It isn’t everyday that I stumble upon world-class inaugural wines. Such is the case with the latest from Rujaya that are a seriously impressive new lineup — and the most impressive new winery from Washington that I have tasted in the past year.
At the helm is Benedict Almquist who has a longstanding history in the industry. For nearly a decade he worked alongside his cousin at Almquist Family Vintners in Seattle, and then in 2018 became their resident winemaker. Since spring of 2023, Benedict worked as assistant winemaker at Darby Winery in Woodinville, WA. He found his inspiration in a bottle of FX Pichler Riesling from the Wachau Valley, Austria and became infatuated with world-class Riesling. He has crafted a beauty, his 2023 ‘Dry’ Riesling (OB, 93) which comes from three storied sites in Washington. This is dense and layered stuff with serious texture. Learn more about this electric new winery at https://rujayawinery.com/ and here are my reviews of the inaugural wines from Rujaya.
2023 Rujaya ‘Dry’ Riesling- The 2023 Rujaya ‘Dry’ Riesling comes from the Red Willow, Olsen and Evergreen Vineyards. It was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels for 28 months prior to bottling, offering green tea and white rose aromatics that combine with shades of kumquat rind and green melon. The palate is dense and lush with a silky mouthfeel and great sense of weight and length. Stunning and delicious, make sure to not serve too warm. Drink 2026-2033- 93
2025 Rujaya Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, the 2025 Rujaya Rose shows off a soft mouthfeel on the tongue. This is both ripe and mineral-laden with delicate cranberry and pomegranate fruits that combine with Mandarin orange zest and copious stony minerals on the palate. A great Rose bottling, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 92
2024 Rujaya ‘Chillable Red’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Chillable Red’ is made from equal parts Grenache and Riesling grapes. It comes off round and generous on the mouth and should not be served too cold to take in the beautiful textural elements. Layers of juicy red raspberry and Yakima cherry fruits combine with hints of star jasmine water on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 92
2022 Rujaya ‘Apinya Royal Slope’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Apinya Royal Slope’ comes from the northwest corner of the Stillwater Creek in Block 2, set at 1500 feet elevation. Fresh sage, pulled pork shoulder and shades of orange peel and red licorice all collide on the nose. The palate is juicy and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and loads of red and black fruits with peppered bacon and green herbal accents. This is refined, elegant Syrah that has both the weight and structure to age well over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2022 Rujaya ‘Apinya Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The fabulous 2022 Rujaya ‘Apinya Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah was sourced from the Borderlands Vineyard which is set on cobbly loam soils. This is loaded with stony minerals and river rock on the palate alongside seaweed, soy sauce, tar and green herbs. Lush and medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Well-done to winemaker Benedict Almquist. Drink 2026-2034- 94