It was 2002 and I was a Whitman College senior. One of the cool things was to visit some of the local wineries and learn more about wine. I fondly recall my stops to Dunham Cellars which was one of the friendliest places to taste good wine. Truly one of the storied houses in Walla Walla, Dunham Cellars was founded by the Dunham family in 1995. Over the years I have found that Dunham crafts 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.
I love the new 2020 Dunham Cellars Rose (OB, 91) made from Cabernet Franc grapes as this shows a very soft. texture. Even better and a great value is the compelling 2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is amazing for the price. I would say that one of the great Merlot wines I have tasted from Washington over the past year, the 2016 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Merlot (OB, 95) is dense, chewy and has a seamless character. This is a winery only bottling that is utterly sensational. Learn more about these beautiful wines at dunhamcellars.com Here are the great new wines by Dunham Cellars.
2020 Dunham Cellars Rose- Dunham has been making this Cabernet Franc Rose since 2015. This is their first year sourcing from the Gamache Vineyard. Aged in stainless steel, this shows pretty red rose petals and white peach tones aromatically alongside shades of wet stone. The bright acidity is impressive, as is the sense of mouthfeel. Ripe guava and melon tones mingle with wet stone and tons of lip-smacking acidity. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Shirley Mays’ Chardonnay- Dunham first made this wine in 2007. A combination of Kenny Hill and Lewis Vineyard fruit, and revealing a beautiful golden hue, this shows off toasted Macadamia nut with banana and Pink Lady apple tones that all meld in the glass. The freshness and viscosity here is really good as layers of buttercream and ripe pear mingle with minerals and shades of creme brullee all impress. This finishes very long with cream and minerals. Gorgeous now, this has some good aging potential. Drink 2021-2028- 93
2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2018 Dunham Cellars checks in at 18G/L residual sugar, as this wine has been made since 2007. Fresh and vibrant, this shows a soft texture, unveiling wet stone, sweetened Granny Smith apple, and lemon/lime tones. Beautiful now, this really has some good cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2028- 92
2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Trutina’ is a blend of 52% Merlot which is higher than most vintages, with 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Petit Verdot and Malbec. Toasty oak and tar combine with shades of dark chocolate shavings and mocha tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft, round and generous with a great sense of mouthfeel. Layers of dark fruits combine with coffee grounds, milk chocolate and minerals. Beautiful now to enjoy, this will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2021-2029- 92
2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new bottling by the talented Dunham winemaking team. Ripe red cherry and dark currants mingle with sagebrush, and tar tones that all takes ape in the glass. The palate is chewy and plush, showing a silky mouthfeel and wonderful sense of texture. Ripe cassis and anise with tobacco leaf tone single with minerals, dark chocolate covered cherry, graphite and smoky undertones. This has some great aging potential. Drink 2021-2035- 93
2016 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Merlot- The 2016 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Merlot is a stunning, singular bottling that has everything you want in a great Washington Merlot. Tons of plush dark fruits with pipe tobacco and milk chocolate covered coffee bean all combine brilliantly on the nose. The palate is soft and super refined. Layers of rich toffee and roasted dates, black cherry cough syrup and shades of coffee grounds all brilliantly combine on the palate. Full-bodied, rich and decadent, this outstanding Merlot will provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2021-2036- 95
2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- I am totally blown away with the 2018 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah which is just sinfully good for the price. The nose on this wine is just intoxicating. Gobs of smoked meats mingle with milk chocolate, dried herbs and shades of iron on this evocative bouquet. The palate is fresh yet silky smooth, with a great sense of viscosity. Layers of cassis, boysenberry cordial, smoked brisket, bulls blood and hints of Mandarin orange rind all impress. Gorgeous now, this stunning effort will. Provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2017 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Syrah is a stunning new bottling showing gobs of terroir. The smoky and savory aromatics really entice. Fresh and vibrant with great acuity this shows off layers of smoked meats and black olive tapenade with rich dark fruits on the palate. Showing good richness and acidity this has some great cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2035- 95