Friends, it has been far too long since I have shared my thoughts on this great Walla Walla winery. Corliss Estates is a stunning facility that focuses on Bordeaux varietals as they tend to hold their wines considerably longer than most wineries. Founded by Michael and LauriCorliss, in 1999, Corliss has been met with some serious critical acclaim since their first release in 2008. I have been blown away with how some of these wines have aged, as I recently enjoyed the 2008 Corliss Estates Red Wine which was absolutely singing.
Originally from Australia, head winemaker Andrew Trio is an uber-talented man who has been at the helm and has a storied history in wine previously working throughout Australia, as well as New Zealand, California and Europe. He also has eminent winemaking consultant Philippe Melka by his side, a man who needs no introduction. The team crafts some stunning wines that are big, bold and well-balanced. For those who are not impressed by rich Washington red wines, look elsewhere. The textural elements to these red wines are just gorgeous. The wines that I reviewed are future release wines that are simply gorgeous across the board. The 2014 Corliss Estates Red Wine (WWB, 94) is dense, chewy and will have decades in the cellar. Just as good (and even more massive) is the 2014 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) is a monster of a wine that delivers intense dark fruits and a silky texture. Learn more about these beautiful pre-release wines at http://corlissestates.com Here are the great new release wines from Corliss Estates.
2015 Corliss Estates Syrah (Spring 2020 release)- The 2015 Corliss Syrah is a seriously good effort from a somewhat challenging vintage for red wines in Washington State. Aged in French oak puncheons (35%) for 26 months prior to bottling, this wine exudes class. On the nose this takes on intense blue and dark fruit aromatics with exotic spices and chocolate that round out this expressive profile. The palate shows a soft, pillowy texture, engaging ripe dark berries, mocha, tar and roasted dates that combine with a good sense of freshness. This is showing marvelously at this stage and will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2029- 93
2014 Corliss Estates Red Wine (Fall 2019 release)- A combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2014 Corliss Red Wine was aged in 65% new French oak for 28 months prior to bottling. Needing a one hour decant to fully express itself, the wine slowly unveils ripe blueberry compote, sagebrush, Turkish coffee and shades of black licorice candy that all meld together in the glass. The palate is silky smooth and decadent, while also elegant. With a soft mouthfeel, this gracefully glides across the mid-palate revealing copious dark and blue fruit flavors with chocolate covered espresso bean. Marvelous now, this beautiful red blend will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2038- 94
2014 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Fall 2019 release)- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, the 2014 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 70% new French oak for 28 months prior to bottling. The nose is quite expressive with red bell pepper, mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromatics that all combine brilliantly once in the glass. The palate is exceedingly smooth, showing off its silky texture. Ripe blackberry compote, leather, anise and Black Forest cake flavors all mingle brilliantly together on the palate. While a delight to savor in its youth, this will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2040- 94