Rob and Donna Mellison have now earned four Platinums for their work with Chardonnay, and here is their first Double Platinum with the white Burgundy grape. White rose petals, lemon meringue pie and tropical fruit nuances are allowed to flourish because of the stainless steel fermentation for the grapes they get from their friend Ed Kelly, the longtime viticulturist at … [Read more...] about Mellisoni Vineyards 2022 Chardonnay, Royal Slope $55
royal slope
Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Skål Sparkling Wine, Royal Slope $65
In the spring of 2021, the Lawrence family promoted Chilean-grown and Bordeaux-trained Matías Kúsulas into the dual role of head winemaker and head viticulturist. He’s rapidly made a name for himself across Washington state not only for his work with Gård, but also Desert Wind and his two side projects — Valo and Massalto. Here, his talent with Burgundy varieties bubbles forth … [Read more...] about Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Skål Sparkling Wine, Royal Slope $65
Mellisoni Vineyards 2020 Stillwater Creek Vineyards Forte Rosso Red Wine Blend, Royal Slope $125
Of the 26 wines to have won a Platinum in Mellisoni’s history, 10 have come strictly from the Royal Slope and Stillwater Creek Vineyard. This luxurious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec offers hints of chocolate-covered plums, cinnamon latte foam and triple-churned butter with secondary notes of cherry tobacco, dates and a bite of a Mounds bar. Qualifying award: Pacific … [Read more...] about Mellisoni Vineyards 2020 Stillwater Creek Vineyards Forte Rosso Red Wine Blend, Royal Slope $125
Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse Reserve Rosé, Royal Slope, $25
The Lawrence family continues to raise the profile of this young American Viticultural Area in Washington's Columbia Basin with their site selection, viticulture practices and precise winemaking. This bottling represents the first vintage with Chilean-born Matías Kúsulas as their head winemaker after his promotion, and his all-Grenache rosé is reminsicent of Provence in … [Read more...] about Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse Reserve Rosé, Royal Slope, $25
Gård Vintners 2019 Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse Reserve Pinot Gris, Royal Slope $32
Reminiscent of what could be a Northwest expression of an Alsatian “grand vin” — a bit of heresy because the term is reserved for Riesling — the Lawrence family bottles this as a Pinot Gris with some bones. It’s aromatic and rich, bringing hints of orange Creamsicle, nectarine and baking spices. There’s Mandarin orange with a lightly honeyed midpalate that finishes with … [Read more...] about Gård Vintners 2019 Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse Reserve Pinot Gris, Royal Slope $32