Check back often for news on harvest, winemaking, events and other fun wine-related things.
Our February Wine of the Month is the 2018 Squall Line: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from three vineyards: Phinny Hill (60%) and Coyote Canyon (10%)--both Horse Heaven Hills--and Boushey (30%) in Yakima Valley. Deep ruby colored, this possesses classic varietal aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, crushed black roses, tobacco, cedar, rosemary and wood smoke. The flavors, as well, are direct and true to variety, with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark chocolate, French roast and Horse Heaven scorched earth. The penetration continues on the back with roasted berries and nuts, mocha and pulverized charcoal, followed by a sweet-dry tannin finish. Pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, good friends and stormy nights. This wine received 96 Points at the Washington State Wine Awards and 92 Points from the American Wine Society.
Buy three bottles of 2018 Squall Line and save 20%. Normally $33 each, on sale for $26.40 each plus tax. Wine Club members save more! /product/2018-Squall-Line
Save the date for our annual Spring Release, Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 from 1:00-5:00 pm at the North Bend winery. We will be releasing the 2022 Sunbreak Chenin Blanc, 2022 Three Forks Rose', 2020 Fly Rod Merlot and 2019 Derecho Petit Verdot. Wine Club members will get a separate email in mid-March with ordering instructions.
Here's our tasting menu for the month. There is also an extra library wine available for Wine Club members.
2021 Fly Rod Cellars Plastic Surgeon Pinot Noir, Oregon, Erratic Oaks Vineyard: 100% Oregon Pinot Noir from Erratic Oaks Vineyard offers pretty aromas of perfume, lavender, cherry, cinnamon and fresh cut grass. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, mushroom, olives, and green tea. The finish is juicy and long with medium tannins.
2019 Mistral Grenache, Red Mountain AVA, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard: Our 2019 Mistral features fruity and aromatic Ciel du Cheval Red Mountain Grenache with a splash of Columbia Valley Mourvedre and Syrah for body and spice. 90 POINTS AND GOLD MEDAL-Bellingham Northwest Wine Awards
2020 Reserve Syrah, Yakima Valley AVA, Dineen Vineyard: This Single Barrel wine is 100% Syrah. Bright aromas of raspberry, chestnuts, eucalyptus, olive, northwest forest floor and fig lead into flavors of dried cranberry, Bing cherry, pie cherry, raspberry, and cassis. The finish is long and juicy with hints of leather.
2020 Virga GSM Blend, Columbia Valley AVA: This highly acclaimed blend is 42% Mourvedre, 34% Syrah and 24% Grenache from Weinbau, Dineen and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Blackberry, pepper, vanilla, and baking spices. BEST RED BLEND AND BEST WASHINGTON WINE-American Wine Society. BEST RHONE-STYLE RED BLEND AND PLATINUM AWARD-SipMagazine.
2018 Storm Front Red Blend, Columbia Valley AVA: Our signature bold red blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), Petit Verdot (15%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Malbec (2%). Plum, black cherry and rosemary flavors and aromas. 94 POINTS AND DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL-Bellingham Northwest Wine Awards
2018 Squall Line Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley AVA: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherry, plum, rosemary, cedar and mocha. 96 POINTS AND DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL-Washington State Wine Awards. 93 POINTS AND PLATINUM AWARD-Great Northwest Wine
2013 Dewpoint Riesling, Columbia Valley AVA, Bacchus Vineyard (Wine Club Only): 100% Riesling with aromas of lemon zest, lime and peach. The palate features pineapple, green apple, lemon, and star fruit. The 1.6% residual sugar of 1.6% (slightly sweet) gives it a honeyed finish. This wine has mellowed with age, reminiscent of great German Rieslings fetching twice the price (or more) on resale markets.
It is with a blend of sadness and excitement that Convergence Zone Cellars will be moving to the Tri Cities this spring. Due to a major change in my life, I can no longer keep the winery in its current location. I'll be closer to the vineyards and have more space for winemaking. Plus 300 days of sunshine sounds pretty good! Details on our new space and expanded hours will be announced soon.
Our current North Bend location will continue to be open for tasting through the Spring Release weekend, April 1 and 2, and possibly later. Everything is dependent on permits and licenses. Once we move, Wine Club members will receive free shipping on orders of three bottles or more. Release parties will be held at the new winery as well as a location in the Snoqualmie Valley.
More details on the move and new location will be coming soon.