Leigh McMillan is in her second decade as a Washington winemaker, and she’s recently invested more deeply in her relationship with Yakima Valley vineyards managed by Patrick Rawn. Black cherry cola, vanilla bean and a light amount of toast lead the descriptors of this dark drink that’s backed by a harmonious interplay of silky tannins and boysenberry acidity. Our judges believe its drinking range will stretch out a decade. Get a bottle or two while you can because Welcome Road now operates two tasting rooms — West Seattle and downtown Bellingham — as McMillan and co-owner Kristen Dorrity only recently decided to increase production.
Rating: Double gold medal – 97 points
Production: 26 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
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