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

This was my first visit to Dunham in some time. In the middle of the tasting, I thought I was suffering from palate fatigue as I was getting cherry cola on every wine. Thankfully, winemaker Eric Dunham said, unprompted, “Lewis Vineyard is all about cherry cola.” In addition to their single vineyard wines from Lewis Vineyard, Dunham is also making single vineyard wines from Double River. The Double River Vineyard is located just south of Walla Walla near the Oregon border. Mike Dunham did us the honor of opening a bottle of the 2005 Double River Syrah which was exceptional. All wines sampled at 66 degrees.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

+

Four Legged Riesling Columbia Valley 2006

Just a trace of yellow in color. Nose is a bit sharp. A fair amount of sweetness and mineral notes with a pleasant mouth feel. 12.4% alcohol. 2,378 cases produced.

$16

+

Riesling Lewis Vineyard Columbia Valley 2007

Don’t care for the nose which seems grassy. The taste is pleasing but is a touch too sweet. 12.8% alcohol. 529 cases produced.

$26

.

Chardonnay Shirley Mays 2007

Over the top oak on the taste, although not as predominant on the nose. 90% stainless steel, 10% oak. 14.9% alcohol. 329 cases produced.

$24

+

Merlot Lewis Vineyard 2006

Nose is reminiscent of Boudreaux Cellars’ wines with dark licorice and lots of cola. Very, very tight right now. A bit too young to get a clear sense of it but has a big upside.

BS

*

Syrah Lewis Vineyard 2006

Menthol, cherry cola, and dark licorice stand out. A pleasing mouth feel. Needs a whole lot of time but will be excellent. To be bottled in two weeks.

BS

+

Cabernet Sauvignon IX Columbia Valley 2005

An appealing nose with chocolate and bramble berry. Taste is fairly sharp and unexpected. 100% Cabernet. Lewis Estate & Double River Estate vineyards. 13.4% alcohol. 1,786 cases produced.

$45