As featured in the Spring 2023 print issue of Washington Tasting Room Magazine, here are 21 red and white wines crafted from Washington-grown varietals that first gained fame from their counterparts originating from the southern part of the Rhone appellation in France. A few are single varietals such as Cinsault, Picpoul and Grenache Blanc, but most are blends, such as the endless combinations of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre commonly referred to as “GSM” wines. We hope you find these wines as unique as we do, along with the inspirational stories that accompany them.
Tinte Cellars 2019 Irish Eyes Red Wine
93 pts.
Richly textured, this red blend delivers concentrated dark cherry and black plum flavors teeming with savory herb character, white pepper and hints of pencil shavings. The elements expand in complexity on the lengthy finish, bound by a firm matrix of fresh acidity. $45
The Inspiration: “I am a firm believer in Washington State Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The flavors are bold and the wines are well-structured. Perfect for a wide variety of pairings or just a great glass of red wine!”
– Noah Fox Reed, Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 40% Syrah, 39% Grenache,21% Mourvèdre
The Walls Vineyards 2020 Lip Stinger White Rhône Blend
93 pts.
This white Rhône packs all the right stuff, driven with exceptional structure and vibrancy that tackle the palate with pleasing white nectarine, Bosc pear, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle. Hugs the course throughout the lasting finish, etched with lasting impressions of limestone and dried herbs. $30
The Inspiration: “This is a classic southern Rhône varietal blend sourced from our French Creek Estate Vineyard in Yakima Valley where many of these grapes are inter-planted in what is harvested as a field blend. ‘Lip Stinger’ is very popular with visitors of both The Walls and Passatempo Taverna, and is a wine that we frequently enjoy at our own tables with family and friends.”
– Carrie Alexander, General Manager
The Rhône Grapes: 57% Grenache Blanc, 24% Rousssanne, 8% Marsanne, 5% Viognier, 3% Clairette Blanc, 3% Picpoul
Gård 2019 Kvasir
93 pts.
The poet Kvasir (vah-SEER) was the wisest of all men in Norse mythology and is said to have been created from fermented berry juice. This Mourvèdre-dominant red is sleek, with a chiseled core of vibrant purple fruit, cured meat, chai spice, white pepper and cassis. The finish unveils sandalwood and incense with buried iron and mineral notes that should escalate in distinction with cellaring. $55
The Inspiration: “We are very bullish on Rhone varieties on the Royal Slope and this project gave us a chance to step outside of the Syrah and Grenache box a bit to show what we can do with the later ripening Mourvèdre.”
– Josh Lawrence, Owner
“Even though in WA you’ll find it more often as a blending component, Mourvèdre varietal wines are beautiful and unique, under the right growing, and winemaking conditions.”
– Matías Kúsulas, Viticulturist & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 74% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 13% Grenache
Convergence Zone Cellars 2020 Virga
93 pts.
Brooding aromas of leather, sandalwood and Madagascar clove mingle with earthen inflections of concentrated black fruit flavors. Savory accents of mulberry, cocoa, roasted coffee bean, charcoal and loam are backed by fine tannins and fresh acidity on the slightly taut finish. $33
The Inspiration: “My inspiration was to create a Washington expression of the great blends from France’s Southern Rhône Valley. The combination of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache elevate the wine to a flavorful and bold level.”
– Scott Greenberg, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 42% Mourvedre, 34% Syrah, 24% Grenache
Anelare 2021 Grenache Blanc
92 pts.
Round, with a luxurious creamy, this exotic white wine fills the palate with tropical peach and ripe Bartlett pear flavors layered with herb and floral details of woodsy thyme, white flowers and lemon verbena. Ends with textural appeal on the succulent finish. $30
The Inspiration: “This wine is attributed to grower Dick Boushey. He knows how much I love Rhône varietals…and had me taste Grenache Blanc off the vine—it was absolutely delicious. We discussed how it would fit really nicely into Anelare’s portfolio of wines. Except then he says, ‘Well, I don’t have any to get you.’ I laughed and laughed. I was hooked, so this varietal was on my wish list the following years! We age it in neutral oak for about six months.”
