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Review: Walldeaux Smithie Red Wine by Forgeron Cellars

An expression of New World and Old World wine.

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting with Forgeron Cellars winemaker, Marie-Eve Gilla. She sent me home with a bottle of wine I did not taste, her non-vintage Walldeaux Smithie. This week I had the pleasure of enjoying this gift. Originally from France, over the last two decades, Marie has made wine in Washington State for some of my favorite wineries. She is part owner of Forgeron Cellars in Walla Walla, Washington and she my friends, is making outstanding wines.

NV Walldeaux Smithie.
A red wine blend, this is a food friendly wine, with enough character to keep you pleased before, during and after dinner. Marie has blended several vintages in this bottle, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Her intent was to create an expression of maturity and youth, and to capture elements of new world wine and old world wine.

Walldeaux had good dark color on opening, delivering a rich mocha nose, and expansive depth. On the palate there was just enough acidity to keep my interest, with mocha and raspberry shifting to a blueberry finish. It was just a touch tart with enough tannins to pair with my grilled steak. After 40 minutes the nose shifted to aromas of coffee and blueberry, rounding out with vanilla taffy and pepper mill. The aromatics caressed my face. The wine continued to develop more wonderful aromas the longer it was open. With a medium-short finish, this is a superior, reasonably priced red wine. Marie-Eve has successfully crafted an homage to Walla Walla and Bordeaux. My dinner and I thank her. On day two the wine was just as enjoyable if a bit brooding, perfect for sipping. Expect the Walldeaux Smithie to drink well over the next several years. Recommended.

What does the name “Walldeaux Smithie” mean? Walldeaux is a stylistic nod to both Walla Walla and Bordeaux. Marie has combined the two words, hence, "Walldeaux". The “Smithie” part of the name acknowledges that her winery is located on the site of an old blacksmith smithie. I like her style and her wine.

Release Info:
Blend: 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, 16% Zinfandel, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Primitivo, 2% Pinot Noir.
Vineyards: 29% Boushey Vineyard (Rattlesnake Hills), 21% Alder Ridge Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills), 21% Ash Hollow (Walla Walla), 17% Stone Tree Vineyard (Wahluke Slope), 8% Dionysus (Wahluke Slope) and 4% Les Collines (Walla Walla).
ABV 14.1%
*Production: 562 cases
Sample provided by the winery
Retail Price: $16

www.forgeroncellars.com 

*For my out of town friends, Forgeron Cellars can ship direct to: 
Pacific States: Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Central States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming.
Alaska and Hawaii.

Cheers!
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