The story of Armstrong Family Wines is many years in the making. Originally from the Chicago area, the Armstrongs moved to the Seattle area for work and were inspired by the local wine scene. Tim Armstrong accepted a new role at his company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington back more than a decade ago in 2010. The family moved in August, after their daughter Emily was born. Soon Tim was spending nights and weekends working with a winemaker in Woodinville, Washington. He later began taking winemaking classes at South Seattle Community College and then through Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology programs.
I have really enjoyed Tim’s wines over the years. They are well-structured and well-balanced. He even made great wines in the more than challenging 2020 vintage. The family now resides in Walla Walla as production has grown at Armstrong and they closed their bustling tasting room in downtown Walla Walla to focus on their production on their farm, roughly 15 minutes from downtown Walla Walla. I love the new 2021 Armstrong ‘Fronk’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 92) which is wonderfully herbal but has really nice sense of weight and finesse. Equally good is the fabulous 2021 Armstrong ‘Ebby James’ Syrah (OB, 92) which is a delight to savor now in its savory herbs alongside dark fruits. Learn more about this great family winery at https://www.armstrongwinery.com and here are my reviews of the outstanding new Armstrong wines.
2022 Armstrong ‘Wild Angels’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Wild Angels’ is texturally beautiful stuff with brioche and baking spices that combine with shades of nectarine and juicy Pink Lady apple on the palate. This shows good flavor density throughout the drinking experience. Enjoy this delicious new Chardonnay now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2021 Armstrong ‘Four Birds’ Red Wine- The outstanding ‘Four Birds’ is mainly Merlot-based (76%). It is plush and soft on the mouth with layers of chocolate, sagebrush and allspice dusted black currents, with loamy soil character. Delightful now, this should live on for another decade. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2021 Armstrong ‘Frank’ Cabernet Franc- The 2021 ‘Fronk’ is a beautiful expression of Cabernet Franc from this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on red bell pepper and garrigue notes that mingle well with sandalwood and graphite. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Seriously good, and well-structured, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92
2020 Armstrong ‘Sally Mac’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Sally Mac’ is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. Sagebrush, bitter chocolate and coffee grounds combine on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2024-2026- 90
2020 Armstrong ‘Bogie’s Blend’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Bogie’s Blend’ delivers a smooth texture with layers of chocolate, baking spices and fresh sage. Medium-bodied and nicely structured, enjoy now. Drink 2024-2036- 91
2021 Armstrong ‘Ebby James’ Syrah- A delightful Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley, the 2021 ‘Ebby James’ delivers a delightful punch on the mid-palate in terms of flavor density and finesse. Wild blackberry cobbler, mocha and stony accents complete this outstanding wine that still has a long way to go. Drink 2024-2032- 92