, along with mint and sea mist. Its core of dark blue fruit includes black currant and dark cherry, backed by bold yet nicely managed and lingering tannins as those fruit sticks around through the finish. Suggested pairings include Korean-style barbecue short ribs.
Rating: Outstanding! 93 points
Production: 401 cases
Alcohol 14.5%
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