“We have enjoyed hundreds of wines and now are making our own,” says owner and winemaker Phil Warren, whose wine explorations with his wife, Danette have led them to Napa, Temecula, Texas and South Africa. Their first visit to Red Mountain was 18 years ago—in those early days wineries like Kiona, Oakwood Cellars and Terra Blanca had tasting rooms set up inside their homes. “We shot hoops while tasting wine at Kiona,” Phil recalls nostalgically.
The Warrens have come full circle, having purchased the former Oakwood Cellars winery and rambler at the foot of Red Mountain and converting it into the new home for Tucannon Cellars. The tasting room features a bright and airy ‘great room’ ambiance, spacious outdoor deck seating and inviting landscape. The Warrens’ son, Ethen, usually mans the tasting room, where guests are treated to an at-home experience and tours of the barrel room offered upon request.
“Visitors can see where we make it, where we store it and what we think makes a good wine,” says Phil with a friendly invitation. “Come by and be a part of our small winery and Red Mountain.”
The 2011 Mourvèdre is concentrated and silky, displaying flavors of brambly fruit of blackberry, black cherry, licorice, earthy minerality and peppercorn with gripping tannins.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Alcoh 14.9%
Website: www.tucannoncellars.com