Background: After his retirement from professional football in 2007, Walla Walla native Drew Bledsoe returned to his hometown and began planting his original estate vineyard, McQueen, in the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA.    

In 2008, he and his wife launched Doubleback Winery with a goal of producing world class Cabernet focused on estate fruit. He brought on Josh McDaniels, from Figgins Family Wine Estates, who remains his current CEO and director of winemaking. The project has grown into a trio of wineries, all of which showcase their commitment to “exploring the full potential of their land to produce authentically representative American wines.” Bledsoe Family Winery is a sister project to Doubleback.

Wine details: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% each Merlot and Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec, aged 22 months in 64% new French oak, 6% concrete tulip, and 30% neutral oak. Sourced from Bob Healy (68%) and Flying B (17%), both Bledsoe estate vineyards, plus 9% Seven Hills and 6% Pepper Bridge vineyards. All are in the Walla Walla Valley AVA.

Flavor profile:The combination of fruit from two “more youthful” vineyards (Bob Healy and Flying B), with historic blocks of Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge, produced a rich, aromatic, and complex wine, with flavors of ripe red fruit and hints of sagebrush.

Recommendation: Enjoy now or up to around 2028. It is a classic Cab for steaks or roasts.

Background: Darby English began crafting wine in 2002 and his first commercial vintage was 2005. He has lived here in West Seattle for over 20 years and now has a tasting room in the Alaska Junction as well as in Woodinville. His main focus is on Rhône varietals, although he makes some wonderful Cabernet-based wines as well, all of which have been regular features on our shelves for years. He partners with some of the top vineyards in the state for his wines, which he produces with minimal intervention, allowing the sense of place to shine through.

Wine details:100% Syrah, from Dineen (Yakima Valley), Stillwater Creek (Wahluke Slope), and Discovery (Horse Heaven Hills) vineyards. Aged 14 months in neutral French oak.

Flavor profile: This is a dark, savory Syrah, with flavors of plum, blackberry, and bramble, and subtle hints of tobacco and chocolate. With lovely texture and nice notes of herbs and spice.

Recommendation: With its good acidity, this is a very food friendly wine. Enjoy now or over the next few years with lamb, cassoulet, or perhaps grilled meats with chimichurri sauce.