As we continue our march through Washington Wine Month, we bring you one of the stars in Washington wine. Côte Bonneville was started by Dr. Hugh and Kathy Shiels, two of the nicest people you will meet in wine. Together they planted one of the outstanding vineyards in Washington state, the DuBrul Vineyard which has gained national acclaim, particularly for their Bordeaux varietals. The vineyard also has Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling planted. The Shiels daughte, Kerry, is one of the outstanding winemakers in Washington. Kerry received her Masters degree in Viticulture and Enology from U.C. Davis, then assumed the winemaker title in August, 2009. She has been immersed in DuBrul Vineyard and Côte Bonneville since 2005, under Stan Clarke’s tutelage and Co Dinn’s mentorship.
Her new wine releases were gorgeous. Do not miss out on the 2016 Côte Bonneville Rose (WWB, 92) which shows marvelous texture and has a stunning mouthfeel and vibrant minerality. Even better was the new Chardonnay release from the 2014 vintage (WWB, 93) which shows her signature silky texture and rich mouthfeel from a warm vintage in Washington. Learn more about this outstanding Washington winery at http://www.cotebonneville.com Here are the great new wines by Côte Bonneville.
2016 Côte Bonneville Rose-This pale colored Rose wine begins with a ripe bouquet of watermelon, guava and red cherry. This leads to bright flavors of red cherry, guava and watermelon. This is lithe and simply delicious as the silky texture glides through the mid-palate and the acidity dazzles. Head winemaker Kerry Shiels has crafted one of the best Rose wines in the state here. Drink 2017-2022-92
2015 Côte Bonneville 'Train Station' Cabernet-This deep colored wine begins with aromatics of creme de cassis, pipe tobacco and black cherry with black olive. The palate is plush delivering black cherry, black olive, blackberry jam and milk chocolate flavors. This has marvelous weight and texture, showing off its forward style. Enjoy this great value wine over the next decade. Drink 2017-2026- 92
2014 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay-This lovely Chardonnay wine opens with a bouquet of brioche, vanilla cream and Meyer lemon. The texture is marvelous as this wine delivers deep flavors of vanilla cream, creme brulee, nectarine and Pazzaz apple. The fruit weight here impresses as this effort is marvelous. Drink 2017-2025- 93
2010 Côte Bonneville 'Carriage House' Red Wine- This awesome red wine isprimarily a Cabernet based blend. There is a marvelous herbal quality of this wine as red bell pepper and sage are revealed as well as red cherry and anise. There is marvelous acidity with blackberry pie, anise and cassis flavors alongside green bell pepper. This impresses despite obvious coolness of the vintage. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2013 Côte Bonneville Syrah- Superstar winemaker Kerry Shiels has an excellent handle on Syrah and this effort shows her talents. This deep colored Syrah wine begins with aromas of red bell pepper, white pepper, black cheeey and blackberry jam with creosote. This has ripe flavors of mint, coffee grounds, blackberry cobbler and milk chocolate. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2009 Côte Bonneville 'Côte Bonneville' Red Wine- This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot. Milk chocolate, baking spices, black olive and mint aromas impress. The palate is lithe and rich showing black cherry, wild blackberry, coffee grounds and eucalyptus flavors. This has a wonderful Bordelaise feel and marvelous tension despite being eight years old. Drink 2018-2030-93
2016 Côte Bonneville Riesling- This excellent Riesling wine beings with aromatics of petrol, green apple and kumquat with ripe peach. This leads to ripe flavors of kiwi, starfruit, white peach and petrol. The finish lingers as this rivals the best in Washington state. Drink 2017-2022- 93