This week Bledsoe Wine Estates, founded in 2007 by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe and his wife Maura, announced the purchase of àMaurice Vineyard and its adjacent winery facility in Walla Walla Valley.
“It’s a really special piece of property,” says Josh McDaniels, general manager and director of winemaking. “We’re thrilled.”
This is another second run through for me on this outstanding Rocks Syrah which was sourced from the ‘LeFore Vineyard.’ This was stored in about 20% new French oak puncheons, the wine offers a cornucopia of aromas from Umami and Nori notes alongside fresh Satsuma orange zest, bacon fat, red cherry candy and suggestions of potpourri. Very smooth on the attack, this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Seamless and sensuous in its youth, enjoy this already beautifully evolved wine over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030.
This is now the second time in six months that I have tasted this beautiful wine which was crafted from old vine Pommard Clone Pinot Noir from the Ridgecrest Vineyard as well as the Ellis Estate Vineyard. The aromas are mesmerizing with black tea and wild blackberry notes alongside earthy undertones. Soft and refined on the mouth, this shows plenty of dazzling acidity alongside ripe red and dark fruits with kumquat zest flavors. Enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037.
The outstanding 2021 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay offers lemon zest dusted brioche aromas alongside orange blossom and toasted hazelnuts. The palate is very soft and round with layers of toasty oak, white rose water and buttered sourdough bread. Finishing very long this beautiful wine will satisfy for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2032.
From million-dollar wine heists to canned-wine celebrity takeovers to hip-hop legends, Oscar winners and sports heroes, 2021 gave us plenty to talk about.
Sourced from old vine Pommard Clone from the Ridgecrest Vineyard as well as the Ellis Estate Vineyard, this shows off gorgeous toasty oak with pine needles, huckleberry and black tea tones. The palate is extremely pillowy and refined. This is very dense and intense wine considering the challenges presented at harvest. Gorgeous now, this has some seriously good aging potential. Drink 2021-2035.
The 2019 ‘LFG Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is a blend of Wind Ridge and Ellis Estate Vineyards. Aged in neutral oak, the ‘LFG’ shows pretty red florals with red currants and shades of red raspberry on the nose. The texture here is insanely good as beautiful guava, red cherry and pomegranate seed with orange rind all collect momentum on the palate. The minerality here is outstanding as this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2021-2031.
The former NFL QB and Washington Cabernet vintner is starting a project with his winemaker to make site-specific Willamette Pinot and Walla Walla Syrah.
Josh McDaniels named to the 40 Under 40 2020 List. The list recognizes the young winemakers, brewers, beverage directors, grape growers, and other movers and shakers who are changing America's beverage industry.
The 2018 Bledsoe-McDaniels Syrah is a head-turning wine made by superstar winemaker Josh McDaniels. The Syrah underwent 75% whole cluster fermentation and was aged in 33% new French oak barrels and mostly used 500L puncheons before bottling. Layers of red fruits combine with wet stone, iodine, green olive tapenade and bacon fat tones on the nose. The aromatic range is truly profound and takes you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The wine is beautifully textured and elegant with layers of cran-cherry, wild blackberry, Hoisin sauce and Umami all singing in unison on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Lefore Vineyard’ Syrah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030
Largely sourced from the Ridgecrest Vineyard with vines planted in the 1980s, the vineyard is a cooler site that is the oldest in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Right out of the gate the wine evokes a massive core of red fruits that mingle with peat moss, blood orange zest and exotic spices that take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and elegant, showing a seamless effect. Gobs of mouth-watering acidity fill the palate, connecting with red currants, forest floor and black truffle crudo flavors alongside a silky mouthfeel. This has not only marvelous length but gorgeous texture. Soft, round and generous, this complete wine is fantastic to enjoy in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for many years to come. Give this a one hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035
Not yet bottled, the 100% varietal 2018 Syrah Lefore Vineyard was 50% destemmed and will spend 16 months in 38% new French oak. Deep purple-colored with loads of blue fruits, graphite, ground pepper, and a touch of leafy herbs, it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered textured, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's unquestionably an outstanding wine.