Julie Godfrey, Owner Magnolia Wine Selections
This week I’m interested in all things Watermill Winery in Washington state. It is in the Walla Walla Valley along the Oregon and Washington border. Their estate & Columbia Valley wines are not mass produced so you will not find them in many places. This winery was founded by one of the largest cider producers in the USA. Today the Columbia Valley is the largest producer of wine for the state. Watermill Winery just released a Columbia Valley line of wines to further showcase their winemaking talents and they are already receiving high praise.
Why Washington State?
Washington state has been in the grape growing business since at least the late 1820s and they follow California & Oregon in the largest wine production in the USA. The wine industry likes to focus on the perfect latitude on earth for grape growing which is between 30-50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Within this range, many feel that 46 degrees latitude is the ideal climate for grape growing if there is also access to the right soil and influence by the sea. Several famous French wine producers reside at 46 degrees parallel along with a portion of northern Italy. Washington state won the wine lottery by also being at this latitude. It is no surprise then that Washington state in general is known for producing high quality French varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
What to Drink?
Watermill Merlot, Columbia Valley
Fresh off the press, this wine has been awarded the Reserve Class Champion award in the 2024 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition. In addition, it was awarded the 2023 Red Wine of the Year and Best of Class Merlot by SavorNW. This is the Merlot to have on hand for a celebratory dinner, a night with friends or to end a gorgeous day with.
It produces ripe plum and dark berry on the palate with aromas of cocoa on the nose. The aging of this wine also has some new French oak along with neutral oak barrels for 14 months. French oak barrels are known for resulting in wines with flavors of coffee and cocoa.
Watermill Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley
This wine delivers bright, crisp lime and grapefruit notes with a palate cleansing finish. This Sauvignon Blanc over delivers when compared to many of its overly tart and grassy competition in the category. Only 250 cases are produced of this wine.
Watermill Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
Washington state Chardonnay is some of the most European in style when compared to the rest of the USA. This wine delivers lush tropical fruits with notes of pineapple, pear, and apple blossom. Although a small portion of oak is used in the aging process, this wine is incredibly well balanced. In many cases, a small amount of oak is used to round out the final product.
Watermill Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon ages in 25% new French oak barrels for 14 months with the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon in neutral barrels. The newer the barrel the more influence the oak has over the flavors and aromas in the final wine product. The more often the barrel is used in winemaking the less of an impact it has. In addition, the cost of a new barrel is significantly greater than a used barrel for these same reasons. This Cabernet Sauvignon produces notes of black currants and cassis on the nose followed by refined tannins on the palate.
Watermill Merlot, Walla Walla Valley Estate
Merlot is one of my favorite red grapes that unfortunately got a bad reputation after the movie “Sideways” which featured a character that refused to drink Merlot. The owners of Watermill Winery are expert farmers which gave them an advantage when they established the winery. Merlot from Washington state is a shining example of a new world wine that rivals the old world. This wine is fruity yet savory with a mix of blueberry, tobacco, herbs, vanilla, and tea leaf. Enjoy this wine with a delicious steak!