As we continue our jaunt across another great Washington Wine Month we share one of the fantastic boutique producers, located in the SoDo district of Seattle. In a very short amount of time the talented Ryan Crane has created a great following for his wines that are consistently good from fresh and lively Rose to smoky and savory Syrah. An awesome, down to earth guy that is not only humble but very serious in his craft, Ryan sources from some of the state’s great vineyards from Celilo to the Blue Mountain and Boushey Vineyards. Formerly with Animale Cellars in Seattle, Ryan trained under eminent winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla at Forgeron Cellars while completing his degree in Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.
I absolutely love his new 2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) which is fresh, lively and has wonderful acidity. This is the perfect wine for the dog days of summer. Do not miss out in one of the tremendous bargains out there, the 2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Majestic’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) and at $26.00 this wine will fly off the shelf with its wonderful richness and texture. Learn more about these beautiful wines at www.kerloocellars.com. Here are the great new releases by the talented Ryan Crane and his Kerloo Cellars.
2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Sauvignon Blanc- This underwent native yeast fermentation prior to bottling and was aged in just a touch of concrete. The wine begins with aromas of nutmeg infused sourdough bread with shades of cantaloupe and lemongrass on this complex nose. The freshness and lip-smacking acidity really entices. White grapefruit with green papaya and mineral flavors impress on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Blue Mountain’ Grenache Blanc- The 2i018 ‘Blue Mountain’ Grenache Blanc is sourced from this high elevation vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Aged in a combination of neutral oak and concrete, the wine begins with aromas of lemon zest with kiwi and shades of damp stone that all mingle nicely in the glass. The palate is really enticing showing both a wonderfully soft mouthfeel and bright sense of tension in the wine. Kiwi, green papaya and lemon oil flavors all shine together on the palate. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch’ Rose is a combination of Grenache and Mourvedre. The wine was aged on the skins for a few hours and then was aged in stainless steel prior to bottling. The texture and freshness to the wine is gorgeous, as is the light sense of salinity that runs through the wine. Enjoy this delicate Rose in the short-term while the beautiful sense of minerality remains. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Upland Vineyard’ Grenache- The ‘Upland Vineard’ Grenache is a stunning wine from this warm vintage. The aromatic range is seriously good from smoked meats, to red cherry preserves and ripe guava to lovely wet stone character that all run through the nose. The freshness and texture of the wine is seriously good, as is the light saline streak. Red plum, cigar ash, red cherry candy and shades of blood orange all combine brilliantly on the palate. A delight to savor now, this outstanding wine will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93
2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Majestic’ Red Wine ($26.00)- A compelling blend of 74% Grenache 21% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah, the wine was entirely aged in natural oak prior to bottling. On the nose this shows off smoky and meaty character with shades of blackberry cobbler and dusty terroir on this complex nose. The palate unveils a soft texture and mouthfeel that delights. Red and dark fruits mingle with shades of pipe tobacco and leather in this delicious wine. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- Sourced from the Va Piano and Les Collines Vineyards, this was co-fermented in 2% Viognier and was aged in concrete eggs prior to bottling. The wine shows off smoky and savory aromatics with lovely dried Provencale herbs that all mingle nicely together on the nose. The texture is outstanding here as minerals and light tannins line dark fruits, chocolate and shades of dried thyme flavors. A delight to enjoy in its youth this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade. Drink 2019-2029- 93