Dennis Murphy moved to Walla Walla in 1999 with one goal: to make world-class wines. Since then, he purchased the land that is now home to Caprio Cellars’ new tasting room, winemaking facility and Eleanor Estate Vineyard. Dennis also became a partner in the Octave Vineyard at SeVein Vineyards, ultimately leading him to purchase the 40 acres west of Octave Vineyard, planting Sanitella Vineyard in 2015. Intent on keeping production small, the wines are produced solely with grapes from these estate vineyards.
Stepping into the modern tasting room provides the opportunity for a unique tasting experience, and Dennis and his team promise to deliver excellent hospitality. Open by appointment, wine tastings are elevated with bites of house-made food. “Grandma Eleanor Caprio would have insisted that we offer food with our wine,” says Dennis.
Enjoy the seated experience in the bistro area or in the furnished family room. A large patio with fireside seating is also available, which looks out over a grassy area to take in the pastoral views of Walla Walla’s southside neighborhood.
Bordeaux varietal blends are the focal point, and the three wines we tasted showed poise and elegance. Book an appointment and get ready for an elevated tasting experience.
Open by pre-appointment only at 1603 Whiteley Rd, Walla Walla. Schedule an appointment at www.capriocellars.com or phone (509) 412-3054.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Caprio Cellars 2015 Sanitella, $80
94 pts. – Outstanding
This small-lot red was made from their four best barrels and shows sleek sophistication and flawless execution, delivering a beam of dried cherry and blackberry flavors highlighted with elegant details of violet, cola, cocoa powder and graphite. Powder-fine tannins flex with sinewy grace on the beautifully structured finish.
Caprio Cellars 2016 Eleanor, $40
91 pts. – Outstanding
An eloquent red Bordeaux varietal wine sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, showing deep and supple persuasions of rich, crushed blackberry, jammy plum and currants with seamless accents of crushed rock. Offers fine length and fluidity, yielding firm tannins on the mouthcoating finish.
Caprio Cellars 2018 Sémillon, $22
90 pts. – Excellent
Made in a refreshing white Bordeaux wine style with a splash of Sauvignon Blanc. Exudes creamy lemon and crisp green apple flavors that fan out with expressive details of tree blossom, cashew, and just enough acidity to keep the citrus notes appealing. Ends with a subtle hint of lanolin.