One of the great stops in Lake Chelan, Cairdeas is an ancient Gaelic word meaning friendship, goodwill or alliance. Founded by Charlie and Lacey Lybecker in 2009, Cairdeas is named after Charlie’s Irish heritage, Lacey’s goodwill (that is how we met), the alliance we have made with each other and those in our industry, and the friendships we have made along the way. The winery sources from some great sites throughout Washington including the acclaimed ‘Boushey Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley and the ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ in the new Royal Slope AVA.
The winery is perched atop the lake with stunning views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding valley. I loved the new 2018 Cairdeas ‘Caislean an Papa’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is a beautiful CDP style wine that is smoky and savory with a great texture. Just as good is the 2018 Cairdeas ‘Consonance’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which has a soft texture and tons of blue fruits. Learn more about this excellent Chelan outpost at https://cairdeaswinery.com/winery/about-us/ and here are my reviews of the new Cairdeas wines.
2020 Cairdeas Rose- Fresh and lively, with good verve, this new Rose delivers straightforward ripe red fruits with stony minerals and good earthy undertones. Very lively, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2021-2023- 89
2018 Cairdeas ‘Caislean an Papa’ Red Wine- A CDP inspired blend from the Boushey Vineyard, this shows off nice smoky aromatics alongside black tea, red currants and white pepper dusted bacon on this fantastic bouquet. The palate is soft, pretty and beautifully textured. Red and dark fruits parade with smoked brisket and scorched earth tones, with a hint of wintergreen. Gorgeous now, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2018 Cairdeas ‘Tri’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Tri’ red wine (68% Syrah) shows off black tea, exotic spices, blackberry compote, smoked pork shoulder and black olive tapenade notes on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of finesse and a good core of dark fruits with the smoky, damp earth and herbal undertones. Drink 2021-2029- 91
2018 Cairdeas ‘Consonance’ Red Wine- Utlizing a large portion of Petit Sirah (60%), this brooding wine shows off gobs of blue fruits with a pillowy texture and chocolate undertones. Hedonistic, yet showing good restraint and finesse, this is gorgeous, one of a kind wine to enjoy over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 92