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The Walls Stanley Groovy Red Mountain: $35.00

Varietal Composition: 37% Touriga Nacional, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Tinta Roriz, 13% Tinta Cão, 9% Sezão, 4% Mourvèdre, 4% Grenache, 4% Counoise

Location: Red Heaven Vineyard – Red Mountain AVA

Press: 93 Points, Jeremy Young, International Wine Review

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar for another 5 years

Tasting Notes 

“This distinctive Washington State wine offers aromas of black plums, blueberries, and plenty of earthy and peppery notes. On the palate, it finishes with crunchy tannins, moderate acidity, and a long, satisfying finish. A fun and complex red blend that showcases Washington’s diverse potential.” –Jeremy Young

Food Pairing

• Braised Short Ribs: The wine’s bold structure complements the richness and tenderness of braised meats.
• Grilled Lamb Chops: The herbaceous and savory flavors of lamb harmonize well with the wine’s complexity.
• Beef Tenderloin or Ribeye Steak: The tannins in the wine balance the fat and robust flavors of well-marbled cuts.
• Venison or Elk Stew: The earthy flavors of game meat enhance the wine’s depth.
• Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: The wine’s ripe fruit flavors complement the sweetness and savoriness of this dish.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken: The savory herbs and crispy skin pair well with the wine’s spiced and fruit-forward profile.
• Turkey with Cranberry Sauce: Perfect for holiday meals, as the fruit in the wine mirrors the tangy sweetness of cranberries.
• Mushroom Stroganoff: The umami in mushrooms pairs excellently with the wine’s earthy undertones.
• Roasted Eggplant Parmesan: The wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the creamy cheese and roasted tomato flavors.
• Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty vegetarian dish with earthy and rich flavors to match the wine.
• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: The smoky and tangy barbecue flavors align with the wine’s bold fruit and subtle spice.
• Moroccan Tagine: The wine’s complexity can handle the sweet and spiced nature of a lamb or vegetable tagine.

About The Walls:

The Walls is on a mission to show the world everything that Walla Walla Valley is capable of. Our distinctly American wines are simultaneously eclectic and classic. We value tradition and are meticulous in our winemaking, but we’re not afraid to embrace the creative freedom that comes with Washington’s unparalleled varietal diversity. Inspired by places and personalities throughout time, each of our wines has a story to tell, from pioneering American winegrowers to medieval knights, Einstein to Hemingway.

A Few More Details

The 2021 Stanley Groovy Red Blend was fermented in concrete and stainless steel tanks. Maceration ran 18 to 38 days and the wine aged in 20% new French oak large format vessels. This blend is dominated by Portuguese varietals grown in in the Red Mountain AVA. Stanley Groovy is the character displayed on The Walls’ wine labels and the embodiment of our explorative and curious nature.

Source: https://thewallsvineyards.com/

Sparkman Cellars Ruckus Syrah Red Mountain 2020: $70

Varietal Composition: 95% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Location: Ciel du Cheval, Discovery/Red Mountain

Press: 95 pts International Wine Report

Cases Produced: 326

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar through 2032

Tasting Notes from the Producers!

Our Ruckus Syrah, now in its 15th vintage, features a heart of Syrah and a healthy dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep, dark and wild, it explodes with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, earth, forest floor and wet rock, all wrapped in firm, velvety tannins. Iconic vineyards Ciel du Cheval and Discovery are the fruit sources for this exceptional wine. Extra tasty now, it will continue to develop for a generation.

Food Pairing

• Grilled Ribeye Steak: The smoky char and marbling of a ribeye pair perfectly with the wine’s bold flavors and tannins.
• Braised Short Ribs: The wine’s dark fruit and spice notes complement the richness and depth of slow-cooked meats.
• Lamb Chops with Rosemary: The savory herbaceous flavors of lamb enhance the Syrah’s earthy and spicy undertones.
• Venison Stew: The wine’s structure and depth balance the lean and earthy flavors of venison.
• Duck Breast with Plum Sauce: The ripe fruit flavors in the wine complement the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Smoked Brisket: The smoky flavors in the brisket align beautifully with the wine’s peppery spice and dark fruit.
• BBQ Ribs with Tangy Sauce: The wine’s acidity and fruit-forward profile cut through the richness of barbecue sauces.
• Roast Chicken with Herbs: A simple yet flavorful pairing that brings out the wine’s earthy and savory notes.
• Turkey with Cranberry Sauce: A holiday-friendly match that highlights the wine’s fruity components.
• Mushroom Stroganoff: The umami from mushrooms pairs well with the wine’s earthy and spicy elements.
• Eggplant Parmesan: The wine’s acidity and tannins complement the creamy and tangy tomato-based dish.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, beets, and parsnips match the wine’s sweet and earthy flavors.

About Sparkman Cellars:

Why did we start our winery? Well, we wrote all the vision stuff like ‘Our intention is to make wines that are considered among the finest available, and that will hopefully find their way onto your table’ and such, which is true. Then we asked ourselves, ‘Why don’t we just tell them what we stand for?’ So that’s where our tagline came from: Family. Good Livin’. Real Fine Wine. Seems like that makes sense to people. Especially if your wine is delicious and your kids are good people.

Here’s to you and yours,

The Sparkman Family

A Few More Details

Once upon a time there was a syrah called Stella Mae. As demand for syrah began to taper off a bit, we decided in our third vintage to align our girls’ wines on either side of the Gironde, even though it is nowhere near Woodinville in the name of family harmony. So, in 2006, we made Ruckus, our Red Mountain syrah blended with a touch of cabernet sauvignon.

Source: https://sparkmancellars.com/