Mike and Cindy Jacobsen worked in public education as school psychologists on the west side of Washington for 50-plus years combined. With a focus on assessment/evaluation, they dealt frequently with the “normal curve,” which later inspired the name of their vineyard and winery. Upon retirement they applied their passion for wine by investing as partners in a wine shop and wine bar in Enumclaw, WA.
The Jacobsen’s explorations led to many weekends spent in the Prosser area, tasting wine and joining wine clubs. “To our utter delight, we found property on the edge of Yakima River with old Semillon vines planted in 1982,” says Cindy Jacobsen. She and Mike purchased the vineyard parcel in 2016 (whose vines had originally been sourced to wineries such as L’Ecole and Kiona before being abandoned) and began frequent treks over the Cascades in their fifth wheel to restore the vineyard to top-notch industry standards.
When local winemaker Ron Bunnell offered to make the Semillon with them, Above the Curve Vineyard was born and the first vintage was bottled in 2018. Within two more years, Mike and Cindy were able to sell some of their grapes to Barnard Griffin too.
Then in 2020, Anchorage transplants Tim Schwanke and Patti Ruppert purchased land adjacent to the Jacobsen’s with Merlot grapes that were planted in 1979. The two couples became fast friends and the Merlot joined the Above the Curve Vineyard family, with the first release in 2021. At that juncture, the tasting room was launched.
“As winemakers, the five of us are inspired by the strength, persistence and quality of these old vines, despite their years of neglect,” says Mike Jacobsen. “And it has been our honor to bring them back to their prior vitality and productivity.”
Tours of the vineyard are available by request. Once inside the converted shop, guests will experience an intimate tasting experience served by the owners/winemakers. Weather permitting, tastings are provided on a deck overlooking the Yakima River with views of wildfowl and occasionally the otter family that reside there.
Both the vineyard and tasting room reside within a gated community where tastings are by prior appointment, arranged online or with a phone call. The address location is 67228 W. Island View Pr NW Prosser, WA; (509) 778-0406. Learn more at abovethecurvevineyard.com
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Above the Curve 2021 Old Vine Semillon
92 pts.
Flowing with minerally-driven acidity and restrained tropical fruit of pineapple and green melon mingled with nutty cashews. A brace of lemon citrus adds depth on the complex and distinctive finish. $25
Above the Curve 2022 Catharsis Sparkling Old Vine Semillon
92 pts.
Complex and rich, this sparkling wine was crafted in the traditional French Champagne style. Aged on the lees, a fine and elegant mousse opens to flavors of apple tart, lemon essence and baking spices. Pair with shellfish, rich cheeses and desserts. $40
Above the Curve 2022 Old Vine Merlot
90 pts.
Made from grapes planted in 1979, this lighter-bodied red is built with nimble structure backed by Bing cherry, blackberry, anise and juniper berry. Tart berry and river rock notes glide along the satiny finish. $22