It is my pleasure to share the wines from Isenhower, founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower. As the 18th winery in Walla Walla, the winery has held fast with Denise serving as general manager while her husband has been serving as the winemaker. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated. They built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. Currently Isenhower Cellars produces 7,500 cases a year.
I really enjoyed their 2023 ‘Rara Gravis’ Grenache (OB, 92) which has really nice flavor complexity. I Learn more about this great winery at https://isenhowercellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Isenhower wines.
2024 Isenhower ‘Le Cadeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Le Cadeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows off ripe peach, starfruit, flinty accents and minerals on the palate alongside a soft mouthfeel. Juicy and filled with minerality, enjoy now and over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2023 Isenhower ‘Rara Avis’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘Rara Avis’ Grenache comes from the Yakima Valley and has 21% Mourvèdre and 4% Syrah blended in. It is nicely-structured stuff with wet rocky accents alongside a pretty core of red fruits, Satsuma orange zest and smoked meat accents on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2022 Isenhower ‘Wild Thyme’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Wild Thyme; combines 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 38% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc. It is soft and well-structured stuff that reveals chocolate and medium-bodied kirsch and black raspberry flavors. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2022 Isenhower ‘Bachelor’s Button’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Isenhower ‘Bachelor’s Button’ Cabernet Sauvignon is entirely sourced from the Shaw Vineyard. It reveals medium to full-bodied cassis and dark cherry flavors that collide with milk chocolate and stony minerals on the palate. Delicious to enjoy now, savor over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 92
2022 Isenhower ‘FO! No. 16 Super Fuga’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A Super Tuscan-inspired blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Sangiovese, this delivers refined tannins on the palate, with chocolate, dried herbs and espresso ground flavors that mingle well with salty soil nuances. Drink 2026-2032- 92