“We are known for big red wines that are approachable and elegant,” says the engaging wine entrepreneur Doug Long. In the late 70s, Doug and his two brothers planted their first vineyard high above Napa Valley on land their father had acquired years earlier without any idea the property was perfect for grapes. By 1980, their reputation for growing premium grapes spread and in 1981, they started their first winery called David Arthur. It went on to be named “Winery of the Decade” by Wine Spectator in 2000 after the 1997 vintage scored 99 points.
Doug attempted to retire to Gig Harbor, Wash., but slowly down just wasn’t in the cards. His aspiration to plant his dream vineyard led him to Red Mountain where he and his partners found the perfect site, and planting began in 2004. Here, Doug was able to test his long held theory of “intensely planted vines.” Today, it’s one of the most densely planted vineyards in Washington State, with grape production limited to four pounds per plant. These lower yields allow for very intense fruit concentrations and expressive varietal character in the wine. “Obelisco is quintessential Red Mountain because our vineyard layout is designed to take advantage of all that Red Mountain offers,” says Doug. In 2011, Doug bought out his partners and friends, to assume full ownership of Obelisco. He shares his philosophy, “No effort and no expense is too much in growing fine grapes—grapes are 95% of the quality of wine.”
Obelisco’s second tasting room opened in the Apple Farm Village in the Hollywood Schoolhouse District of Woodinville (the original tasting room across town in the Warehouse District will remain open on weekends as usual). Current releases are predominantly estate grown, and include a superb Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, and head-turning 2012 single varietal bottlings of Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
You can taste their wines at either of their two tasting rooms in Woodinville, Wash.
Obelisco Estate 2012 Electrum Cabernet Sauvignon, $70
The Electrum Cabernet is a stellar example of what the “king of red wine” is capable of from the Red Mountain AVA—pure, focused and exquisitely crafted, this complex red delivers rich bold flavors of fresh blackberry, tobacco, mocha, loamy earth and silken tannins that fold together on the appealing finish.
Editor’s Choice – Extraordinary
Production: 570 cases
Alcohol: 15.4%
Obelisco Estate 2012 Merlot, $50
With aromas of dark fruit, tanned leather and dusky spice, this opulent red wine is deftly balanced, with a core of rich, concentrated flavors of dark plum, black cherry and cassis framed with minerally edges of tobacco, cocoa, soft spice. Waves of refined tannins broaden on the focused, expansive finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 186 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
Obelisco Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $50
Earth-driven aromas of red and black fruit mingled with mocha, pipe tobacco and vanilla. This Cab is silky, focused and ethereal, with a velvety smooth mid-palate inlaid with balanced flavors of black raspberry, blackberry coulis, toast points and dried herb notes linger on the near-endless finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 1169 cases
Alcohol: 15.2%
Obelisco Estate 2012 Malbec, $45
Inky in hue with aromas of red and black fruit, earth, pencil shavings and florality, this Malbec is both regal and powerful, delivering deeply concentrated layers of blackberry, cherry and red plum. Underlying notes of cola, crushed violet, sweet tobacco and vanilla are revealed on the long finish, tightly knit with finely integrated tannins.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 247 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
Obelisco Estate 2012 Syrah, $45
Brooding aromas of black fruit, olive, leather, and tinges of smoke, cola and dusky earth, with svelte and lush texture. Posh tannins blanket the entry, framed with concentrated flavors of steeped blackberry and boysenberry, black currant, cola, leather, cocoa powder and earthy spice.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 394 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
Website: www.obelisco.com