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Owen Bargreen

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Made by Corliss, Secret Squirrel offers some of the finest value you will find in Washington State.

Made by Corliss, Secret Squirrel offers some of the finest value you will find in Washington State.

Secret Squirrel

February 23, 2021

I have a penchant for finding great values in Pacific Northwest wine. Secret Squirrel, an offshoot of Corliss Winery, one of the great producers of red wine in Washington. Not everyone can afford $100 Cabernet and Secret Squirrel gives you a great bottle of wine that underwent both aging and high end oak treatment for a great price. 

Wines are sourced from great properties amongst Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley and Yakima Valley AVAs and then fermented by native yeast with extended aging in concrete and French oak. 

This winery project has been definitely keeping a low profile but it is my job to highlight them. I adored the new 2016 Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) which offers gobs of rich dark fruits with a plush texture. Just as good is the fantastic 2016 Secret Squirrel ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is their GSM style wine. Similarly dense and beautifully textured, these wines are both steals at a mere $25.00. Learn more about these wines at http://www.secretsquirrel.com and here are my reviews of the fantastic new Secret Squirrel wines. 


2016 Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Secret Squirrel Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright awesome value by Corliss. Rich cassis and blackberry compote mark the nose with graphite and sagebrush undertones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush, showing a silky mouthfeel and great veil of tension. Copious dark fruits collide with minerals, smoke and underbrush tones on the palate. The gratifying length adds to the enjoyment.  Fantastic in its youth, this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2030- 92


2016 Secret Squirrel ‘Columbia Valley ’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Syrah (55%) with smaller parts Mourvedre and Grenache, this delivers roasted figs, garrigue and shades of creosote on the nose, with sagebrush undertones. The palate is soft and nicely textured with toasty oak that wraps around layers of rich red and dark fruits, chocolate and coffee ground tones. Seriously good now, this outstanding Rhone style Washington wine will deliver drinking enjoyment for the next eight years. Drink 2021-2028- 92

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