This winery continues to wow us ever since we first tasted their inaugural releases a couple years ago. Sin Banderas might be called a micro-winery because of the small number of barrels they produce each year, but the quality and sophistication of their wine speaks loud enough to make it clear they are using some of the best grapes grown in the Yakima Valley AVA. “Our intention is to craft high quality, ultra-small batch wines,” says winemaker Jacki Evans, one of the mainstay partners of the outfit. “By keeping our quantity small, we’re able to focus our energy on giving the maximum amount of care and attention to our craft, from hand-harvesting our grapes to using guaranteed TCA-free corks.”
They chose the winery’s name because it means without flags, which backs up their cheerful slogan, “Cultivated by a Mexican, vinified by a Texan, cellared by a Frenchman, distributed by a Washingtonian.” You can find their wines online or join their growing wine club at www.sinbanderaswines.com.
Below are 4 releases we recently reviewed:
Sin Banderas 2017 Yakima Valley Red Wine
92 pts.
Elegant and well layered, this red Rhône varietal blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre entices with aromas of grilled plum, bing cherry, black olive and cured meat that echo with greater depth on the neatly-structured body. Earthy garrigue, violet and blackberry details weave through the well-honed finish, complemented with cocoa powder and white pepper hints. $32
Sin Banderas 2018 Yakima Valley Red Wine
92 pts.
This Rhône-style red is rich, ripe and filled with red plum, blueberry and blackberry flavors undercut with a savory edge showing engaging dried herbs, white pepper, and mineral notes. Gain terrific momentum toward the finish, revealing pomegranate and dried cured black olive details that add complexity. Shows style and panache. Made with Syrah from Outlook Vineyard and Mourvèdre from Olsen Vineyard, aged 23 months in 100% French oak. $36
Sin Banderas 2020 DuBrul Vineyard Riesling
92 pts.
There’s a remarkable amount of expression packed into the lithe frame, leading with pear, apricot and honeysuckle aromas. The structure is lively and very minerally, combining white flower blossom, peach, melon, honeycrisp apple and racy limestone flavors. Ends with a mouthwatering finish accented by vanilla and tropical fruit. Marvelously complex and structured. $24
Sin Banderas 2020 Yakima Valley Rosé
91 pts.
Made with Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Syrah, this refined yet flavorful version is loaded with minerally-charged expressions of watermelon, white cherry and red berry. Zesty spice notes and a racy undertow of pink grapefruit fan out on the dry, complex finish. $19