Browne Family Vineyards has a long history of winemaking. They have a large portfolio that now includes spirits as well. Their wine is sourced from their Estate Vineyard in Walla Walla, established in 2009. They additionally source from Horse Heaven Hills, (The Benches, Alder Ridge Vineyards), Yakima Valley (Skyfall, Canyon Ridge Vineyards), Red Mountain (Taylor Mag, Klipsun Vineyards), Walla Walla Valley (Summit View Vineyards).
Since they opened a beautiful tasting room in Bellevue, we have visited a couple of times. Their portfolio is pretty massive, and it can take a few tastings to get through them all!
They offer several flights, including reds, mixed, white and bubbles, and spirit flights. They recently added their tasting room exclusive Spymaster Series Flight, which has an interesting history behind the labels, which revolve around the experiences of Grandfather William Bitner Browne, the inspiration behind the winery.
We have tasted a majority of the available portfolio shown above. If you could only have a glass pour, we would recommend these favorites: (Notes are from Browne)
2019 Petit Verdot
Canyon Vineyard Ranch, Summit View (Walla Walla). Aromatics of black plum, leather and violets lead to flavors of cherry preserves, mocha, and sweet alcohol. This is a full-bodied red wine with fine, dry tannins that coat your mouth, finishing with earth, black pepper and sweet oak. Try this wine with your favorite game meat like venison or elk steaks. It would be great with duck breast and fatty steaks like a porterhouse fresh off the grill.
2015 Petit Verdot
Browne Family Estate Vineyard, estate Canyon Vineyard Ranch Vineyard and the Blue Mountain Vineyard. The wine is a beautiful dark purple, almost black, color with aromas of tanned leather, cedar, and allspice. It has big structure with concentrated fruit flavors of dried fig, black plum, and Bing cherry. The finish is smoky and earthy with great tannic structure. It will cellar well and is sure to stand the test of time.
2020 Project Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Shaw Vineyard. Aromas of blackberry jam and black cherry mixed with dust introduce oak, anise, dark chocolate, and red cherry flavors. This is a full-bodied, big-tannin Cab that blankets the tougue, finishing with cedar and fruit compote flavors.
2019 Spymaster Series "The Farm" Cabernet Sauvignon
(see photo for notes)
2019 Spymaster Series "London is Calling" Cabernet Sauvignon
(see photo for notes)
2019 Spymaster Series "Homecoming" Cabernet Sauvignon
(see photo for notes)
The Bellevue Browne tasting room was an excellent experience. The management team, staff were knowledgeable and accommodating to our tastes. The ambience and location can't be beat. Grab a glass before you head out to eat in Bellevue, and you won't be disappointed!
