It is now been thirteen years since Rotie Cellars was founded. Not an easy year to start a business, I experienced that firsthand when I opened my clinical practice a year later. At the time there was a huge lust for Washington Syrah. Sean Boyd saw this trend and was drawn to the Rhone style wines made in Walla Walla. A downright awesome guy to spend time with, Sean makes a fantastic range of Rhone style white and red wines for Rotie. He has recently opened a beautiful new tasting room in Milton-Freewater right in the Rocks District. For those who live on the west side of Washington, you don't want to miss out on a visit to their tasting room in the SoDo District of Seattle.
Sean is originally from Tacoma, and began working at Waters Winery in 2004 and after some time decided to start his own project. Recently he has merged with Proper Wines, who craft some gorgeous Grenache. The new 2018 Rotie Cellars ‘Little G’ Grenache (OB, 94) is sinfully good with its soft texture and outstanding range. This delicate wine will pair well with a variety of Asian foods — even sushi! I adore the 2017 Rotie Cellars ‘Homage’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is silky smooth throughout and has outstanding range and terroir. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.rotiecellars.com Here are the outstanding new release wines by Rotie Cellars.
2018 Rotie Cellars ‘Little G’ Grenache- Sourced from the Devil’s Gate Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA, this opens with Umami and nori tones that mingle with Mandarin orange rind, and guava puree tones that all dance in the glass. The palate is plush, showing off its silky texture. Layers of bright red fruits collide with minerals, charcuterie, citrus rind accents and stony undertones on the palate. Sinfully good in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 94
2018 Rotie Cellars ‘Dre’ Mourvedre- The 2018 ‘Dre’ is a 100% Mourvedre wine sourced from the Wallula Vineyard. Tones of smoked brisket, orange rind, dried sage and white pepper all come together marvelously on the nose. The palate is wonderfully fresh, showing off its silky texture. Layers of kirsch and blackberry compote mingle with black licorice, anise and garrigue on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, with gobs of acidity, this beautiful new wine will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Rotie Cellars ‘Homage’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Homage’ is a silky blend of 70% Mourvedre with smaller parts Grenache and Syrah. Salty and savory, with a great mouthfeel, the wine reveals layer of huckleberry and black currants with salted meats, green olives and smoky minerals on the palate. Really well-balanced, this outstanding wine will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2018 Rotie Cellars Tannat- Truly a unique wine made in Washington, the Rotie Cellars Tannat shows off its inky core in the glass. The freshness and verve to this wine is really outstanding as layers of kirsch cordial, mocha, tar and leather come together with dried herbs on the palate. Showing a great combination of weight, length and tension, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2018 Rotie Cellars ‘Swordfight’ Red Wine- An awesome blend of equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah, this shows ripe red fruits that dance with smoked brisket, tar and wild blackberry flavors on the palate. Beautifully balanced, this vibrant wine shows excellent length and a soft texture. Great in its youth, this has at least another eight to ten years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93