Preferring the cooler and higher elevation vineyards of the Yakima Valley, Kevin White Winery produces Rhone style wines, when he is not at Microsoft. As production is limited, tasting was slim pickings for us, but what we had was incredible, and reasonably priced. I am keeping my eye out for the next release for sure.
The tasting menu differed slightly than photographed, as they were sold out of some of their lineup.
Tasting notes are from Kevin White Winery
2021 Memoire
85% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc
Mémoire opens with layered aromas of honeysuckle, preserved lemon, beeswax, and ripe pear. On the palate, these flavors wrap around a luscious and savory texture balanced with bright acidity on the finish. Fermented and aged in a concrete egg and neutral oak barrels for 9 months. $25.
94 points
2021 Blue Label
52% Syrah, 27% Mourvèdre, 21% Grenache
This wine jumps out as a lively blend of Bing cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas with floral and spice elements throughout. On the palate, these flavors are wrapped around a medium body with soft tannins leading toward a lovely finish. A very enjoyable wine to drink now. Pair this wine with food any night of the week! $22.
Young, with slight smoke and mild fruit notes, but promising structure and curious to see how this evolves with time. 90 points
2020 Pionnier Boushey Vineyard
85% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre
This wine jumps out of the glass with an aroma profile of strawberry compote and ripe raspberries with nuanced herbs de provence and fresh floral elements throughout. On the palate, these aromas transform into a seamless set of layered flavors which are wrapped around a medium body with round tannins leading toward a fresh and expressive finish. An enjoyable wine now that will age gracefully for another 7-10 years. $40.
The punchiest and biggest in our tasting, with nice kick of pepper. Excellent. 96 points.
2020 En Hommage Syrah
Notes not available
Olsen and Boushey Vineyard. Nice minerality and white pepper notes. 95 points.
2020 L'Odysee
54% Cabernet Franc, 46% Merlot
L'Odyssee is a blend of Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Franc planted 25 years ago, and Boushey Vineyard Merlot planted 20 years ago. Only 175 cases produced, the resulting wine is incredibly complex and leaps from the glass with notes of fresh cherry, strawberry, blueberries, violets, herbs de Provence, and black tea. On the palate, these notes harmonize around a refined yet structured core with hints of cedar, mint, cocoa and fine tannins. The finish is long and persistent. $40.
Surprisingly felt it was peaking, and absolutely ready to drink. 95 points.
