“Every wine has a story,” is a mantra for Jean (aka J.J.) Compeau. He named his winery Narratif out of respect for both his French heritage and the stories he has been telling about Washington’s wine regions and wineries during his more than two decades working in the wine business. It was a twist of fate three years ago that sent him transitioning out of working for other wineries to becoming a small producer himself.
Easygoing by nature, J.J.’s passion for Washington wines is apparent when he talks about his carefully crafted, small-lot wines. “Narratif will be extremely small lots in the 120 to 300 case range. We will emphasize the vineyard and sense of place.” While small, his plans for Narratif are also expansive. “My plan in the next ten years is to produce wines from as many Washington AVAs as I can to allow consumers to learn the flavor profiles from different regions,” he says. “I want everyone to feel a part of the journey. It will be fun.”
Ever ambitious, J.J. has created a second label called NW Wine Collaborative, a brand specially tailored for restaurants that showcase blending varietals like Cabernet Franc or Malbec that pair easily with a variety of foods. “I do love getting people excited about wine and integrating it into their lifestyle,” he admits. “I want my wine to be on your dinner table every night and be the wine of choice for special occasions.”
Tasting by appointment only, (509) 949-9463, winery@nwwinecollaborative.com
Below are 3 wines we recently reviewed:
Editor’s Choice: Narratif 2016 DuBrul Vineyard Red Wine, $40
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Generous and nicely balanced, with solid structure backing the high-toned red and black fruit flavors, layered with juicy red plum, black licorice and dusty earth and dried herbs. Hints of vanilla surface on the smooth, palate-coating finish.
NW Wine Collaborative 2016 Wahluke Slope Malbec, $24
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Velvety, bold and powerful, offering expressive aromas of leather, cherry, spice and violet. The rich mouthfeel delivers abundant blackberry, dark cherry, red currant, mocha and dried herbs that balance neatly on the berry-driven finish.
NW Wine Collaborative 2016 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $24
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
This inaugural release is solidly built with firm tannins, evoking savory and jammy highlights of raspberry, blackberry, cassis, juniper berry and tobacco leaf. The elements stay focused on the smooth palate with ease. There is deceptive balance and polish through the long finish.