One of the great under the radar wineries in Walla Walla, Tulpen Cellars is an incredible producer of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, Tulpen is a brand created by winemaker for Tulpen Cellars, Ken Hart. Ken serves as General Manager of Appellation Management Group (AMG) as AMG develops and manages vineyards within the Walla Walla Valley — including vineyards for a’Maurice, Dunham Cellars along with another 10 properties.
These are unabashedly bold and full-bodied wines. I have loved the past several vintages of these wines. The new wines come from the 2019 vintage which was challenged by a freeze event in October. I love the new 2019 Tulpen ‘Yellowbird Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which is dense and powerful with a great acid backbone. Learn more about these electric wines at https://tulpencellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Tulpen wines.
2019 Tulpen ‘Tokar Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Tulpen ‘Tokar Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off medium-bodied dark fruit flavors alongside tar, black licorice and graphite notes. Firm tannins hold everything neatly together, as this is best enjoyed now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 92
2019 Tulpen ‘Yellowbird Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Tulpen ‘Yellowbird Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this dry farmed site in the Walla Walla Valley. Loamy soils alongside black tea, black rose petals and shades of tar all fill the nose. The palate shows plenty of stuffing considering the coolness of the vintage. Mocha, espresso grounds and scorched earthy notes alongside garrigue tones all combine on the palate, with a bright underling sense of finesse. Enjoy this outstanding wine over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 94
2019 Tulpen ‘Coalesence’ Red Wine- This comes off smooth and generous on the mouth, as the 2019 ‘Coalescence’ offers red cherry candy, black licorice and baking spices on the palate, alongside milk chocolate and sagebrush notes. Finishing long, this is delicious wine to consume now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93