I’ve been sampling a 2018 Desert Wind ‘Ruah’ [Wahluke Slope] over the last couple of days. I had read about it in WS and in a recent book on PNW wines, but had not seen/tasted one until now. It’s an estate grown, proprietary blend of Merlot, Syrah, CS, CF, Carmenere, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Petit Verdot although the first two varietals are the lions share of the blend. Presumably the winemakers are still determining the best grapes for their land, aspect, climat and thus there is an unusual palette for the blender to work with. Still, for my taste, it’s too fruity/loose/unstructured. At least it’s not heavy, at 13.9% abv, and more medium bodied than full. Agglomerated Vinc cork, very premium feeling bottle and label, but the product feels more tuned to the Big Flavor fan than a Francophile. I’d give it a B but would note professional writers were more enthused.
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