Winery - Isenhower Cellars
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Beautiful fruit is the star here, showing complex flavors of blackberry, brambleberry and loganberry, nicely set off against sweet oak. Just a perfect balance, with some life ahead, but why wait. It’s really a treasure right now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Ripe and soft, with a creamy mouthfeel and a finish that slides away rather quickly, this Syrah is almost too facile, too easy to drink; it doesn’t require any thought, the coffee and berry flavors just slip down effortlessly.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Starts with some off, vegetal notes, then folds in bright berry flavors and plenty of oak. Smooth and creamy in the mouth, finishing with firm acids and sturdy tannins. Could improve with cellaring.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Yeasty, honeyed, aromatic and rich with floral, citrus blossom, peach, apricot and spiced orange pekoe tea notes.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Isenhower changes the vineyard sources for this wine from year to year. This is the first Horse Heaven Hills version I’ve tasted, and it’s right down the heart of the plate as far as Washington Syrah is concerned. The complex mix of spice, herb and wild fruits is bolstered by peppery tannins and lively acids. A truly wonderful wine that seems both poised and racy, wild and refined. The 14.8% alcohol is in no way over the top.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This year’s Snapdragon is a 55-45 Roussanne/Viognier blend—racier than the ’04 but just as tasty, with a mouth-cleaning, yeasty freshness. The fruit is light and interesting, a mix of pink grapefruit, pineapple, green apple and a lick of honey.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Here’s another lovely blend from Isenhower, this one with flavors that are dark and roasted, the scents suggesting Syrah rather than what it is—a Merlot-based Bordeaux blend. A pretty wine for the price; firm in the mouth with licorice, blackberry and moist earth flavors. Tannins have been softened a bit but it retains an herbal roughness around the edges.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a result of the increasing presence of rather rare Rhône valley grapes here in Washington. The blend is 42% Counoise, 41% Mourvèdre and 17% Grenache. This is round, soft, fleshy and forward, an interesting blend to be sure.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Another fine effort from this new Walla Walla winery. Half Red Mountain and half Walla Walla fruit, it is smooth and polished, with sweet, spicy, raspberry/strawberry/cherry flavors. Tangy and delicious through a very pretty finish. —P.G.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From Tablas Creek cuttings, this outstanding Roussanne is intentionally picked early enough to preserve acidity, minerality and to keep the alcohol at a sensible level. Fragrant with acacia, white peach and pear, this elegant wine skips lightly across the palate, but has a density of flavor that carries well into the lingering finish.
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