Wine Enthusiast drops some big, big numbers on Tamarack
Wine Enthusiast just awarded Tamarack Cellars' Reserves some huge scores inlcuding several 94's a 95 and a massive 96 points, and #40 on the Top 100 Wines of the Year for the fabled DuBrul Vineyard Reserve.
2008 DuBrul Vineyard Reserve Red (Rattlesnake Hills).
96
#40 on the Top 100 Wines of the Year
DuBrul is perhaps the single most sought-after vineyard in the entire Yakima Valley, and at this price this Tamarack selection is an absolute steal. Pomegranate, blueberry, black cherry and cassis notes lead into a full-flavored wine that remains concise and perfectly defined. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. This is concentrated, with earthy depths suggesting Dr. Pepper, espresso and dark chocolate. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
2008 Seven Hills Vineyard Reserve Red (Walla Walla Valley).
95
This is a generous mouthful of Cabernet, with just small amounts of Merlot and Carmenère in the blend. Chewy, dusty, grainy, tannic and thoroughly delicious, it has the deeply flavored berry and cassis fruit to more than match the French oak. The fruit is wreathed in layers of smoke, charcoal and ash—all in proportion. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
2008 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Reserve Red (Red Mountain).
91
This Red Mountain selection, among a quartet of superb vineyard reserves from Tamarack, is the most shuttered. This has excellent structure, with hints of well-rounded red fruit, baking spice and a gentle dusting of cocoa, which all point to its long-term aging potential. Cellar Selection. —P.G.
2008 Sagemoor Vineyards Reserve Red (Columbia Valley).
94
Half Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bacchus Vineyard, and one-quarter each Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Weinbau Vineyard, this polished, dense blend reveals the complexity of old vines. A mix of perfectly ripened strawberry and raspberry is accented with a barrel flavor of coconut cream pie. —P.G.
2010 Cabernet Franc (Wahluke Slope).
90
Tamarack does a fine job with its 100% varietal Cabernet Franc. It manages to be both muscular and elegant, with stylish, juicy boysenberry fruit set against a backdrop of earthy, granular, drying tannins, which provide excellent grip and length. —P.G.
2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Syrah (Red Mountain).
94
Here’s a great Syrah from a vineyard not specifically known for this grape. It immediately impacts the palate with concentrated flavors of raspberry and cassis swathed in coffee liqueur, dark chocolate and a hint of red licorice. This has great concentration and length; drink it over the next 6–8 years. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
