Best Buy! Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the winery that Eric Rindal founded in the Walla Walla Valley. One of his key hires, John Freeman, stayed on after Rindal sold the Lowden brand to Precept in 2006 and his crew continues to produce some of the state’s most delicious wines. This vintage of Vintner’s Selection is a remarkable value as blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (20%) and Syrah — primarily from Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills — commands attention from start to finish. The opulent aromas begin with enticing notes of cherry cheesecake with a Graham cracker crust, a spoonful of crème brûlée and a sense of savory comes with celery leaf. Hedonistic flavors of dark strawberry, black cherry, dark chocolate from the 15 months in 30% new American oak, and sage are wrapped around cherry-skin tannins that are easily pushed to the background by a bright finish of cherry juice. The Vintner’s Selection tier is a collaboration with Kroger, so look for these Waterbrook wines at Fred Meyer and QFC.
Rating: 92 points — Outstanding!
Production: 2,000 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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