In 2000 Mary Tuuri Derby and her husband Devin Derby got their start in Washington wine by creating the famed Spring Valley Vineyard. Devin’s unexpected death in 2004 was a huge shock to Mary’s life and left her wondering how best to support herself and her young son. Collaboration and community made the decision for her when nine Walla Walla wineries got together and donated a large quantity of wine, a “very large barrel of love,” says Mary, that ultimately became the beginnings of DAMA. In 2007 Mary and friend Dawn Kammer, created DAMA Wines. In 2012, Dawn left DAMA to return to her native California and new partner Judith Shulman came on board.
Don’t take the playful labels too lightly; these wines were serious. Their 2016 DaMa Rose (WWB, 90) is downright delicious and fruit driven, made from Cabernet Franc grapes. Check out their 2013 DaMa Grenache (WWB, 90) which displays a wonderful purity of fruit. Learn more about this great winery at https://damawines.com Here are the great new releases by DaMa.
2015 DaMa Wines Chardonnay- This opens with a bouquet of Gala apple, white peach and brioche. This leads to bright flavors of Pink Lady apple, banana, pineapple and hints of nutmeg. This has really nice poise in this warm vintage. Drink 2017-2021- 90
2016 DaMa Cabernet Franc Rose- Orange rind, red cherry and red raspberry show pretty aromatics. This leads to flavors of red cherry, pomegranate and white peach with hints of Gravenstein apple. This shows a beautiful texture. Drink 2017-2020- 90
2013 DaMa Grenache- This Grenache wine is sourced from the Lonesome Spring Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. The wine begins with an impressive bouquet of red cherry, rose petals, pipe tobacco and pomegranate seed. This has wonderful feminine qualities with red cherry, Rose petals, guava and strawberry. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2014 DaMa Tempranillo- This excellent Tempranillo wine begins with bright aromatics reminiscent of black tea, black cherry, dill and sage. There is a silky mouthfeel as red cherry, red raspberry, lavender and smoky flavors fill the mid-palate. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2012 DaMa 'DAMAnation' GSM Red Wine- This alluring red blend wine opens with a bright bouquet of white pepper, red cherry, red raspberry and baking slices. This leads to depenflavors of tobacco leaf, red cherry, red raspberry and black tea. This has wonderful texture and poise. Drink 2017-2027- 91
2012 DaMa Merlot- Sourced from the Golden Ridge Vineyard, this excellent Merlot wine opens with aromatics of black cherry, pipe tobacco, mint and baking spices. This leads to flavors of green bell pepper, red cherry, red raspberry and baking spices. This has beautiful elegance. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2013 DaMa Merlot- This warm vintage Merlot wine is sourced from the Walla Walla Valley. This wine opens with bright aromatics of red cherry, dill, sagebrush and mocha. The silky mouthfeel is lovely, as black cherry, red raspberry, mint and coffee ground flavors emerge from the glass. This is another very well-made Merlot by this excellent winery. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2012 DaMa Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the esteemed Sagemoor Vineyards, This wine has aromatics of black tea, red bell pepper, black cherry and smoke. This leads to flavors of black tea, coffee grounds, mint and red bell pepper. This has wonderful weight and balance. Drink 2017-2026- 91
2014 DaMa Cabernet Sauvignon - This Columbia Valley bottling opens with aromatics reminiscent of Chinese black tea, black olive, sage and mint followed by forward flavors of black tea, blackberry and black olive. Drink 2017-2025- 89
2013 DaMa ‘Cowgirl Cab’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this deep colored Cabernet wine opens with aromatics reminiscent of mocha, graphite, black cherry and black olive. There is an excellent weight, balance and texture to this Cabernet wine, as black cherry, black olive and tar flavors emerge. Light tannins and a silky mouthfeel showcase this excellent wine. Drink 2017-2026- 90
2014 DaMa ‘Collage’ Red Wine- The ‘Collage’ by DaMa is primarily a Merlot wine that has small parts of Cabernet and Cabernet Franc blended in. The wine starts with black cherry, black tea, mocha and mint aromatics. The palate is plush, as is the silky texture which leads to ripe black cherry, cassis, Turkish coffee and sagebrush flavors. This is another solid effort by DaMa. Drink 2017-2025- 90