One of the outstanding boutique wineries that remains under the radar, Pearl and Stone is a downright killer Washington producer of red wine that focuses on high quality blends that show both richness and poise. founded in 2013, and utilizes the winemaking prowess of Chris Stone, Rob Wesorick and Paul Ribary. The new wines are from the warm 2016 vintage and were outstanding across the board. Pearl and Stone crafts their wines from some great vineyards in Washington including The Two Blondes, Olsen and Boushey Vineyards. The wines are also a really good value at around 30-40 dollars.
I absolutely love their new Rose, the 2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Unemployment Beach’ Rose (WWB, 91) which is named after a small beach in the Snoqualmie area and this wine makes you want to have a glass overlooking the majesty of the beach with the Cascade Mountains set in the background. The silky texture and delicate flavors work marvelously here. Check out the 2017 Pearl and Stone ‘Wandering’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has great chocolate tones and a lovely expression of Merlot, with a fantastic finish. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.pearlandstonewine.com/ Here are the great new wines by Pearl and Stone.
2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Unemployment Beach’ Rose- Made from 100% Cabernet Franc vines, the ‘Unemployment Beach’ shows pretty peach pit and rose water tones that mingle with bring Yakima cherry on this evocative nose. The palate is soft, round and generous, with great length, as the wine delivers bright watermelon, strawberry and melon flavors alongside good brightness. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Old Rickety’ White Wine- This 100% Grenache Blanc wine has lovely acidity with a soft texture. While not exactly brimming with flavor, the lip-smacking acidity and lighter kiwi, starfruit and melon tones really combine nicely. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2017 Pearl and Stone ‘Mailbox Peak’ Red Wine- The ‘Mailbox Peak’ is a blend of primarily Merlot and Cabernet franc, with a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon (6%) added to the mix. This has a very warm vintage Right Bank feel, with its layers of cocoa powder dusted red cherry and loamy terroir that mingle with the sagebrush and red bell pepper undertones. The silky texture entices as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2017 Pearl and Stone ‘Wandering’ Red Wine- The ‘Wandering’ is a great blend of Merlot (54%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (39%) with just a touch of Cabernet Franc added. Fresh and vibrant, with a silky texture, the wine unveils layers of black fruits woven together with damp earth, milk chocolate and black tea tones on the palate. With wonderful length, I can see this cellaring well for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2016 Pearl and Stone ‘Resolution Peaks’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘Resolution Peaks’ is a silky blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc that was all sourced from the Columbia and Yakima Valleys. The palate is jam-packed full of ripe black fruits that mingle with chocolate and sagebrush tones. I love the typicality of the Dionysus Cabernet here. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2017 Pearl and Stone ‘Resolution Peaks’ Red Wine- A silky blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 ‘Resolution Peaks’ starts off with sagebrush, blackberry pie and mocha tones on the nose. The palate is well-balanced with a silky texture. Layers of black fruits are woven together with sagebrush, coffee grounds and shades of espresso bean on the palate. Really good right now, I can see this beautiful wine cellaring for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 92