A stellar Walla Walla winery, Abeja is one of the more gorgeous wineries in Washington to visit. Abeja is set in the foothills of Walla Walla’s Blue Mountains. This stunning winery includes seven luxury cottages, creeks, and gardens on the 32 acre property. I recently had the chance to stop by the winery and taste their awesome new wines. Abeja relies on the winemaking talents of Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler. Both Dan and Amy have roughly a combined 30 years of winemaking experience. I was blown away with their new release wines.
Look for the 2016 Abeja Viognier (WWB, 94) which is the best Washington Viognier that I have sampled in the last year. This wine shows opulence, poise and an exotic character that makes this a standout wine. Just as good was the 2014 Abeja Cabernet (WWB, 94) which was a massive wine that shows incredible dark fruit character and needs some time to settle. This Cabernet is one for the cellar. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://www.abeja.net/ Here are the great new wines by Abeja.
2016 Abeja 'Beekeeper' Rose- This Mourvèdre Rose was sourced from the Kenny Hill Vineyard. This begins with aromatics of pink grapefruit, watermelon and red cherry starburst. This leads to flavors of guava, watermelon and green apple. This is lithe and delicious Rose wine. Drink 2017-2021- 90 $25
2016 Abeja 'Beekeeper' Chardonnay- This wine begins with a bouquet of white peach, Pazzaz apple, and white flowers. The mouthfeel is lovely. Flavors of poached pear, lemon zest and Red Delicious apple persist. Drink 2017-2022- 90 $25
2015 Abeja 'Washington State' Chardonnay-This begins with dense aromas of marzipan, brioche, nutmeg and creme brulee. This leads to flavors of pear, New York apple pie, nutmeg and starfruit. This has a gorgeous texture and a plush mouthfeel. Drink 2017-2024- 92 $Washington, $35
2015 Abeja 'Walla Walla Valley' Chardonnay- This starts with aromatics of creme brulee, bananas foster, honeydew melon and Gala apple. This leads to bright flavors of baking spices, vanilla cream, Pazzaz apple and sourdough bread. This has wonderful minerality. Drink 2017-2024- 93
2016 Abeja Viognier- This has a highly perfumed nose of lychee, white rose, gardenia and hints of baked apple. This leads to flavors reminiscent of brioche, vanilla cream and starfruit with a touch of lychee. The ripeness, texture and viscosity makes this one of the best out there in Washington. This is simply an exceptional wine made by the superstar winemaking team at Abeja. Drink 2017-2025- 94
2015 Abeja 'Beekeeper's Blend' Red Blend- This Wine is a blend of 68% Cabernet with the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. This begins with a bouquet of prune, black olive, black cherry and hints of milk chocolate. There are deep flavors of black plum, milk chocolate, mint and blackberry jam. This has wonderful balance and weight. Drink 2017-2024- 90
2014 Abeja Merlot-Made with 3% Cabernet Franc, they have used a touch of Estate fruit as well. This begins with aromatics of baking spices, black cherry, black olive tapenade and hints of milk chocolate shavings. This leads to flavors reminiscent of black tea, wild blackberry preserves, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee. There is wonderful fruit weight and a gorgeous, velvety texture. This is an outstanding effort by the talented winemaking team of Abeja. Drink 2017-2029- 94
2014 Abeja Cabernet- This Columbia Valley bottling begins with dense aromatics of mocha, black tea, blackberry pie and blueberry cobbler. The hedonistic aromas bring you back to the glass for more. This leads to flavors of coffee grounds, dark chocolate shavings, crushed mint, eucalyptus and creosote. Moderately tannic, this needs another year in the bottle to fully come together. This Cabernet is Dynamic and lithe, yet massive. If enjoying young, give this beautiful wine at least a two hour decant. Drink 2018-2033- 94