As part of Washington Wine Month we bring you one of the state’s outstanding wineries based in Woodinville. Passing Time, was founded by two former NFL Quarterbacks, Hall of Famer Dan Marino and Washington Husky legend, Damon Huard, with backing of Doug Donnelly, Kevin Hughes and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. While they were in the NFL playing for the Miami Dolphins, Damon and Dan talked about someday about owning a winery together and they finally made that dream a reality.
Through Marino and Huard would sample top wines of the world together, but they were struck with how many great wines were being made in Washington — for a highly reasonable price. They remained friends and eventually started their winery in Woodinville, with the 2012 vintage being their first wines made. Since that time they have achieved great national acclaim for their wines and I have been impressed with these wines since they were first released.
Chris Peterson is one of the great winemakers in Washington State. He was the first graduate of Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program and and spent eight years at DeLille training under eminent winemaker Chris Upchurch. Peterson has crafted some beautiful new wines, none more so than his 2016 Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which marvelously personifies this region with its dense core and dark fruit profile. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.passingtime.com Here is my review of the new wines by Passing Time.
2015 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon-The 2015 'Horse Heaven Hills' Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding wine from this hot vintage in Washington. This gorgeous wine starts off with intense aromatics of red bell pepper, black currant jelly and blackberry jam. The palate is both lithe and rich, showcasing black tea, sagebrush and mocha flavors that sit alongside really good tension. Delicious and forward, this is an outstanding wine by Passing Time and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. Drink 2019-2030- 94
2016 Passing Time 'Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new wine by the talented Chris Peterson that beautifully personifies this warm vintage and hotter site. On the nose this takes on intense black fruits with sagebrush and blueberry compote playing second fiddle. The palate is dense and decadent, currently showing some moderate tannins with creme de cassis, mocha and blackberry pie flavors. The minerality and richness here is wonderful as this is a wine that will age gracefully for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 95