2019 Brook and Bull, Cabernet Sauvignon, $45

Winery info: Ashley Trout’s career in Washington wine began when she was a student at Whitman College and helped out at Reininger Winery.       

Fast forward to 2020 when she was named one of Wine’s Most Inspiring People by the Wine Industry Advisor. This was no doubt in part for her generous work founding and overseeing Vital Wines, a non-profit that helps Walla Walla Valley vineyard and winery workers access affordable health care. She was also named one of the country’s “Top 40 Tastemakers Under 40” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Somehow she still found time to create her third winery, Brook and Bull, in 2016.

Winemaker: Ashley Trout

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyards: Sourced from vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley.

Flavor profile: This is a classic Walla Walla Cab, rich and inviting, with aromas and flavors of dark fruit, fig, and plum, and a hint of earthiness. With excellent structure, depth, and balance.

Availability: There is still a bit of this vintage left with the distributor.

Drinking Window: Enjoy now or over the next five years.

Food pairing: This is a fantastic food pairing wine, perfect for hearty meat or vegetable dishes.

2020 Kevin White Winery, “Pionnier,” $39.75

Winery info: Kevin White and his wife Stefanie founded their winery in 2010 with a goal of producing limited, complex, hand crafted wines that pair well with food. With a particular love for wines from the Rhône region of France, Kevin has focused primarily on Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, which he sources from cooler climate, higher elevation vineyards in the Yakima Valley. Kevin has received various honors over the years including “Winemaker to Watch” (2015) and “Best Emerging Winery” (2018) by Seattle Magazine.

Winemaker: Kevin White

Grapes: 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre

Vineyards: Sourced from Boushey Vineyard

Flavor profile: Kevin selects vineyards for their ability to produce wines with depth and power, as well as the finesse and delicacy to complement food. This wine is a great example. It has aromas of red fruit and dried herbs, and layers of complex flavors. The texture is beautiful and velvety and the finish, long and expressive.

Availability: This wine is very limited.

Drinking Window: Enjoy now or over the next three years or so.

Food Pairing: Great for pork or chicken dishes, stews, or roasts.