What an epic day and the Walla Walla Syrah Festival Vintage Pour was a huge hit. I was able to taste through all the wines and revisit a few at the end. Process: 1. Smell, 2. Swish, 3. Spit. This served me well the whole trip and the palate was fresh the entire time. I did not see anyone else taking notes the whole time so here are my impressions.
4 plus hour trip from Seattle to Walla Walla and stopped in Sunnyside, Washington at Cote Bonneville. I have heard good things about them but personally it is an easy pass in the future. Their wines are not nearly as good as Januik or Kevin White and they cost more. While our tasting room server was a delight and knowledgeable it is hard for me to support this winery.
- 2021 Côte Bonneville Cabernet Franc Rosé DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Hey getting closer to a 90-point Rose from Washington. Watermelon, unripe strawberry, minerals and a touch of spice. (89 pts.)
- 2019 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Good but pricy. Stone orchard fruit, oak, spice, Carmel and lemon. Medium finish. Would be a buyer at $25. (90 pts.)
- 2017 Côte Bonneville Carriage House DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
A nice wine overall with charcoal, red currants, dust, earth and sour cherry. Medium finish. A bit pricy. (90 pts.)
- 2017 Côte Bonneville Syrah DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Spice, sour cherry, earth, unripe plums and dust. Medium finish. Again, well-made but nothing expectational. (90 pts.)
- 2017 Côte Bonneville Train Station DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
This one should have left the train station. So many better wines out there. Dark chocolate, juicy but not over the top and spice. (87 pts.)
- 2013 Côte Bonneville Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Their flagship wine and it is very good. Would cost $200 in Napa but not cheap here either at $125. 60% Merlot/40% Cabernet. Dust, earth, minerals, blueberries, cherry and pencil lead. Very Bordeaux like in many ways. Drink now to 2030. (93 pts.)
