Branden Seymour received acclaim in Northwest judgings for the 2018 vintage of this Bordeaux blend named for the family pup and grown at the VanArnam planting in the Rattlesnake Hills. Rather than leading with Merlot, it’s Malbec (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) that share the spotlight with Merlot (20%) in the background. The scent of Malbec shows up early with a hint of Jolly Rancher grape candy, poached strawberry, smoky oak and allspice. There’s a long trail of black and blue fruit across the palate, joined by barrel notes of mocha, vanilla bean and tobacco. These wines are available at the estate tasting room in Zillah, Wash., as well as the Cellar 55 Tasting Room in Vancouver USA.
Rating: Excellent – 88 points
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol 13.8%
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