Previous Awards & Reviews
Reviews
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
“Recommended. Here’s a lightly structured blend with lots of strands that tie rather nicely together. Pomegranate, root beer, horehound, green peppercorns, citrus and milk chocolate aromas delve into a quick burst of raspberry flavors with cranberry acidity, edgy tannins and some milk chocolate in the finish. ”
—Wine Press Magazine, Spring 2010
2008 Malbec
“Recommended. Crawford Vineyard produced the fruit for this enjoyable drink of raspberries, canned black cherries, black olives, bell pepper and bittersweet chocolate. ”
—Wine Press Magazine, Spring 2010
2007 Dry Riesling
“Excellent. Those who shy away from dry-styled Rieslings should reach out for this... Lemon florals are met by gooseberry, then peaches with dried apricot. The approach to the palate is refreshing and tasty, with spritely acidity to lift the peach and apricot flavors.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010
2006 Madeleine Angevine
“Excellent. Organic estate grapes are finished dry and barrel fermented, but the fruit still shines without noticing the oak. Peach and nectarine notes include anise and grassiness with apple peel acidity. Enjoy this uncommon variety with Northwest seafood and salads.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Fall 2007
2006 Siegerrebe
“This little-known German white varietal has found a home in the Puget Sound AVA, and this organically grown example from Lopez Island’s only winery is one of our favorites. Big peach and grapefruit aromas and flavors give way to good acidity for a pleasing summer wine. Pairs with: Alaskan rock shrimp pasta with a little spice.”
—Shannon Borg, Seattle Magazine, August 2007
2006 Siegerrebe
“Excellent. The Germanic cross of Gewürztraminer and Madeleine Angevine fares well in the maritime, and Brent Charnley does well by the salmon-safe fruit. Nice grapefruit spice, clover, savory spice and honeysuckle notes include unsweetened dried pineapple in the flavors. Gooseberries, citrus pith and grassiness in the finish conjure up thoughts of halibut steaks”
—Wine Press Northwest, Fall 2007
2005 Merlot
“Outstanding! Vintners in the San Juan Islands continue to import fruit from this Yakima site and export remarkable wine. In this case, Brent Charnley captures much of what Merlot drinkers hope for. Aromas of cherries, chocolate brownies, sage and cedar lead to the same sensations on a lush entry of tasty berries, embraced by supple tannins in the farewell.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Summer 2008
2005 Malbec
“Recommended. Just little more than one barrel was set aside for this single variety bottling. It’s rare to see this Bordeaux building block on its own at this price. Marion berries and dusty black cherries penetrate the senses, along with black pepper, cedar, and allspice tones. Firms tannins and solid acidity strike a nice balance.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Summer 2008
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
“Excellent. Cab (70%) is joined by Merlot (15%) and Malbec (15%) to form an enjoyable drink. It prominently displays sweet fruit notes of blackberries, raspberries and cherries, as well as 24 months in oak with nuttiness, toast and baker’s chocolate.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Summer 2008
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot
“Excellent! Any mainland fruit for this island winery comes off Crawford Vineyards in Prosser, and this blend Cab (81%) and Merlot shows a lot of toasted oak aromas but also some cherry, current and loganberries, then plums and blackberries in the mid-palate make smooth by a finish of Baker’s chocolate.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2007
Lopez Island Vineyards Raspberry Wine
“Outstanding! Brent Charnley rounded up raspberries in the Snohomish Valley from Ginnifer Broer, who managed to rescue some of her canes from winter floods. Praise be to them both for this spectacular nectar (5.75% residual sugar) that smells like a raspberry tart and tastes like raspberry pie.”
—Wine Press Northwest, Summer 2008
