Another standout producer from last evenings Washington wine tasting. Winery Sales Manager Laura Ryder was here to discuss and present the different wines being produced at Waterbrook. The winery was founded in 1984 by Janet & Eric Rindal and is located in Walla Walla. Their fruit comes from various growers as well as their own vineyards. I didn't receive any pricing info, but a quick scan of the web reveals they are quite attractively priced. Also, Laura revealed to me that they are substantially reducing pricing from the previous release in order to make their product more attractive in restraunts.

2001 Waterbrook Winery Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
A good tropical fruit, citrus, low butter, low oak Chardonnay with a zingy lingering finish. 87

2001 Waterbrook Winery Melange, Columbia Valley
An eclectic mix 31% Sangiovese, 25% Syrah, 23% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. This baby just bounces all over the place with its powerful sweet blackberry, graphite, minerals, red currant, and spicey nose. The finish has some gripping acidity, but you walk away with a sense of balance. I think this retails around $10, try it! 89/90

1998 Waterbrook Winery Merlot, Red Mountain
I found this to be a little tannic, astringent and chalky on the finish. Despite this fact, it does have delicious red currant and caramel notes. 87

1998 Waterbrook Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain
Sweet red fruit, not much complexity. Similar to the Merlot, it’s too tannic. 87

The Melange is about $12 here. for some reason, that's about all I see anymore.

I had a Chard a few years ago (96?) that was too citrusy for me.

I opened a '94 Cab & '94 Merlot a couple months ago & both were great.

Queen and I are big fans of the Melange as an every day sipper. Usually can find it below $10.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

Reading back on this I'm surprised that the Cab and Merlot were '98s. They have their 2000 Cab released and it getting some decent praise. I've never been a big fan of more than the Melange, but I'll give the '00 Cab a try.
Any reason they were pouring the '98s? Which did NOT get any decent praise.

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http://seattle.vinocellar.com

Queen, no idea. Maybe they thought it might show a little better upon opening ...

Guys- I distribute their line here in NC, and they definitely have competitve pricing in the BTG catagory.

Melange- Fat and juicy, like a big slice of blueberry pie. Our biggest game is to get people to try to guess the biggest component of the wine....one one person has in one year...a nice value at $13

Chard.-Nicely balanced style, not too much oak, supporting acidity-very nice for the money, $12

Merlot- 98 was much better in my opinion, American oak component all over the 99, mass of black fruit-you be the judge, old price $28, new $21

Cab- Just a good, uncomplicated cab from WA. Never was that impressed. $21

Meritage- Tight as a drum. Red pepper streak on the finish with acid and tannin. Might be a great wine in 10 yrs. Way over priced @ $40

For 50% more money on average, L'Ecole walks all over Waterbrook.....


Cheers

I was just at their Tasting Room on Weds. with a friend from Seattle. Nice Merlot . The Sauv Blanc is sold out, but last vintage was great. Look for it soon....it retails for 11 ish I think?

my mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely

Waterbrook is offering a Ciel du Cheval cab in 2000 for the first time according to my McCarthy and Schiering newletter.
Anybody had it?
I'm anxious to know because the price seems to be right at about $24 for club members.
Help, please.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.