This week's lineup features another round of historic Pacific Coast family wineries. Kicking things off with the Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris where Rob Griffin has been recognized as the longest practicing winemaker in Washington. The first two reds come from John Parducci and his grandson Rich where their family has spent more than 70 years handcrafting wines in Mendocino. Finishing out the flight with a red blend from brothers Butch and Jerry at Milbrandt Vineyards. Fourth generation farmers that took a risk in the wine business and have gone on to help establish two of the newer AVAs in Washington; Ancients Lakes and Wahluke Slope.
Give these killer wines a try for only $5!
Featured Wines:
Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris 2021
Columbia Valley, Washington; $14.99
Barnard Griffin is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Washington. Husband and Wife team of Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard produced their first vintage together in 1983 from one truck load of fruit using rented cellar space. Rob has recently been recognized as the longest practicing winemaker in the state of Washington celebrating his 41st vintage. Their daughter Megan is slowly stepping in, now working as the Assistant Winemaker and Enologist.
The Pinot Gris is dry and crisp. No oak just a clean stone fruit driven flavor. Pear and green apple with a hint of citrus. – Sample $1.50
McNab Ridge Zincinnati 2020
Mendocino, California; $17.99
McNab collaborates with their local distributor (Tramonte) to make this Cincinnati themed bottle. They work together to produce the blend, selecting from separate barrels, and blending with small amounts of other varietals to round the wine out. Each varietal is fermented and aged separately for over a year. The small amounts of Petite Sirah and Pinotage add great texture, and deep black fruit character. Blackberry, plum, vanilla, and black pepper. – Sample $1.50
McNab Ridge Pinotage 2018
Mendocino, California; $18.99
A small production of 100% Pinotage sourced from the same vineyard for the past 18 years. The climate of Mendocino produces a style all its own, very different than Pinotage found in South Africa. Similar full body, but with lots of jammy blackberry, plum and raspberry. Ten months in a blend of French and American oak gives the wine a nice layer of dusty cocoa. – Sample $1.50
Millbrandt “Brothers Blend” 2016
Columbia Valley, Washington; $15.99
This wine received 97 points & Best of Class at the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition! It is a crazy blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot from the Ancient Lakes and Wahluke Slope AVA's in Columbia Valley. Black cherries, raspberries, plums, and savory dried herbs greet the nose. A dense, broad entry with full chewy tannin in the midpalate evolves into a luscious symphony of dark fruit. A touch of vanilla and toast complete the finish. – Sample $1.50