Here’s a delicious wine that comes with a backstory of some savvy logistics. Second-generation winegrowers Alex, Allison and Nik Sokol Blosser use the phrase “We know Pinot,” but they also know how to respond in a moment of crisis. Those who grew Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley freaked out early on in the 2022 vintage when the Northwest — on the eve of Tax Day — experienced a frost event that killed primary buds on many vines. Fearing the worst, Sokol Blosser reached out to growers in Eastern Washington and contracted to buy red Rhône grapes. Remarkably, vines pushed out second buds, and the late “Hail Mary” vintage came through. And yet, the Sokol Blosser family honored its contracts, primarily in the Horse Heaven Hills, and brought back to their Dundee Hills winery these lots of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Their winemaker, Robin Howell, stitched together a nicely textured blend that helps exemplify why GSM has become such a popular category. It is fruit-forward, youthful and lively — akin to Gamay in some respects — leading with elderberry, black cherry and plum juice with an underlying earthiness that adds to it food-friendly profile. A lower tannin profile allows for secondary notes of chai spices and a lasting rinse of Marionberry and pomegranate. Suggested pairings include grilled ribeye, sautéed mushrooms in a teriyaki glaze, grilled Korean beef bulgogi or a wedge of medium-sharp cheddar. No one would want a repeat of the circumstances that led to this wine, and while the use of a Bordeaux shaped-bottle style seems utilitarian, it would be a shame if this GSM ended up as a one-time backup plan.
Rating: 93 points – Outstanding!
Production: 1,064 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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