One of the storied Walla Walla wineries, located in the Airport District, Dunham Cellars was founded by the Dunham family in 1995. I recently had the chance to visit Dunham and always harken back to my days at a Whitman College student when I first visited this winery in 2002. I have many fond memories of tasting at this property. Over the years I have found Dunham to be some of the most consistently good overall lineups in the state. Dunham relies on the talented hands of winemaker Rob Campisi, who was formerly assistant winemaker at Dunham. Rob trained under eminent Washington winemaker, Dan Wampfler and he crafts quite a wide range of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trutina (Bordeaux style blend), Three Legged Red (red table wine) and the "Shirley Mays" Chardonnay, a dedication to Eric's grandmother.
Look to the new 2019 Dunham Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 91) which has great tension and was aged in a cool combination of stainless steel, oak and concrete. I absolutely love the new 2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is one of the great value Bordeaux style Washington wines that you will find at this price. Learn more about these beautiful wines at dunhamcellars.com Here are the great new wines by Dunham Cellars.
2019 Dunham Cellars Sauvignon Blanc- This wine was entirely sourced from the Gamache Vineyard and was aged in a combination of concrete, neutral oak and stainless steel before bottling. The nose has lovely nutty and melon tones entice on the nose. The palate has good freshness with layers of honeydew melon, Macadamia nut and Pink Lady apple. The freshness and texture of the wine is seriously good. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ was sourced from the Kenny Hill, Lewis and Phinney Hill Vineyards. The wine was aged in roughly 30% new French oak prior to bottling. The smoky tones aromatically are really good as this combined shades of nutmeg, blackberry cobbler and bulls blood tones that come together in the glass. The wine shows really good freshness and tension with a light veil of salinity. Bright boysenberry and dark chocolate shavings combine with suggestions of baking spices all come together on the palate. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Trutina’ Red Wine is a gorgeous new release by Dunham Cellars. A blend of nearly all Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose is quite perfumed with red bell pepper, cocoa powder, blackberry compote and shades of black licorice. The palate is silky smooth revealing a gorgeous texture and wonderful length. The working pieces of the wine really impresses, as this has a great feel of elegance.Gorgeous to enjoy right now, the 2017 ‘Trutina’ will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2016 Dunham Cellars Merlot- Sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, the 2016 Merlot is a wine club only wine that has beautiful, silky tannins. Layers of blackberry compote and black cherry cordial combine with shades of milk chocolate and coffee grounds. This is seriously good stuff that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 92
2016 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah is a gorgeous new release by Dunham that saw extensive barrel and bottle time. Aged in 33% new French oak, this shows layers of kirsch, bacon fat, lavender puree and violets on the nose. The palate is dense and plushm, with layers of violets and smoked brisket that combine with layers of lavender, coriander and blackberry pie. Downright delicious to savor in its youth, the 2016 ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah is complex and simply magical to enjoy to enjoy in it is youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for many years to come. Drink 2020-2033- 94