Today we share one of the hottest wine brands of the Pacific Northwest. It was several years back when I was chatting with Dossier co-founder Tim Lenihan. “Sidney and I have been thinking of starting a winery” he said. This would have incredible potential as their winery, Dossier, has quite literally taken the Northwest wine scene by storm. During the Pandemic they talked about having a winery together. Finally former NFL star Sidney Rice and businessman and fellow Whitman grad Tim Lenihan finally got the nerve to start their own winery. They have beautiful tasting rooms in Woodinville and Walla Walla that are a must-visit for any lover of Washington wine.
I have long admired the great wines made by master of wine, Billo Naravane. Naravane makes the beautiful wines of Rasa Vineyards. Each bottling has incredible intension and attention to detail. Longtime Washington wine industry veteran Brandon Kubrock serves as general manager, formerly owning his own Ardor Cellars label.
I love the new releases. The 2021 Dossier ‘Halo Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is the finest showing from this house yet. This is now the second time that I have tasted the wine and it has evolved beautifully over the past six months. This dense and deftly-structured beauty will easily cellar for twenty years. Learn more about this exciting new project at dossierwine.com and here are my reviews of the new Dossier wines.
2023 Dossier Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Dossier Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Corfu Crossings Vineyard as well as Connor Lee and Lonesome Spring Ranch. Apricot and white peach with mango and shades of ginger all mark the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious depth and concentration. Gorgeous melon and citrus fruits all combine with a scintillating mouthfeel on the palate. A stunning wine by Dossier, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 95
2022 Dossier ‘Flagship Index’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Index’ combines 39% Cabernet Sauvignon with 24% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Malbec and Petit Verdot. Pencil lead and sandalwood notes combine with black cherry compote and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is soft and plush with a smooth texture. Very well-done, as this is medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032- 93
2022 Dossier ‘Flagship’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Dossier ‘Flagship’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of vineyards including Ciel du Cheval, Summit View and Solaksen Vineyards. 100% varietal this opens with flavors of dark currants and graphite alongside shades of black cherry compote and loganberry preserves, with dried herbal accents. Medium to full-bodied, with good underlying tension, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2038- 94
2021 Dossier ‘Halo Dissertation’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Halo Dissertation’ Red Wine combines 48% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The wine comes from what is chosen as the best lots in the lineup of wines. Stored for two years in 100% new French oak, this offers a seamless texture with layers of Black Forest cake and black licorice as well as coffee grounds and shades of fresh sage. Totally stunning and beautifully balanced, enjoy now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 99
2021 Dossier ‘Halo Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Dossier ‘Halo Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that is mainly coming from the Ciel du Cheval and Summit View vineyards. Sandalwood, anise, creme de cassis and violets all parade on the palate. The palate is plush and dense with a refined texture. Everything is picture perfect in terms of poise, weight, flavor density and texture. This is quite simply a perfect wine. Drink 2024-2044- 100