The Columbia Valley provides the fruit for Brent Charnley’s red program, and the sustainably minded winemaker on Lopez Island reached into Doc Stewart Vineyard, a site that has been organically farmed near Mattawa, Wash. An oak program of 40 months in barrel helped produce aromas of sweet cherry pipe tobacco, candied dark cherry, plum sauce with allspice and fresh potting soil. There’s a rustic, Old World feel to the palate with bright raspberry, Royal Ann cherry and juicy acidity. In the background are notes of graphite and pleasing yet firm tannins with a finish of chocolate-covered pomegranate. Look for these wines at farmers’ markets in the north Puget Sound as well as San Juan County markets.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 215 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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