Tinte Cellars was established in 2018. Sourcing is from several key vineyards focused in Red Mountain, White Bluffs, and Columbia Valley. The winery has also recently established an estate vineyard, on Red Mountain. Winemaker Noah Fox Reed brings experience as assistant winemaker at Northstar Winery, and previously as head at William Church.
2019 Ramblers Red Blend 57% Merlot, 15% Can franc, 14% Cab Sauv, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec. Columbia Valley. Prett nose, perfume, violets and vanilla. A little tight initially, opening up to juicy blueberries. Round mouthfeel, coating, light and elegant on the palette. Lengthy finish, with Toasted oak, nutty finish. A touch early, but Will improve with time. $45. Score 91. 2020 Irish Eyes (GSM) 41% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre from Candy Mountain, 39% Syrah (Dineen). Strong aromas of Candied cherries, roses and vanilla. Fruit forward, ripe bing and sweet black cherries with plenty of vanilla. Round mouthfeel with grippy tannins, lengthy finish. $48. Score 94. 2019 Syrah Red willow and Lewis vineyard blend. Combining earth and juice. Beautiful Potpourri and roses and violets on the nose. Smooth dark fruit, blackberries, with full body and nice mouthfeel. Chewy tannins and spice. Nicely structured Syrah, will improve with time. $45. Score 94. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain. 5% Petit Verdot. Graphite, wet stone, cigar nose. Bold red fruit, violets, Cigar, velvety tannins. Nice balance. $52. Score 91. 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lively and bright nose of caramel, vanilla, ripe red fruit with suggestions of stone. Initially light on the palate with blue fruit, opening to bold Plum, toffee and resolving tannins. $65. Score 90.
Tinte put on a nice showing. Their wines are bold and definitely can be laid down to mellow out. The standouts that are showing well now - I specifically enjoyed the 2019 Syrah, and 2020 Irish Eyes (GSM). Both definitely worth picking up. While no longer available, I tasted and loved their 2019 Petit Verdot.
