The Washington wine industry compared to most of the wine world is quite youthful. However, the state is now #2 in grape production next to the powerhouse wine industry of California. Washington is fast becoming recognized for putting out some serious juice, which is getting the attention of many California producers who are looking to Washington to expand their production. Gallo is the first to move in with a heavy hand, buying the iconic winery Columbia (made famous by renowned wine maker David Lake). It will be interesting to see how this trend develops, but what it does indicate is that the Washington wine industry is getting the serious attention it deserves.
Ross Andrew Winery is an example of some of the quality producers in Washington State. Ross Andrew Winery is located in Woodinville WA and is named after wine maker Ross Andrew Mickel. Ross' story about his path to wine making is very interesting. He worked as a cellar rat at Delille Estate, a vintage at Rosemount Estate in Australia and then a ten-year stint at the iconic Betz Family Winery under the tutelage of Master of Wine Bob Betz. It was during this time that in 1999 Ross and his family started Ross Andrew Winery. Bob Betz like many other wine makers, allowed his assistant to pursue his new venture in wine making at the Betz facility, until he could step out on his own. So, when Bob Betz moved his winery to a new location, Ross took over the lease on the building that Bob was vacating…This became the official Ross Andrew Winery.
I had a chance to talk with Ross recently and taste through some of his wines. Here are my impressions.
2011 Ross Andrew “Meadow” White (Columbia Valley, WA)… $16.
A blend of 70% Pinot Blanc, 14% Pinot Gris, 10% Riesling and 6% Gewurztraminer this white exhibits aromas of apple, melon, white flowers and orange blossoms (very nice aromatics). Granny Smith apples all day on the palate, backed by notes of lemon, melon, honeysuckle and orange blossoms. I can see myself enjoying this all summer in the backyard while I’m firing up the BBQ getting ready for some serious grilling. (B)
2012 Ross Andrew “Meadow” Rose` (Columbia Valley, WA)… $13.
Aromas of dark cherries, ripe watermelon and rhubarb. On the palate, dark cherries and ripe watermelon come through with an interesting hit of white pepper. This rose` has a nice weight in the mouth without getting too fruity, and it finishes nice and dry like most rose` lovers like. Made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Lemberger (Blaufrankisch), Ross left the juice on the skins just a little longer to give it good color and flavors. (B+)
2011 Ross Andrew “Meadow” Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)… $15.-$20. (Depending on where you buy it)
Black tea, cherries and rose petal come through on the nose with a hit of cola. On the palate, notes of dark cherries, rose petal and cola, with a trace of earthiness. This is a lighter style pinot from a tougher vintage in Oregon, that has all the correct elements of a Pinot Noir, with good balance and a short finish. Having salmon? This pinot would be a nice complement and easy on the wallet. (C)
2010 Ross Andrew “Glaze” Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA)… $15.
One thing I have to say about Ross is that his wines are made for the long-haul. I recently reviewed a 2008 Ross Andrew “Glaze” Cab and it had aged beautifully. Please do not “Pop & Pour” this cab. Give it some breathing time or stock it away in your cellar for a couple of years and I know you will be pleasantly surprised.
Chalky aromas of cherries and currants with notes of black olive and tomato stem coming through. Bright on the palate with a nice backbone of acidity. Notes of currants and cherries are backed by trace minerals. There is an herbal component that comes through on the mid-palate followed by a hit of anise on the medium to long finish. This is a great value in Washington Cab…Just remember to let it open up. (B+)
2009 Ross Andrew Syrah (Boushey Vineyard Columbia Valley, WA)… $40.
Very Cote Rotie in style this Syrah expresses aromas of blueberries, boysenberries, currants and white pepper with hits of anise and tobacco. Nice and peppery on the palate with notes of violets, red plums, blueberries and boysenberries coming through. Underlying notes of bacon-fat and cherries come through on the mid-palate and finish. There is a nice core of acidity to support the fruit giving a somewhat bright edge to the Syrah. This is another wine that would benefit from some decanting and will age nicely over the next 5-8 years. (B+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
