Mary Tuuri Derby has a long history in the Washington wine industry. Back in 2000 Mary and her husband Devin Derby got their start in Washington wine by creating famed Spring Valley Vineyard. Devin’s unexpected death in 2004 was a huge shock to Mary’s life and left her wondering how best to support herself and her young son. Collaboration and community made the decision for her when nine Walla Walla wineries got together and donated a large quantity of wine, a “very large barrel of love,” says Mary, that ultimately became the beginnings of DAMA.
Mary has been partnered at DAMA Wineswoth Judith Shulman over the last ten years. These are beautiful wines that I have particularly enjoyed over the past seven or so vintages. Mary’s wines have good tension and restraint — they are never overblown or over-extracted. She has been doing a fabulous job with her Rose wine over the years. The new 2020 DAMA Rose (OB, 90) is a fresh and vibrant effort made from Cabernet Franc grapes. Even better is the sensational 2018 DAMA ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has plenty of aromatic and flavor range with a seamless texture. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://damawines.com Here are the great new releases by DAMA.
2019 DAMA Wines Rose- Entirely made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2020 DAMA Rose shows bright green apple and kiwi with nectarine flavors, alongside a great veil of minerality. Brighter red fruits and orange rind undertones add to the complexity here, as this delicate and intricate style of Rose would be a marvelous combination with fresh Kusshi oysters. Drink 2021-2024- 90
2019 DAMA Wines ‘GSM’ Red WIne- The 2019 ‘GSM’ combines Grenache (46%) with Syrah (39%) and Mourvedre (15%). Red currants and garrigue tones mingle with sage and red cherry cordial on the nose. The palate is fresh and refined with lighter red fruits with citrus rind, bulls blood and creosote tones. Drink 2021-2029- 91
2018 DAMA Wines ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed side in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the 2018 ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah shows black tea with Umami, beef fat, black licorice candy and black olive tapenade flavors. Medium-bodied and full of finesse, this beautifully textured effort will provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2018 DAMA Wines ‘Lonesome Spring Vineyard’ Syrah- Lighter in the glass than the ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah, this yields smoky tones that mingle with blackberry compote, tar and baking spices aromatically. The palate has gobs of mouth-watering acidity with medium-bodied dark fruit flavors that come together with shades of salted meats and orange rind undertones. Drink 2021-2029- 92
2017 DAMA Wines ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot- Sourced from this great high elevation site in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2017 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot reveals a soft texture and light dusting of salinity on the palate. Ripe red cherry and black raspberry flavors mingle with minerals, and cocoa powder undertones on the palate. This beautiful wine has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 91
2017 DAMA Wines ‘XL Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- I have really admired wines from this newer, high elevation vineyard. The 2018 ‘XL Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc shows pretty dark florals with cigar ash, blackberry compote and shades of dark chocolate cake on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is soft and generous with a silky texture. This comes off as highly elegant and seamless with ripe dark fruits that combine with shades of tobacco leaf, tar and coffee grounds. The pillowy texture and good length add to the enjoyment. Great and highly gratifying to enjoy in its youth, this has at least another decade ahead of it. Drink 2021-2032- 92
2016 DAMA Wines Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, the 2016 DAMA Wines Cabernet Sauvignon has layers of sagebrush and leather that are woven together with blackberry cobbler and tar on the nose. The palate has great elegance and restraint, yet yields a downright voluptuous mouthfeel. Layers of anise, cassis, blackberry compote and espresso bean flavors all collide with minerals on the palate. A joy to savor right now, the 2016 DAMA Wines Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy another decade or more in the cellar. Drink 2021-2032- 92