Winery - Dusted Valley
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Perfumed, substantial and potent, this shows the typical varietal flavors of orange peel and citrus fruits, with noticeable heat in the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The Columbia Valley blend is right up there with its companion Walla Walla Syrah in terms of quality. Firm, dense and juicy, it’s built upon a beguiling mix of berries, pomegranate and spice. Some good tannic bite intensifies and lengthens the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Though many winemakers insist that Syrah has become a difficult sell, this is a wine that has attracted a big following. What’s not to like? It’s juicy, sappy, grapey and penetrating; a peppery bottle of ripe fruit flavor. Young and tart, vivacious and powerful, it’s delicious now or ready for another six to eight years of cellaring.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Rich, round and fruity, this substantial Grenache demonstrates the potential for this grape in Washington. Though winter hardiness can be a problem, in years such as this, where it ripens perfectly, the vines deliver a juicy, full-bodied wine brimming with cherry and brambly berry flavors. Here it has a light dusting of chocolate from aging in mostly neutral barrels.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Starts with a piercing nose of citrus and pineapple, that leads into a welcome burst of fresh, round, pretty fruit flavors of peach and apricot. No rough edges here, and no heat, just a plump, smooth, pleasing wine.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Somewhat blocky, with round fruit flavors that show just enough crisp green apple to keep from getting mushy. Fresh, uncomplicated effort.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
There’s a streak of citrus running down the spine. The lively acidity adds some zip to the blackberry and black cherry fruit. There’s a smoky edge to the polished tannins, but those lemony acids keep the wine bright and fresh, penetrating into a lingering finish with sweet cracker and pepper highlights.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Past vintages of Barrel Thief have been red blends, but in 2004 it’s labeled Cabernet Sauvignon. The rest of the blend is Cab Franc and Merlot, so the Thief has gone a bit upscale, with visions of Bordeaux dancing in its head. Screwcapped and high-toned, there’s nothing shy about this wine. It hits you head-on, dumps its plain fruit flavors and runs off, leaving a bit of volatile heat in the back of your mouth.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Stomp! Cab is a year older than Stomp! Merlot and shows more bourbon barrel flavor. Tannins are softened up, and the fruit is fading. This is pleasant sipping wine, undemanding and approachable, with a clean finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Very young and grapy, but there’s good fruit and it’s well managed. It’s all about the fruit right now, showing lots of cherry and berry flavors, with a hint of toast and caramel. This may be one of those wines best enjoyed in its first blush of youth.
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