—Kahryn Campbell, Proprietor
The Rhône Grape: 100% Grenache Blanc
Walter Dacon 2013 Columbia Valley Grenache
92 pts.
This mature, aged single-varietal red displays full-bodied flavors of black raspberry liqueur and red currant infused with dried oregano and white pepper. The spice component expands on the robust finish, with a slightly smokey sensation and nice mineral tension that goes on and on. $42
The Inspiration: “Inspired by the great wines of Vacqueyras where Granache is king, this single varietal exhibits elegance, robustness and roundness so characteristic of the Grenache variety.”
– Lloyd Anderson, Winemaker & Co-owner
The Rhône Grape: 100% Grenache
El Corazon 2020 Swordfight
93 pts.
A collaboration between El Corazon’s Spencer Sievers and neighboring Walla Walla winemaker Sean Boyd, who each craft one of the two varietal components in this suave red blend. Sporting steeped blackberry, plum and pomegranate streaked with racy violet, this red is entangled with savory notes of loamy minerality, crushed rock, cocoa powder and black pepper. Finishes long, with tightly coiled structure and plenty of verve to spare. $60
The Inspiration: “In the early days of El Corazon, Walla Walla was buzzing with some amazing and fresh energy. I wanted to harness that by collaborating. I love Sean Boyd’s wines and asked if he wanted to start a project. My Syrah is fruit forward, New World-style and his Mourvèdre has a very distinct spice profile with just enough funk that when the two were blended, they complemented each other perfectly.”
– Spencer Sievers, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 50% Syrah, 50% Mourvèdre
Cairdeas 2020 Caisleán an Pápa
94 pts.
A dark and extracted style, with aromas of raspberry puree, strawberry and white pepper. The flavors open up with compact layers of fresh-picked plum, cassis and cherry inlaid with olive and bay leaf notes. The backend shows a hint of bramble and tar through the uber-long finish as the fruit and spice deepen exponentially. $56
The Inspiration: “I have always loved the wines from Chateauneuf du Papé and have long wanted to create something reminiscent of that here in Washington State. I love that our Caislean an Papa highlights the terroir of the vineyard and that the wine has a savory component and focuses on earth and spice.”
– Charlie Lybecker, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 38% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 21% Syrah, 9% Cinsaut, 9% Counoise
Time & Direction 2021 “1.21 Gigawatts” White Rhône Blend
92 pts.
The sum is greater than the individual components in this expressive field blend from the Walla Walla Valley. Leading with lemon crème fraiche, creamy pineapple and blanched almond notes, there’s poise and balance to the crisp yet slightly unctuous mouthfeel. Ends with a touch of lime blossom and dried herbs. $30
The Inspiration: “Brooke Robertson from Les Collines Vineyard was telling me that she wanted to plant all of the white varieties that are grown in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and that it would be cool if someone would take all of them and make a field blend. I said, ‘done!’”
– Steve Wells, Owner, Winemaker and Director of Awesome
The Rhône Grapes: 56% Viognier, 23% Grenache Blanc, 12% Marsanne, 9% Roussanne
Winescape 2018 GSM
93 pts.
There’s both power and purity lurking behind the winning combination of dark plum fruit, currants and white pepper in this fuller-bodied red, reinforced with dried herbs, crushed rock and minerality that proliferate on the gripping structure and long circuitous finish. $39
The Inspiration: “We had a few brief days one April to drive the Côtes du Rhône wine road; I have a video clip of the grass and wind with the Dentelles de Montmirail in the background. The wines were so beautiful and earthy. For us that was the true north for GSM and all we have ever aspired to.”
– Dr. Patricia Butterfield, Co-owner
The Rhône Grapes: 29% Grenache, 42% Syrah, 29% Mourvèdre
Muret-Gaston 2021 Picpoul
92 pts.
