First of all Larry Pearson owner and wine maker grows some of the finest fruit in Washington State right here on Red Mt. He sells most of his fruit for a premium price point but keeps the best for his boutique winery. These wines are only available to be purchased on sight. His wife Jane is an amazing artist who's work often appears on their labels. Do take some time to taste this wine and enjoy Jane's art in the tasting room which delightfully depicts the seasonal life of wine making on Red Mt.
The Hat Party
Tapteil is known for their Syrah and Cab, but this year I found the GSM was over the top. We purchase 4 bottles and was told this wine was in short supply. By the way Laura and I love the views from this winery!
TASTING NOTES FOR RED MT.
2015 Dry Riesling:This has a very beautiful full scent on the nose of grapefruit. I just kept wanting to sniff this wine. A bright citrus taste with a dry mineral linger.
2015 Barrel aged Riesling: I found this to be very light in flavor almost a neutral mouth. Very delicate.
2014 Grenache: This will be a lovely summer red. Very light on the palette with whispers of strawberries, a hint of acid and a clean finish. I am already envisioning this being sipped on a hot summer day in the middle of my rose garden with all that fragrance and beauty being paired with this wine!
2014 GSM: Heaven in a glass!!! This was so delicious that my husband and I were almost groaning. Best wine I have tasted this year!!! This is a dark, dark garnet red with deep levels of flavor floating all over your tongue. I tasted sweet fully ripened dark plum juices, mingled with Bing Cherry and a touch of coco powder. The was so smoooooth you could hardly stop drinking this one. We got one in our shipment, then my husband purchased another bottle before I made it to the counter. I left the winery with two more in my hands. I couldn't help myself.
2014 Mourvedre: On the first sip you taste a bit of cherry cola that hits the front of your palate. You get a spicy over all taste that lingers with a bit of pepper on the end. My husband saves this wine for his "cigar" moments. Preferably with a good friend!
Summer Evening at Tapteil
One last note, the view from this winery is also a great one for moonscapes Melanie Thompson ;)
At noon on Saturday we will regroup at Hedges Family Estate. The surroundings here are higher up on the mountain and have some vast views. The Winery itself is a french chateau that some of the family does indeed live at. Their story is one of a boy from Richland WA meets girl from Trois-Maisons Champagne France.
Their wines definitely have an old European style and are much more delicate and floral.
2016 Descendants Le Blanc: This is a great Rhone blend of Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. Fresh green apple finish.
2016 Descendants Le Rose: A rose` of Syrah and Grenache that has a lovely bouquet and taste of strawberries and cream
2012 Hedges Red Mountain: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. Cab Franc, and Petit Vidot. This was a really well rounded wine as you can imagine with all those grape varietals in this bottle. The flavors really lingered on your mid palate with just enough spice for me. This wine has a subtle earthy tone.
2012 DLD Syrah: Again a much lighter tone then your typical Red Mt. Syrah. The tannin's have a light French Oak style. Earthy flavors with hints of sweet black licorice.
2013 Godhart Family Syrah: A bit darker and richer in flavors with a pleasant bit of metallic finish on the end.
2009 Red Mountain Fortified; This old world style port was very smooth and velvety. Very well balanced and just lovely all on it's own.
We had some lovely cloud structure. There are also some hidden gardens on the estate to explore.
There are a few more wineries I hope to get to later this week!
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