It has now been a year since I met with one of Washington’s great young talents, Seth Kitzke. I opened a 2014 Chateau de Beaucastel and we let the wine sit and settle for a bit. It was really too young and needed a lot of air but we both enjoyed the moment, commenting on how the wine evolved. He and his wife, Audrey founded Upsidedown Wine, a winery that contributes to several great causes. 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.
Seth has now been in the industry for many years, having studied wine under Regina Daigneault, and previously working with Brennon Leighton at K Vitners/Charles Smith Wines as well as Brian Carter Cellars with Brian Carter.
Seth’s wines have wonderful texture and a great sense of mouthfeel. I loved the 2019 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection’ White Wine (OB, 93) which has gorgeous range and shows off the beauty of Washington Marsanne. He also makes a great Viognier from the ‘Konnowac Vineyard' (OB, 92) which is geared towards freshness with a great veil of tension. It is going to be very exciting how Seth continues to evolve as a winemaker and having tried his releases over the past several years, he has a really high ceiling. Learn more about this great winery at http://drinkupsidedownwine.com Here are the excellent new wines by Seth Kizke and by Upsidedown Wine.
2019 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection’ White Wine- A compelling blend of mainly Marsanne (65%) with the remainder Roussanne, this shows lovely brioche and apricot tones alongside shades of orange blossom and nutty undertones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Layers of banana and salted Macadamia nut combine with green papaya and white peach flavors on the palate. This has serious depth and concentration, yet remains light on its feet. Great to enjoy now, ‘The Artist Collection’ White Wine is best enjoyed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2020-2027- 93
2019 Upsidedown Wine ‘Konnowac Vineyard’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Konnowac Vineyard’ white wine combines mostly Viognier (75%) with smaller parts Marsanne and Roussanne. Nutty aromatics combine with shades of tropical fruits, Pazazz apple and kiwi tones on the nose. The palate has good freshness and a silky texture. Ripe peach and gooseberry tones mingle with lychee and white rose water tones on the palate. Delightful now this will provide drinking enjoyment for the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2018 Upsidedown Wine ‘Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Grenache- Sexy and very pretty, the 2018 ‘Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Grenache shows high-toned red fruits with orange rind and damp earth on the nose. The palate is soft, evoking a pleasurable drinking experience. Red rose water and red currants mingle with salty and Umami tones on the palate. Fresh and beautifully textured, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2019 Upsidedown Wine ‘Cluster F@*#!!’ Grenache- This was carbonic fermented, showing lots of vibrant red fruits and kumquat zest that dance with minerals and salty earth tones on the palate. Enjoy in its youth while the vibrant veil of tension cuts through the pretty red fruits. Drink 2020-2023- 91