Furniture craftsman Tom Stangeland takes a Right Bank approach with this vintage of his Panorama, which focuses on Merlot (78%) from Arianses Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and highly decorated Elephant Mountain Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills of the Yakima Valley, which also contributes the Cabernet Sauvignon (11%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The addition of Cabernet Franc (9%) from Wise Brothers — not far from Elephant Mountain — adds to the elegance, making for a glass that exudes notes of raspberry, spice box and dark chocolate. Smooth tannins and an undertone of earthiness give this remarkable balance and complexity that’s well worth the trip to his studio south of downtown Seattle.
Rating: Gold medal – 92 points
Production: 110 cases
Alcohol: 14.3%
Leave a Reply