When it comes to backgrounds involving altitude, it’s easy to think of JJ and Kelly Menozzi — the husband/wife winemaking team of Aluvé stationed along Walla Walla’s Mill Creek Road. From here, the retired Air Force pilots didn’t need to reach far into the Blue Mountain foothills for fruit from Les Collines, French for “the foothills.” Bright red fruit notes of raspberry and Bing cherry are joined by cocoa powder and pepper. On the palate, blackberry and herbs are framed by a marvelous mouthfeel that creates balance among the tannin, acidity and oak while leaving room for a boysenberry finish. “This clicks all of the boxes,” noted one panelist.
Rating: Unanimously Outstanding!
Double gold medal — 96 points
Production: 105 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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