Walla Walla has some talented transplants applying their trade. One of the outstanding new winemaking talents, Fiona Mak focuses on making a range of diverse range of Rose wines. Her winery concept is entirely unique in Washington State. Mak is a graduate of Syracuse University’s hospitality management program and is originally from Hong Kong. For years Mak had an impressive career in the restaurant industry, working at mainstays such as Morimoto in Philadelphia, Haru Sushi in New York, and Quality Meats, in Manhattan. Fiona is also a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.
She eventually was inspired to produce her own wine and in 2013 she traveled across country to begin her wine education at the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program. She then was employed as a lab manager at Artifex Wine Company. Each time I meet with her I am more and more impressed with what she is producing. She quite simply has an undying passion for wine and wines of the world, which influence each wine that she produces.
I think you will find her wines to be very delicate and nuanced, as each shows good underlying finesse.
Don’t miss on the 2021 SMAK Wines ‘Autumn’ Rose (OB, 92) which is up there with some of the finest Rose wines that I have sampled in the past year. This shows gorgeous range and will be sure to inspire an incredible range of foods. Learn more about this great new winery at https://www.smakwines.com Here are the great new releases by SMAK Wines.
2021 Smak Wines ‘Spring Sangiovese’ Rose- 100% stainless steel aged, this is the lightest wine that Fiona Mak makes, as this shows stony notes alongside white peach and citrus blossom on the nose. The palate is very refined and fresh with gobs of mouht-watering acidity. Very nuanced, enjoy now and over the next five years. Drink 2022-2027- 90
2021 Smak Wines ‘Summer Pinot Gris’ Rose- The Pinot Gris for this wine is sourced from the Ganache vineyard, as this was made exactly the same as her Sangiovese Rose. Melon notes collide with Pink Lady apple and pear blossoms on the nose. This is highly refined with a silky texture on the palate, with bright pear, cantaloupe and hints of red raspberry. This is highly refined Rose that is a joy to drink. Drink 2022-2027- 91
2021 Smak Wines ‘Autumn Syrah’ Rose- 100% barrel fermented in neutral oak (from 2005-2013), the 2021 ‘Autumn’ Rose is chalk-filled of finesse, with a silky texture and a gorgeous purity of red fruits. Yakima cherry notes alongside bergamot and orange peel notes combine with stony minerals on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next five to seven years. Drink 2022-2028- 92
2021 Smak Wines ‘Winter Bubbly Syrah Blend’ Sparkling Wine- Made from Grenache and Syrah grapes this was released in March 2021. Showing salty red fruits with kumquat peel and shades of baking spices on the nose, the wine evokes a soft mousse. Very delicate red fruits line a core of minerals, wet stone and orange rind accents. Drink 2022-2028- 90
2021 Smak Wines ‘Abstract No. 1’ Rose- This is a new collection for Fiona Mak and each label presents elements found in the wine. Sourced from the Ganache Vineyard, this was stored in stainless steel before bottling. Red rose petals with green apple and pomegranate seed notes mark the nose. The palate is soft and inviting once on the attack with yellow cherry and melon flavors that mingle well with the bright acidity. Drink 2022-2028- 91