Winery - Substance
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Best of the three, this ripe and round Merlot is fully loaded with juicy, appealing red and blue fruits. Forward and clean, with excellent palate penetration, its smooth tannins are supported with firm acid.
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Substance Merlot - 2006
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This austere and lightly herbal Cabernet is balanced and varietal, but at first seems a bit dull, as if tasted through a screen. That said, it actually improved after 24 hours, with more presence to the tart red and black fruits. It’s an elegant style that will probably show best with food.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Nothing fancy here, just a pleasant, light Syrah that is varietally correct and fresh. Though simple and straightforward, it brings in some herbal and earthy elements to complement the red fruits.
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Substance Syrah - 2007
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Just a handful of varietal Counoise is made in Washington; this being the latest, and blended with 25% Syrah. Labeled Columbia Valley, it’s nonetheless mostly Walla Walla grapes from the Forgotten Hills vineyard. A unique wine, with light strawberry fruit, strong natural acids, light tannins, and some of the spiciness of Carmenère.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A sweet and juicy Merlot, this is wide open and ready to go with your favorite pizza. Light red fruits are dusted with fresh herbs, all broadly displayed and easy drinking.
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Substance Merlot - 2007
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This Cabernet opens with lush mocha and coffee scents, and is a soft, well-rounded wine with well-rounded fruit flavors. Small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot are included in the blend.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is 92% Cab Franc and 8% Malbec, a lovely, aromatic expression of the two grapes together. No new wood was involved; it’s designed to showcase varietal flavors of tart berries and streaks of spice and coffee. Tannins are ripe and the acids completely natural.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The six red wines of Substance are nicely differentiated, this being the most dry and tannic, with penetrating berry fruit flavors defining the core. There’s a wonderful sense of depth and the wine lingers in the mouth; quite dry but flavorful. The tannins are polished and ripe; one sip leads right into the next.
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Substance Malbec - 2007
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Initially a bit stiff and acidic, this young, tight Malbec opens to reveal tart cranberry, sour plum and red currant fruit. Its structure and underlying minerality are a bit reminiscent of a Loire Valley Cab Franc. This improves nicely after a couple of hours breathing time.
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Substance Malbec - 2006
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is made in the somewhat austere style of a Loire valley Chinon, done well here, adding nothing harsh, bitter or unpleasant to the wine. You will also find soft plum and cherry fruit, modest but perfectly ripe and proportionate, rounding out the midpalate.
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