Best Buy! In the past five years, our judging gained interest in the state of Maine because of the 20 Platinum medals won by Aaron Peet, who burnished his skills by going through the Walla Walla Community College winemaking program. That time in Washington helped him identify some of the top vineyards he would work with on behalf of winery owner Bettina Doulton. This unique Rhône-heavy blend of Mourvèdre (76%) from Six Prong Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills includes contributions by the Miller family’s Airport Ranch in the Yakima Valley for Syrah (19%) and Petit Verdot (5%). That combination created one of the most expressive red wines of the judging with aromas and flavors of blackberry, bell pepper, gunpowder tea, tobacco and warm spices. Black tea tannins and elderberry juice make for a zesty imprint on the finish of this brooding and full-bodied Rhône-ish red. Qualifying award: San Francisco Chronicle (double gold)
Rating: Platinum • 92 points
Production: 427 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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