Jay Krutulis, a former corporate attorney, and Matt Reilly, who left behind an architecture career to make wine, met during enrollment for enology and viticulture classes in Walla Walla. “It quickly became apparent to both of us that we shared well-aligned perspectives on wines and winemaking,” Jay says. “We began to formulate the idea for a winery that would become Prospice.” The duo refined their vision while they worked at other established wineries, finally opening their own doors in 2019.
Based on Washington Tasting Room Magazine’s evaluations of their initial releases, this winery partnership makes our short list of newer wineries to watch. All three releases were eye-openers — gushing with absolute distinction, complexity and noteworthy character.
“Great grapes and partnerships with growers are at the heart of what we do — we fully believe the mantra that great wine only comes from great grapes, and we are simply unwilling to cut corners or compromise on grape sourcing,” Jay says. Using Old World techniques, they pick fruit a little earlier, keep sugars in check, retain good natural acidity and avoid over-extraction of tannins. “We embrace both the science and art of winemaking,” says Jay. “Ultimately, a wine is a small work of art in a bottle, and we seek to make each wine unique, expressive and beautiful.”
The winery is located in the Airport Winery district in Walla Walla. The modest tasting room has the owners’ footprints all over it — it is pretension deficit, with no flashiness or gimmicks, only marvelous wines.
Visit: Tasting fees are $15, refundable with $40 purchase; 145 E Curtis Ave, Walla Walla, (509) 204-3184; check website for current hours at www.prospice.wine
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Prospice Wines 2017 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
94 pts.
Richly layered and rock-solid, with a beautiful core of black fruit, dried fig, violet and crushed pebbles supported by remarkable structure. Bits of tar, dried thyme and sage details are deeply entrenched with cherry paste and graphite accents that power through the laser-focused finish. $50
Prospice Wines 2018 Resurgent Vineyard Syrah
92 pts.
Permeated with earthy complexity and umami character, this red dances with nimble acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. Roasted clove, smoked meat, orange essence, iron, cobblestone and bay leaf accents add intensity to the backdrop of bright plum flavors as the brambly energy sails through the finish. $45
Prospice Wines 2017 Phinny Hill Vineyard Cabernet Franc
93 pts.
Notable for its silky texture, sinewy structure and velvety tannins, there’s colossal appeal to the savory layers of granite, dried herbs and tea leaf, with black current and dried raspberry flavors. Vivid acidity cruises through the finish, lined with flecks of iron minerality. $50