This single-vineyard white from the Yakima Valley AVA delivers a brace of sensational minerality that races from front to finish, bolstered by racy citrus of fresh squeezed lemon and lime. Yellow grapefruit, starfruit and crushed oyster shells complement the midpalate before zeroing in on the laser-beam finish. $32
The Inspiration: “These grapes were destined for our white Rhône blend but stood out so well on their own, we had to make a special bottling.”
– Amy Johnson, Winemaker & Co-owner
The Rhône Grape: 100% Picpoul
Longship Cellars 2020 “Only One” Cinsault
92 pts.
This red exudes a minerally overture of bright cherry, rose water, white pepper, wild strawberry, cranberry and wet stone expressions girded with overlapping tension along a structured backbone of taut acidity and fine tannins. $40
The Inspiration: “During my viticulture internship in France during Summer 2009, a crash course included some wine tastings in the surrounding appellations—one of them being Provence, where we tasted Rosé of Cinsault. It stuck with me after that and I kept Cinsault grown in Washington on my radar. I thought it would be a fun one-off red in the tasting room, but it has turned into one of our larger productions. It’s a challenging variety to grow, but a fun wine to make nonetheless.”
– Kyle Welch, Winemaker & Co-owner
The Rhône Grapes: 95% Cinsault, 5% Syrah
AniChe Cellars 2019 7 Gables
92 pts.
A complex blend blanketed with dried currant, blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry encircled with perfumed violet. The flavors are deeply concentrated, etched with fine-cut tannins and lovely gradations of tar, white pepper, dried herbs and stony minerality that maneuver gracefully through the long finish. $36
The Inspiration: “The inspiration for our Châteauneuf-du-Pape styled blend comes from the celebration of diversity and juxtaposition to the idea of ‘quality’ within a single-varietal driven domestic market. When we think of wine crafted with care and artistry, gifting us with beautiful nuance, we think of the classic and beautifully orchestrated blending of these delicious Rhônes varieties. We add two white varieties as well for extra lift, ageability and grace on the palate.”
– Anaïs Mera, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 71% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 8% Counoise, 4% Cinsault, 4% Grenache,
4% Grenache Blanc, 1% Picpoul
Sin Banderas 2019 Red Rhône Blend
93 pts.
This has a mix of alluring fruit and polished structure, offering meaty flavors of boysenberry and blackberry coulis shaded by pretty violet and pomegranate. Balanced throughout, with silky layers of dark chocolate, tobacco and anise that streamline the finish. $36
The Inspiration: “We are in the heart of the Yakima Valley working with landmark vineyards. When the opportunity for some fine Syrah grapes presented itself, we were delighted. Because the troupe all share a fondness (verging on obsession for some) for Mourvèdre, we thought it would be the perfect complement to the Syrah. The blend could not have been better, and even though the percentages of each varietal has shifted some through the vintages, we love how they bring out the best in each other.”
– Jackie Evans, Winemaker/Co-founder
The Rhône Grapes: 67% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre
Stottle Winery 2020 Cuvée de la Reine
92 pts.
Exotic aromas of honeysuckle, lavender and citrus lead to plush flavors of rich pear, white nectarine and lychee flavors that match the energy and finessed structure of this white wine. Finishes on the complex side, with hints of orange peel that deepen the intrigue. $30
The Inspiration: “Roughly translated this Blend of the Queen represents the marriage of the best of our Viognier and Roussanne barrels into an incredibly complex and balanced Rhône style blend. Following the tradition of the Rhone, we ferment Viognier and Roussanne separately in neutral French oak barrels stirring weekly on the lees until they are tasting just right.”
– Josh Stottle, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 73% Viognier, 27% Roussanne
State 42 Wines 2020 Cinsault
91 pts.
Predominantly Cinsault with a small amount of Syrah, this red is swift on its feet, exuding aromas and flavors of violet and pure red cherry accented with clove. The light, crunchy tannins and citrusy acidity retain a fresh feel to the finish, shaded with notes of plum, mineral and spice. $22
The Inspiration: “We love Washington Syrah and Grenache but after trying other producers’ Cinsault I started watching for grapes. When we stopped at Double D vineyard in Rocky Reach and found Cinsault available, I knew it would be the perfect site to produce a light, cool-climate wine. We picked in October and it was a long, cool ferment. This Cinsault is almost reminiscent of a light earthy Pinot.”
