Who doesn’t love splashing in refreshing waters of summer and the tremolo of a classical violin piece? Combine those and you get vinous ecstasy! Our tasting panel often takes a sip, or two for evaluation, swirls, and carefully spits to avoid intoxication getting in the way of the accurate judgment of upcoming bottles. Rarely are we faced with the challenge of having to drink because a wine is so damn good. This Rhône blend from Washington is unbelievably yummy and well worthy of the 94 points it earned. It’s tremblingly tasty and simply irresistible. Sip by sip, we could not believe that this would cost our Operatives about $25, because it drinks like a $100 red.

A dense, deeper shade of ruby/purple with ever so slight garnet highlights. Big, almost sweet nose of creme de cassis, black cherry, licorice, and pepper. Licorice, fig, and earth shine on the palate within noble sweet tannins and a hint of olives. This stunner is structured and seriously long for its price point with superb concentration. Savory and mineral-rich, it’s perfect for hearty soups, stews, and smoked meats.

The only Washington wine that Wine Enthusiast rated higher than this in 2014 is Charles Smith’s K Vintners Royal City Syrah at $150 and that was by just one point. There’s a reason why Waters made it to Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s 30 Most Exciting Wines of Washington State list just last year. As the Rhône varietal specialist for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck had also long confirmed that; “this top estate is a perennial source of high-quality wines” and Jay Miller before him declaring Waters as “one of Walla Walla’s finest new producers” even when they started out. You don’t want to miss this small production gem.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

94 Points, Editor’s Choice - Wine Enthusiast “Syrah from Old Stones Vineyard makes up three-quarters of the blend of this wine, with the balance of Grenache from Olsen Vineyard. The aromas are outrageous, with notes of a fire pit, freshly peeled tangerine, potpourri, gravel, herb, and peat. Pillowy-soft fruit and an olive brine note extend on the finish. The textured mouthfeel only heightens the appeal.”