This Columbia Basin winery that’s a short drive from the Gorge Amphitheater has earned a second Platinum for the same bottling — a third time for this boisterous Rhône grape. He’s built his history with the variety via Jerry Milbrandt’s Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, where achieving ripeness is virtually guaranteed. The nose brings hints of black cherry, bergamot, tobacco and leather, followed by flavors of plummy dark fruit, cocoa, tobacco, leather and a customary mouth-filling finish of black tea. The back-to-back Platinums prove that it is cellarworthy. Qualifying award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 92 points
Production: 69 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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