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Southard 2010 Sugarloaf Vineyard Yakima Valley Red Wine

photo: Scott Southard.

 Southard Winery Sugarloaf red wine reviewed.

I met winemaker Scott Southard last year at Taste Washington Seattle! His wines impressed then and they continue to impress today. You don't know Scott Southard and his wines? It is time you did.

The Southard family winery is located in Selah, Washington, across the street from their estate Riesling vineyard. I recently visited Scott at the winery, there was a lot of snow on the ground. Where's Selah, Washington? Selah is just minutes from downtown Yakima. It was easy to find.

Scott has an extremely educated palate and preference in wine. This fact was obvious to me on the first taste of the Southard 2010 Sugarloaf vineyard Yakima valley red wine. I raved about this wine with friends and even shared a glass or two. They loved it!

photo: Southard 2010 Sugarloaf Vineyard Yakima Valley Red Wine
Tasting Notes:
This wine was tasty on opening; it had caramel, cherry and sage on the nose, with a clear, glossy,  burgundy color. At first it reminded me of a claret, light, approachable, old world style, food ready. Then the well stated flavors of  cherry with dark fruit, put me in mind of a good Pinot Noir. It had a lip smacking finish. After being open for 30 minutes, the wine filled out with medium tannin, a bigger mouth feel and a medium finish. It was rockin! After 45 minutes, this wine was more focused, with complimentary spice in the front palate and strawberry jam on the finish. I'd call this a lovely wine. It continued to be lip smacking good until the bottle was emptied. Bravo Scott. At a suggested retail price of $20 this wine is an amazing value. Go find some now or order this wine direct from the winery. Highly recommended.

61% Grenache, 18% Mouvedre, 12% Cinsault, 9% Counoise.
Natural cork closure
ABV 14.5%
206 Cases produced
Sample provided by Southard Winery

Southard Winery
(No tasting room, call for appointment)
Selah, Washington
670 Tibbling Rd  Selah, WA 98942
(509) 697-3003
www.southardwinery.com

Cheers!
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