One of the historic vineyards in Washington State, the DuBrul Vineyard was planted by some great people in Washington wine, Dr. Hugh and Kathy Shiels. This incredible vineyard has both Bordeaux varietals, as well as Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling planted and utilized for their winery, Côte Bonneville. The Shiels daughter, Kerry, is one of the great winemakers in Washington. Kerry received her Masters degree in Viticulture and Enology from U.C. Davis, then assumed the winemaker title in August, 2009. She has been immersed in DuBrul Vineyard and Côte Bonneville since 2005, under Stan Clarke’s tutelage and Co Dinn’s mentorship.
She has crafted another gorgeous set of wines. I love her 2019 Côte Bonneville Riesling (WWB, 92) which comes from very old vines on the property and is truly one of the best in the state. I adored the new 2017 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay (WWB, 94) shows such a wonderful sense of mouthfeel with a great tension. Learn more about this outstanding Washington winery at http://www.cotebonneville.com Here is the outstanding new lineup by Côte Bonneville.
2019 Côte Bonneville Riesling- The petrol notes on the nose really impress as pear and starfruit with baking spice tones all come into place. The palate shows great viscosity and tension with slightly sweet, Kabinette style Japanese pear and kiwi tones with shades of gooseberry that all mingle in the glass. With great length, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade, as Kerry Shiels has pulled off another impressive new Riesling bottling. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2017 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay- Sourced from their estate DuBrul Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, the 2017 Côte Bonneville Chardonnay is nothing short of a magnificent effort by superstar winemaker Kerry Shiels. Once on the nose, layers of creme brûlée and ripe banana collide with smoky undertones and shades of nectarine rind, with citrus rind accents on this evocative bouquet. The palate is silky smooth, showing a seamless sense of texture and mouthfeel. They exceedingly long finish continues to impress, as this elegant and rich wine, with a strong veil of tension, has a long life ahead of it. This is truly one of the best of its kind in Washington. Drink 2020-2030- 94
2016 Côte Bonnevile ‘Train Station’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Train Station/ by Cote Bonneville is a sensational value for a mere twenty five dollars. Blackberry compote and red bell pepper are woven together with shades of baking spices, mocha and tar on the palate. Showing great balance and poise, this beautiful wine is great to enjoy in its youth and has some cellaring potential based on the stuffing and acid backbone. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2015 Côte Bonneville ‘Estate’ Syrah- Sourced from this warm vintage that saw some severe heat spikes, the 2015 Cote Bonneville Syrah is a really great wine from this cooler site in the Yakima Valley. Tea leaf, smoked brisket and blueberry pie tones all combine marvelously on the palate. Soft and round, with great length, this elegant yet rich 2015 Syrah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2013 Côte Bonneville ‘Carriage House’ Red Wine- An utterly fantastic, soft blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Côte Bonneville ‘Carriage House’ Red Wine is a sensational wine now at the seven year mark. The lovely herbal tones are woven together with shades of Yakima cherry and shades of tar on the nose. The palate is soft, round and generous, giving off a seamless effect. Ripe red cherry cordial and cigar box tones mingle with baking spices, red bell pepper and sweet pipe tobacco on the palate. Absolutely gorgeous now, this outstanding 2013 ‘Carriage House’ has at least another decade left. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2012 Côte Bonneville ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Red Wine- I have always admired how Côte Bonneville ages their wines. Now released after eight years, the 2012 Côte Bonneville ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Red Wine is a masterclass by Kerry Shiels. A blend 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this opens with cloves and herbal undertones that mingle with black currants, coffee grounds and boysenberry cordial on this fantastic nose. The palate is deep and gratifying with its soft texture and tremendous sense of mouthfeel. A light veil of salinity falls on the core of dark fruits with chocolate covered espresso bean and pipe tobacco tones on the palate. With great length and elegance, this beautiful wine will have a long life ahead of it in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 94