Some really good under the radar wines are being crafted by the talented Seth Kizke. As we continue our voyage through Washington Wine Month we share his winery, Upsidedown Wine, which focuses on contributions to a good cause as their their Pour it Forward campaign. The winery gives back through every bottle of their wine sold. If you order direct or join their wine club, 20% of the proceeds go to support these non-profit charity organizations including the Young & Brave organization. This is for a seriously good cause. They Seth and his wife have also created a cool Instagram account which documents their time working in and outside the winery (check it out here) Seth studied wine under Regina Daigneault, previously working with Brennon Leighton at K Vitners/Charles Smith Wines as well as Brian Carter Cellars with Brian Carter.
I was really impressed with Seth Kizke’s new wines that show marvelous texture and mouthfeel. He chooses to use indigenous yeasts as well as minimal intervention in his winemaking and he is truly one to watch in Washington State. He has crafted a gorgeous new Rose, the 2017 Upsidedown Wine ‘Rescue’ Rose (WWB, 90) which has a silky mouthfeel and shows really nice red fruits. Check out his 2016 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection Candy Ridge Vineyard Syrah (WWB, 92), which shows some really good range and smoky undertones. Learn more about these exciting wines and this relatively new winery at http://drinkupsidedownwine.com Here are the excellent new wines by Seth Kizke and by Upsidedown Wine.
2017 Upsidedown Wine ‘Rescue’ Rose- Made from 100% Nebbiolo, aromas of bright pear and watermelon hit the nose. The bright acidity to this wine is downright killer and leads to lighter tree and red fruit flavors on the palate. This is a seriously good Rose for a hot summer day. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2016 Upsidedown Wine ‘Gold Drop Collection’ Grenache- Sourced from the Kitzke Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, this begins with bright aromas of cigar shavings, red currant jelly and orange rind. The texture to this wine is really lovely, and dances through the mid-palate. Cherry bubblegum, guava and blood orange flavors come to mind. Downright delicious and slightly sweet, this outstanding wine will cellar for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2026- 90
2016 Upsidedown Wine ‘Gold Drop Collection’ Mourvedre- Showing a translucent hue, this starts off with smoky aromatics as leather, smoked pork shoulder and red fruits wonderfully combine. The palate shows wonderful poise and richness, with bright red cherry, guava and leather flavors all combining in the glass. This shows some real intrigue as it is remarkably elegant considering the varietal. Drink 2018-2028- 91
2016 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection Dead Poplar Estate Vineyard’ Red Wine- This intriguing bottling is a blend of Mourvedre (55%) and Grenache (45%). The nose shows a nice combination of red fruits and a smoky and earthy edge with lighter sagebrush tones chiming in. This shows a really fantastic mouthfeel, as the wine reveals red cherry candy, guava, damp earth and cigar ash flavors in the glass. Downright delicious, enjoy this fantastic bottling over the nnexyt decade or so. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2016 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection Candy Ridge Vineyard’ Syrah- There is a wonderfully smoky edge to this terroir-driven Syrah. Like the other Upsidedown Wines, this shows a beautiful mouthfeel, that is layered and plush. Ripe red cherry jam, roasted fig and Umami with smoked brisket flavors all build in the glass with a kiss of sweetness — all leading to a long, smoky red fruit driven finish. The smoky undertones are seriously good here. Drink 2018-2028- 92