2019 Upsidedown Wine, Gold Drop Collection, Malbec, $44

Winery info: Seth Kitzke grew up in the Yakima Valley, surrounded by orchards and vineyards and when his family founded their own winery, Kitzke Cellars, he began helping in their vineyard at the age of 12.      

After winemaking studies and working with Charles Smith, Brennon Leighton, Brian Carter, and Charlie Hoppes, Seth took over winemaking at his family winery in 2016. He created his own winery, Upsidedown, to “produce wines of outstanding quality that show true balance and sense of place.” While Kitzke Cellars is more focused on Bordeaux-style wines, Seth’s focus at Upsidedown is on Rhône varieties. Seth donates 20% of the proceeds from his wines to select non-profit organizations.

Winemaker: Seth Kitzke

Grapes: 100% Malbec

Vineyard: Dead Poplar in the Yakima Valley, a north-facing vineyard with sandy deposited soils from the Yakima River. It gets morning sun, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly, but is shaded by the Horse Heaven Hills in the afternoon, which cools the site and helps the fruit develop good acidity.

Flavor profile: This is a tasty Washington Malbec, very balanced, with savory, dark fruit flavors, a bit of spice, and nice earthy minerality.

Availability: 80 cases made. There is still some left with the distributor.

Drinking Window: This wine is ready to drink now, or over the next few years.

Food pairing: This would be great with meat dishes, or anything off the grill.

2019 Time and Direction, “Old School” Royal Slope Syrah, $45

Winery info: Steve Wells began his wine journey working in restaurants in New York City. After receiving certification as a sommelier, he managed wine programs at various restaurants in the city. But it was an industry tour of Washington AVAs that gave him the winemaking bug. He relocated his family out west and worked several years at Gramercy Cellars, then worked with winemaker Aryn Morell at his custom crush facility, while taking enology courses. Steve began making his own wines at Aryn’s facilities in 2016.

Winemaker: Steve Wells

Grapes: 95% Syrah co-fermented with 5% Viognier. Aged in neutral French oak puncheons.

Vineyard: Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Located atop the Frenchman Hills, it has a variety of south-facing slopes, and fine sandy loam soils.

Flavor profile: Very balanced and aromatic, with nice ripeness from the Royal Slope fruit, great texture, smooth, dark fruit flavors, an inviting touch of dried herbs, and excellent minerality.

Availability: 100 cases produced. There is not a lot left of this vintage.

Drinking Window: Enjoy anytime over the next few years.

Food Pairing: This wine would be great with grilled lamb or spicy foods.