Seattle Times by Andy Perdue
October 23, 2019
WASHINGTON HAS ESTABLISHED itself as a region that embraces Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet sauvignon is the state’s dominant grape, and the Columbia Valley’s reputation for merlot helped put the state on the global wine stage in the 1980s.
Since Red Willow Vineyard in the western Yakima Valley planted syrah in 1986, the state’s Rhône revolution has captured the imagination of winemakers and wine lovers, eventually leading to the advent of some of the state’s most exciting wines.
Among the most interesting wines are from the central Rhône Valley area known as “GSM,” shorthand for the three grapes of the blend: grenache, syrah and mourvedre. The three grapes are magical together, with grenache delivering brightness, acidity and loads of red fruit flavors; syrah bringing boldness and midpalate depth; and mourvedre providing depth, spiciness and complexity. This is something I’ve noticed for years from GSM blends from Washington. Read the entire article featuring Woodinville Wine Country’s DeLille Cellars, Maryhill Winery, Pondera and Tsillan Cellars, and more on The Seattle Times