Inspired by the “lo-fi” wine movement in Australia, Riley Miller established Sonder Wines to make beautiful, low-intervention, low alcohol Washington wines. Beginning his journey as an architecture student at WSU, Riley quickly realized he needed a more fresh-air approach to finding a job and changed his major to viticulture and enology (V&E). “I found a real interest in plants, mostly because I didn’t enjoy dissecting animals, and I ran with it,” says Riley with his usual witty humor, throwing in, “Maybe it was my mother’s constant nagging to do yardwork growing up that finally rubbed off on me.”
Before launching Sonder Wines, Riley traveled extensively, working under the tutelage of winemakers such as Nico Cueva (Kosta Browne, CA), Josh Bergstrom (Bergstrom, OR), Braden Crosby (New Zealand) and Ben Caldwell (Australia). Riley’s inspiration for making minimal-intervention wine, a concept introduced to him by Ben Caldwell, came through his exposure to wines from South Australia made under the lo-fi movement.
“There is a wonderful movement down there in making beautiful, easy drinking, fresh and crunchy wines,” says Riley. “With Washington being as great and versatile a growing region as they come, I saw a great opportunity to take that style of wines that I enjoyed so much and make them here.” Riley knows a thing or two about quality fruit—he has recently taken a vineyard position in the Yakima Valley at Elephant Mountain Vineyard working for veteran grower Joe Hattrup.
Tastings by appointment at (360) 584-6025 or email riley@sonderwines.com, www.sonderwines.com
Sonder 2017 Yakima Valley AVA Syrah, $25
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
A nimble style, offering a crunchy texture on the mouthfeel that shows balanced acidity reinforced with umami flavors of spice, loamy earth, violet and dark plum. Youthful, yet filled with plenty of character.
Sonder 2017 Horse Heaven Hills AVA Mourvèdre, $25
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
An expressive medium-bodied style, sporting sleek tannins that frame the juicy flavors of cherry and blackberry amped up with black peppercorn, garrigue and subtle vanilla cream hints on the finish.
Sonder 2018 Yakima Valley AVA Field Blend, $20
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Fresh, with crunchy tannins and a swath of black pepper and violet flavors that evolve with an underlay of earthy red fruit and spice notes on the medium-bodied yet persistent finish.
Sonder 2018 Yakima Valley AVA Cinsaut Rosé
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Snappy, dry and brightly structured, combining appealing flavors of peach, wild berry, cranberry and flower blossom with citrusy acidity. Shows good balance, with touches of saline minerality cresting on the finish.
Sonder 2018 Yakima Valley AVA Roussanne, $20
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Steely in structure, fanning out with expressive and vibrant layers of yellow apple, fresh lemon, honey, almond and baking spice. Stays focused on the mouthwatering finish.