Ben Thomas’s homecoming to Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula came after nearly a decade of making wine at acclaimed Montinore Estates in the Willamette Valley. His skill with Rhône varieties generated a pair of Platinums this year, including this Mourvèdre from Joe Hattrup’s unsung Sugarloaf Vineyard — a sister planting of Elephant Mountain. This can serve as a guidepost for the grape in Washington as it captures the delicious earthiness associated with it, including its red fruit profile of boysenberry and Craisin, which are joined by Earl Grey tea, smoky black pepper and more Craisin. Suggested pairings include Tuscan bean soup and roasted pork. Qualifying award: Savor NW (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 93 points
Production: 33 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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