Three from Corliss/Tranche

Hello friends. We have three wines on offer today: one from Corliss Estates and two from its sister winery, Tranche Cellars (note: while there is overlap in the ownership of the two wineries, they are separate entities, with separate winemaking facilities). All three of these wines are limited in production, and this will be our only chance at each wine. We’re accessing the only remaining parcels of these wines available in western Washington, and so my understanding is that none of the three will be available for reorder.

2007 Tranche Cellars Cabernet Franc

A spectacular value, this is the first Cabernet Franc release from Tranche Cellars, and it comes entirely from Blue Mountain Vineyard. This is the site (see location and proximity to Leonetti’s Loess Vineyard here) that Corliss purchased from Nicholas Cole, and it was the source of the 2005 Nicholas Cole Reserve (offered here) that has generated raves from many list members.

While the vineyard is not designated on the label, this is 100% Blue Mountain Cabernet Franc fruit, and you just don’t see single-vineyard, Walla Walla Valley Franc at this tariff. It’s limited, too, with only 6 barrels (150 cases) produced.

Dense and brooding with its flavors of black cherry and poblano, espresso and bitters. The tannins here are a fine-grained powder, delicious in their elegance, and this is a wine that punches well above its price class.

Review of Washington Wines (Rand Sealey): “($25); [REVIEW TEXT WITHHELD]. 18.5/20pts.”

2007 Tranche Cellars Cabernet Franc

I figure that by continuing to offer rosés, I will eventually browbeat the sun into an appearance over Seattle, which is currently experiencing a wonderful period of June gloom.

This is a lovely one (low-production at 168 cases), and vibrancy is the watchword, as the Pink Pape is filled with loads of mouthwatering acidity. A blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc, all picked specifically for rosé (no saignee here), this too comes entirely from Blue Mountain Vineyard. The aromas and flavors just keep coming here: now pineapple, orange, lime zest; now a lick of wet stone; now marshmallow and rhubarb. It’s a veritable sensory riot.

Review of Washington Wines (Rand Sealey): “($16); [REVIEW TEXT WITHHELD]. 18+/20pts.”

Washington Wine Report (Sean Sullivan): “($16); [REVIEW TEXT WITHHELD]. Rating: * (Excellent).”

2006 Corliss Estates Syrah

I’m not going to say much here, as our quantities on this are quite limited (if you’re looking for greater detail, I wrote at some length in our offering of the previous vintage). It’s a big, deep, rich Syrah, filled with blackberry, smoke, and a nice roasted nut character (pecan?) that I associate in part with Stillwater Creek Syrah, which makes up the spine of this wine.

Review of Washington Wines (Rand Sealey): “($55); [REVIEW TEXT WITHHELD]. 19.5/20pts.”

Please limit order requests to 12 Cab Franc, 6 Rosé, and 4 Syrah, and we’ll do our best to fulfill all requests. These should arrive in about a week, at which point they will be available for pickup or shipping during the autumn shipping window.