David Shaw

9.0

Moderately extracted purple-red, very good clarity. Violet and cassis notes in nose. Raspberry and sour plum initially, later cherry-berry, some tannin bitterness, astringency. — 6 years ago

David Shaw

9.2

2016 Jordyn White Wine, Ancient Lakes. Blend of Roussanne and Viognier. Named after a young girl who died of brain cancer. A donation is made to Project Violet at the Hutch for every bottle sold. But what about the wine, you ask? Pale white, very good clarity. Litchi note in nose. Good body, mouthfeel. Stone fruit, tropical and citrus flavors, nuanced but representative of what WA state can produce from these varietals. Mineral and lactic on finish, minimal tannins as well. For a garagiste (small scale) operation, very well made. Well exceeded my expectations. Tasty — 6 years ago

David Shaw

9.1

2015 Anarchy Red, for those who remember the 1999 WTO meetings in Seattle, perhaps? (Or not, just an edgy-branded blend of Syrah, Grenache and Merlot, their high end red). Cloudy dense purple red in color. Red fruit and white pepper notes in nose, maybe some veg and a hint of spearmint. Cherry-berry flavors then seed bitterness, short length on fruit flavors initially, lingering aftertaste of white pepper, seed tannins, with a touch of cherry, black current, spearmint and, after an hour, strawberry. Moderate bitterness, mild to moderate skin astringency, fairly rounded mouthfeel. Alcohol seems light, initially, but acid, tannins and flavors fairly balanced. Seems fairly fresh. 24 hours later, better integrated overall, so decant. Could age a year or two. Subbing Merlot for Mourvèdre is meant to be subversive of prevailing categories, I suppose. Interesting wine from a small winery, er, garage (sorry, "boutique garagistes" according to their website). Keep rocking in the free world, as Neil Young advised, and help support the fledgling winemakers out there — 6 years ago