This young winery in the Snoqualmie Valley town of Carnation, Wash., is rebranding in 2024 to Alveare, which is beehive in Latin. Xander Kent is a beekeeper, while his wife, Samantha, is the winemaker. She’s now earned four Platinum Awards, all four with classic efforts with red Bordeaux varieties. This is a Right Bank-styled blend of Merlot (63%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Malbec that the Kents barreled in French oak for 24 months. It’s a wonderfully bright and balanced wine with notes of Damson plum jam, chocolate, black pepper, cured meat sensations and sweet tobacco, all backed by supple tannins. Qualifying award: Seattle Wine Award (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 90 points
Production: 298 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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