– Gretchen Adams, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 92% Cinsault, 8% Syrah
Virtue Cellars 2020 Unity GSM
92 pts.
Plump, with wild blackberry and cherry infused with white pepper and bay leaf that show refinement, backed by racy streaks of blueberry and raspberry. Subtle cedar and graphite are flanked by mineral overtones that pulsate with good tension on the finish. $32
The Inspiration: “The inspiration behind Unity is to craft a wine that rises above the sum of its individual parts. Our Rhône blending philosophy begins with a commitment to showcase the dark and delicious fruit of Washington State. Once established, we blend for nuance, body and subtle spice.”
– Kevin Mueller, Owner & Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 27% Grenache, 48% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre
Basalt Cellars 2018 GSM
92 pts.
Broad shouldered and brimming with ample reserves of crushed cherry and jammy raspberry mixed with smoldering woodspice and cola notes, this full-bodied red is backed by sweet spice and light peppercorn notes. Dried flowers, mulled plum, cocoa and tea leaf hints create an impression on the deep finish. $38
The Inspiration: “Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre’ grapes each contribute unique and synergistic qualities to the flavor profile as well as the silky mouth feel. I use larger format oak to closely manage oxygen with the Grenache and favor a blend of toasts including convection for the French oak aging of the Syrah and Mourvèdre. I am thankful for the growers here in Eastern Washington that produce such awesome fruit to work with for my GSM.”
– Rick Wasem, Winemaker & Co-owner
The Rhône Grapes: 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
Descendant Cellars 2015 Belle
92 pts.
Presented with polish, this GSM is loaded with charming black fruit, red berries and currants emboldened by savory undertones of peppercorn, dried herbs, dark earth and hints of charcoal. Concentrated raspberry and spice surface on the long finish. $36
The Inspiration: “My wife Chris and I started drinking Côtes du Rhônes and Châteauneuf-du-Pape when we moved to the Seattle area. At the time, we also started drinking Washington Syrah and knew the quality was there. So many wineries in Washington were focused on Bordeaux varietals at the time that we decided to concentrate on Rhônes. There were very few GSM at the time, so it just seemed like the right wine to be the focus of the winery.”
– Mike Rupp, Founder
The Rhône Grapes: 58% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre
Dusted Valley 2020 Squirrel Tooth Alice
92 pts.
Smooth and rounded on the front end, boasting pure cherry and black raspberry flavors highlighted against a backdrop of fresh acidity. White pepper, chalky minerality and fine, yet firm tannins augment the fruit and lend an ethereal feel to the elegantly structured finish. $45
The Inspiration: “Our Squirrel Tooth Alice is a GSM blend that first came out around 2007. Dusted Valley partners Chad and Janet Johnson were on the Pendleton Underground Tour and came across a book titled ‘Soiled Doves,’ in which we learned about the history of Alice and her legacy. So, when we came across another famous ‘Tooth’ we had to honor Alice and her pet ground squirrels and name our GSM Squirrel Tooth Alice.
– Corey Braunel, Owner & Co-founder
The Rhône Grapes: 81% Grenache, 13% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 1% Petite Sirah
Rocky Pond Estate Winery 2020 Stratastone
93 pts.
Expressive, highlighting a trifecta of fruit, perfume and texture with meaty, earthy notes mixed with rock and spice. Inflections of smoldering sweet tobacco, cured olive and cranberry swirl through dark cherry and black current reduction flavors. Plush in feel, there is generous lift to the finish. $46
The Inspiration: “The gusting winds, warm summer nights and rocky soils of our flagship Double D vineyard are reminiscent of the Southern Rhône. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre thrive in this limiting terroir unveiling earthy, spice-infused wines with a fresh mineral kick, bold fruit and structure.”
– Elizabeth Keyser, Winemaker
The Rhône Grapes: 48% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 28% Mourvèdre