What follows is an excerpt for the 2008 Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting Report. Read the full report here.

Steve Brooks’ wines are as outspoken as he is unassuming. Trust’s wines have started to receive some distribution so keep an eye out for them. All wines sampled at 66 degrees.

Score

Name

Notes

$

*

Syrah Lewis Vineyard 2007

Light gamey notes and lots of fruit on the nose. Very smooth and evenly balanced.

BS

*

Syrah Columbia Valley 2006

Wheat, white pepper, and spice alongside blackberry and other berry aromas. A nice dry, medium-bodied wine. 100% Syrah. Lewis, Minnick, and Portteus vineyards. 14.0% alcohol. 216 cases produced.

$28

+

Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005

Tons of clove on the nose. The tannins have an engaging grittiness to go along with a tart cherry taste. 75% Cabernet; 25% Merlot. Va Piano, Champoux, Pepper Bridge, and Lewis vineyards. 13.8% alcohol. 180 cases produced.

$36