Another spring and another electric lineup of Kerloo wines by winemaker Ryan Crane. Cane started first at Animale Cellars in Seattle, and then later trained under Marie-Eve Gilla at Forgeron Cellars while completing his degree in Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. For years I have admired his old-world approach to winemaking. These are wines that breathe tension and terroir.
Do not miss out on his subtle and highly nuanced 2022 Kerloo ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose (OB, 92) which is chalk-filled of verve and shows beautiful red fruits with plenty of stony undertones. I adored the outstanding value 2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which comes from two outstanding sites in the Columbia Valley and is a downright steal at under 30 bucks. This is one to buy by the case. Learn more about this outstanding winery at www.kerloocellars.com. Here are the great new releases by the talented Ryan Crane and his Kerloo Cellars.
2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose- This outstanding and very Provencale-inspired Rose comes from the Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard. Very crisp and nuanced with its bright guava and cranberry fruit flavors that mingle well with blood orange zest and stony minerals on the palate, this is drinking beautifully right now. Don’t serve too cold to take in the outstanding range of flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- An insanely good value at under 30 bucks retail, the 2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay comes from two esteem sites — the Lonesome Springs Ranch and Rainmaker Vineyards. It comes off very fresh and nicely textured from the less stirring as cantaloupe, bright pear and starfruit flavors collide with plenty of minerals on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Roussanne-Marsanne’ White Wine- This outstanding blend was entirely sourced from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Soft and supple on the mouth, yet showing a good mineral backbone, this yields green papaya, mango, and Japanese pear flavors with nutty undertones on the palate. Lithe and polished, this is delicious to consume now and over the next six years to come. Drink 2023-2029- 93
2022 Kerloo Cellars Viognier- Coming from the Yakima Valley, this 2020 Viognier offers solid depth and richness with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of beeswax, honeysuckle water, and honeydew melon flavors all come together with shades of macadamia nut on the palate. Nicely textured and showing good finesse, this is beautiful stuff to consume now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard’ Mourvedre- Smoky and savory with good freshness, the 2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard’ Mourvedre shows off bacon fat, tar, coffee grounds and shades of green olive on the palate, with good underling minerality. Delicious and complex, enjoy now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 93
2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, this 2020 Syrah offers red currants and Mandarin orange flavors alongside Umami, smoked brisket and suggestions of marionberry on the palate. Fresh and medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘The Chapel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘The Chapel’ comes almost entirely from the storied Red Willow Vineyard with a touch of Bacchus ‘Old Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. The wine shows beautiful balance on the palate, with creosote, espresso grounds and freshly tilled soils alongside shades of creme de violette. Medium-bodied, this is neatly done considering the challenges faced this vintage. Drink 2023-2028- 93