As part of Washington Wine Month we continue our series of exciting Washington winery profiles. If you are ever in Walla Walla you must stop by Maison Bleue, a gorgeous spot to taste wine. Whether outside on their patio or inside the comforts of this blue-themed, modern tasting room you will find some stellar new release wines. Maison Bleue focuses on Rhone style red and white wines. Head winemaker Jon Meuret crafts some exceptional wines and has recently been hired to be the new consulting winemaking project for Willamette Valley Vineyards, called Pambrun which is focused on producing Cabernet Sauvignon and will debut with a 2015 vintage. He currently sources from some great vineyard sites, including the Blue Mountains Vineyard, the Les Colines Vineyard, the Pepper Bridge Vineyard, the Seven Hills Vineyard and Monette’s Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks region.
The new releases were just as impressive as last year’s excellent bottlings. I was particularly drawn to his new release Grenache, the 2013 Maison Bleue ‘Bourgeois’ Grenache (WWB, 93) which showed very pretty red fruit flavors and a long finish. There were only 187 cases made of that wine. Another great showing was their 2013 Maison Bleue ‘Voyageur’ Syrah (WWB, 93), another great rich Syrah that follows up their exceptional 2012 release. This wine showed nice smoky elements alongside dark fruit flavors. Learn more about Maison Bleue at www.mbwinery.com. Here are the fantastic new release wines by John Meuret and Maison Bleue.
2013 Maison Bleue 'Bourgeois' Grenache- This wine is a blend of Bouchey and Monette's vineyard Grenache. The wine opens with aromatics of rose petals, smoke, red raspberry, and cranberry pie. There are flavors of red cherry, red currant, bubblegum, guava puree and hints of cran-pomegranate. There is a faint rocky element to this gorgeous wine. Only 187 cases produced. Drink 2016-2026- 93
2013 Maison Bleue 'Coureur de Bois' Red Wine- This intriguing wine starts with aromatics of leather, smoked meats and blackberry pie. There are flavors of wild blackberry preserves, coffee grounds and black raspberry. This has lovely terroir and balance. Drink 2016-2026- 92
2013 Maison Bleue 'Voyageur' Syrah- This inky colored Syrah was sourced from the Yellow Jacket Vineyard and begins with aromas of smoke, red cherry, red raspberry and blackberry with brisket accents. There are deep flavors of creosote, blackberry, black cherry and black olive with hints of white pepper. This is impossible to resist right now. Drink 2016-2027-93
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