For many years I have fondly recalled my tasting memories as a Senior at Whitman College. It was there when I first began tasting wine and visiting wineries. One of my first stop in 2002 was Dunham Cellars, one of Walla Walla’s iconic wineries. Dunham Cellars was founded by the Dunham family in 1995. Over the years I have found that Dunham crafts some of the most consistently good overall lineups in the state. These are wines that exude value and consistently overdeliver for the price.
Dunham relies on the talented hands of winemaker Rob Campisi, who was formerly assistant winemaker at Dunham. Rob trained under eminent Washington winemaker, Dan Wampfler and he crafts quite a wide range of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trutina (Bordeaux style blend), Three Legged Red (red table wine) and the "Shirley Mays" Chardonnay, a dedication to Eric's grandmother.
Do not miss out on the new 2022 Dunham Cellar Rose (OB, 92) which is fresh and vibrant from this warmer vintage. I am enamored by the fantastic value 2020 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is an alarmingly good achievement in this highly challenging vintage. Learn more about these beautiful wines at dunhamcellars.com Here are the great new wines by Dunham Cellars.
2022 Dunham Cellars Rose- The 2022 Dunham Cellars Rose is very pale in color and is highly nuanced, as this shows considerably better at a warmer temperature. Red rose water combines with orange zest, pretty red raspberry and guava tones on the palate. Laden with minerality, and showing nice heft, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Shirley Mays’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Shirley Mays’ was sourced from the Lewis Estate and Kenny Hill Estate Vineyards. Stored for eight months in only 20% new French oak, this offers really nice concentration on the palate with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Bright pear and allspice dusted pastry crust notes combine with suggestions of starfruit and wild mushroom on the palate. A total winner, this offers serious value under thirty dollars. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Three Legged Red’ Red Wine- A downright killer value and appearing very dark in the glass, the 2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Three Legged Red’ Red Wine is a proprietary blend of Cabernet, Malbec and Syrah. Immediately gratifying once poured, this revels in its forward and juicy dark cherry, black raspberry cordial, mocha and tar notes on the palate. The bright acidity and soft mouthfeel entices, as this is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2020 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Trutina’ combines near equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that was sourced from a range of Columbia Valley vineyards. Stored for eighteen months in only 18% new French oak, this delvers really nice concentration and mouthfeel upon entry. Black currants parade with copious minerals, kirsch, cigar box and shades of espresso grounds on the palate. This is seriously delicious stuff considering the challenges of the vintage. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 93
2019 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Really good considering the harvest conditions, the 2019 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is now in its 25th edition. This version has 5% Merlot blended in and was stored in 32% new French oak and 18% new American oak before bottling. This wine is deep and rich but is all about balance. Turkish coffee notes combine with sandalwood, violets, and loamy soils on the palate. Finishing long with rich roasted figs and copious minerals, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2036- 94
2020 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- One of the great value Syrahs that you will find over the past fifteen years, the 2020 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah is a great wine made in a challenging vintage. This comes off very inky and savory — punching well above its weight with glorious creme de violette, tobacco leaf, worn leather and espresso ground flavors, alongside a fantastic core of bright dark fruits. Full-bodied, and showing a smooth texture, this is one of the brilliant editions of this wine that is a testament to this world-class winemaking team. Drink 2023-2028- 93
2019 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Syrah- The gorgeous and very generous 2019 ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Syrah is the best wine out of this new fantastic spring 2023 lineup. Iodine, tar, creme de violette and smoked brisket notes all collide on the palate with serious weight and a beautiful core of black fruits. Very smoky and savory, with a light dusting of salinity, this is world-class Syrah that will cellar well over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 95