Beautiful photo of Dineen Vineyards by Richard Duval.
Today we highlight one of the great sides in the Yakima Valley. Dineen Vineyards was founded by Pat and Lanie Dineen who made an initial investment in a 12-acre apple orchard back in 2001. The trees were removed and the first Dineen vines were planted in what is now known as Catherine’s vineyard, named after Pat’s mother.
They made a much larger investment in 2002, acquiring a 80-acre parcel was purchased becoming the second vineyard in the portfolio and home to the Dineen Vineyards tasting room. All of the blocks at this site are named for members of our immediate family. I have admired the wines from Lauren Ashton for years that have showcased this site. Dineen wines are made by David Rodriguez who was trained as a lawyer prior to dedicating his life in wine. He has worked in Argentina before coming to Washington. Originally an intern at Dineen, he now serves as viticulturist and winemaker. The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2022 Dineen Riesling (OB, 90) which is fresh and shows good tension. Even better is the 2022 Dineen Semillon (OB, 91) which is neatly textured and shows good flavor range. Learn more about theses wines at dineenvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new Dineen wines.
2022 Dineen Riesling- This estate 2022 Riesling offers good freshness with peach and lychee flavors alongside stony undertones. Made in the dry, Trocken style, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 90
2022 Dineen Semillon- Dineen is one of the few vineyards in Washington that still has Semillon planted. This edition is neatly textured with nectarine, walnut and shades of brioche flavors that combine with a good sense of tension. Drink 2023-2029- 91
2022 Dineen ‘Condriesque’ White Wine- The ‘Condroesque’ is a great Rhone-inspired bottling. Showing a soft mouthfeel, this is loaded with peaches, Pink Lady apple and sourdough bread flavors alongside shades of green papaya. Drink 2023-2029- 91
2020 Dineen ‘Heritage Blend’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Heritage Blend’ offers black currants, tobacco leaf and anise flavors that mingle with creosote undertones. Showing a soft mouthfeel, this medium-bodied red sipper is drinking nicely now. Drink 2023-2028- 90