This is part of a report on 2009 Walla Walla Fall Release Weekend. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.
I have sung the praises of Trust Cellars previously. While I had sampled most these wines on prior occasions, with the exception of the knockout ice wine, each continues to impress. The 2007 Walla Walla Valley Syrah is a beautiful expression of the fruit from Les Collines, Va Piano, and Lewis vineyards; the Riesling is my favorite in the Washington state; and the ice wine is a fitting end to any meal. In addition to producing high quality wine, Trust Cellars also consistently offers high Quality-to-Price Ratios (QPRs).
Trust Cellars produces approximately 1,500 cases annually.
Trust Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley 2007 $28
Rating: * (Excellent) An appealing nose with chocolate, flowers, game, and blueberry. A rich palate with a finish that lingers. Syrah from Lewis, Portteus, and Sundance vineyards. Aged in French oak (25% new). 14.5% alcohol. 320 cases produced.
Trust Cellars Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2007 $28
Rating: ** (Exceptional) A nose that draws you into the glass with violets, game, and earth. Rich on the palate with gamey fruit and a touch of chocolate. 89% Syrah (Les Collines and Va Piano vineyards), 11% Cabernet Sauvignon (Lewis Vineyard). Aged in French oak (22% new). 14.4% alcohol. 214 cases produced.
Trust Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2006 $36
Rating: * (Excellent) Nose is marked by menthol, licorice, and tobacco. Thick and opulent on a palate that is beautifully speckled with oak flavors. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon from Phinny Hills, Champoux (Horse Heaven Hills), Bacchus (Columbia Valley), and Kelly (Walla Walla Valley) vineyards. 20% Merlot (Conner Lee Vineyard, Wahluke Slope). 13.8% alcohol. 235 cases produced.
Trust Cellars Riesling Columbia Valley 2008 $16
Rating: ** (Exceptional) Abundant pink grapefruit and honey aromas mark the nose. A mineral-laden palate with a pleasing touch of sweetness that carries the wine across the palate without being overwhelming. 2% Residual Sugar. 12% alcohol. 224 cases produced.
Trust Cellars Ice Wine Columbia Valley 2008 $40
Rating: ** (Exceptional) Golden colored. A gorgeous nose with honey, candied lemons, and light brown sugar. Thick and rich on the palate. 100% Sémillon (Rosebud and Prosser vineyards). 12.9% alcohol. 41 cases produced.
Had the distinct pleasure of enjoying the Walla Walla Valley Syrah and the Columbia Valley Syrah the same night. The WW was like the big brother of the CV, with an attitude. Bought both at a Yoke's here in Tri Cities and I agree the QPR is huge. As a look back at your Chateau Rollat post from the day before, WTF? How does a damn good wine get treated so poorly?
cityroute16, glad to hear you got to check the Trust Syrahs out. Very fun to try these wines side by side I must say.
Regarding Chateau Rollat, sadly great winemakers don't always make good business people. It's a shame because the wines are top rate. Hopefully they will fix the problems.