26. Bunnell Family Cellar 2009 ALX Syrah, Columbia Valley, $42
During the past decade, if it’s Syrah or virtually any type of Rhône blend, then Prosser winemaker Ron Bunnell will knock it out of the park. The erstwhile lead winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle creates this 100% Syrah from barrels of inky juice off Boushey-McPherson, Clifton Hill and StoneTree vineyards, and it’s the complete package. Dense aromas of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry are joined by cured ham, allspice, black licorice, chocolate and dark toast. Those notes echo onto the palate with syrupy entry and a gradual buildup of pomegranate and a long finish of bittersweet chocolate. These wines are available at the Bunnell tasting room in Woodinville as well as Wine o’Clock — the family’s estate restaurant in Prosser’s Vintners Village. This earned a gold medal at the Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition.
Production: 180 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
Luna Snoqualmie says
Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is my entertaining go-to. Pairs beautifully with almost everything on the buffet, from cold cuts, chips and finger food to smoked salmon pate’ and sushi. An affordable crowd-pleaser.