Gard

Happy Saturday to you all. Gård was founded by brothers Sandy and John Lawrence, who have farmed the Royal Slope for more than 50 years, along with John’s son Josh, who joined the operation in 2002. The winery is managed by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations. Josh and Lisa are some of the nicest people in the wine business. I had the pleasure of chatting with them last night as they are now one of the largest landholders in The Rocks District. They have a new line of knockout wines from this region.

Matías Kúsulas has served as head winemaker since 2021. He has taken the Washington wine scene by storm with his dizzying array of wines and creativity. He boats three masters degrees and is a former Marine. He is an incredibly talented person who is such a pleasure to talk wine with. Tasting with him yesterday he offered his thoughts on the 2023 vintage which he sees as “great.” He finds that in winemaking he is “never satisfied. Always pushing” as he has such an incredibly diverse range of wines for Gard but also for his lines of Valo and Massalto wines.

I adore the 2023 Gård Vintners ‘Grand Klasse’ Riesling (OB, 94) which is one of the finest wines of its kind in the state. Do not miss out on the stunning 2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Cinsault (OB, 96) which is the finest single varietal wine of its kind that I have ever tasted in North America. Spicy and savory, this wine has sensational flavor range. It comes off very pretty, almost Pinotesque, yet has superior Rocks character. Learn more about these great wines at gardvintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Gård Vintners.

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Riesling- This 2023 ‘Grand Klasse’ Riesling comes entirely from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. This has roughly 2G/L residual sugar. Wet rock and papaya come together with shades of nectarine on the nose. The palate is dense and beautifully textured with serious weight and length. This comes off big and burly yet maintains incredible freshness. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2024 Gard Sauvignon Blanc- Fermented in foudre, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is done in a Sancerre-inspired style, this was entirely coming from the Connor Lee Vineyard. Papaya, white peach and white flowers all combine on the nose. The palate has great texture with green herbal undertones on the palate. Beautifully now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2025 Gard ‘Franc Blanc’ White Wine- The ‘Franc Blanc’ is entirely sourced from the Stone Ridge Vineyard. Stored in stainless steel, this had some less stirring and stands at only 12.5% alcohol. Walnut and green papaya combine with tropical fruits on the nose. This is super-delicious, mouth-watering wine, offering rocky nuance that has crazy good finesse and texture. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Gard Vermentino- The 2025 Vermentino comes from the Corfu Crossings Vineyard. Stored in stainless with some lees stirring, this is rich and complex on the palate. Dense melon with nutty and stony flavors combine with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Gard Albarino- This 2024 Albarino was stored in Acacia and mainly neutral French oak before bottling. This is now the third vintage of this wine. Mango and star jasmine combine with shades of green melon on the nose. The palate has amazing volume, texture and freshness. This has to be the finest edition of this wine with its wet stone nuance and will push anything of its kind in the state. Drink 2026-2033- 94

2024 Gard Semillon- The 2024 Gard Semillon is an inaugural wine in this lineup. Coming from the Connor Lee Vineyard, this was stored in one neutral puncheon before bottling. Marzipan and brioche notes combine with banana and shades of honeydew melon on the nose, with faint nutty accents. The palate gives you unexpected freshness with serious texture and weight. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard Muscadelle- All coming from old vines from the Connor Lee Vineyard, the 2023 Muscadelle offered tangerine blossom, peaches and nutty accents on the nose. The palate has outstanding volume and skin contact, as this saw an overnight maceration and barrel fermentation. This has great push-pull between sweetness and bitterness on the palate, with excellent length. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Gard ‘Freyja’ White Wine- This 2025 ‘Freyja’ combines Viognier (48%) with the remainder Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. This is the first edition with a good amount of Grenache Blanc. Co-fermented, this was stored in stainless before bottling. Very floral on the nose, this takes on a silky mouthfeel. The palate has cashew nut from the Grenache Blanc alongside heady melon and starfruit tones with a refined texture.This drinks better than the ’24. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard ‘Tigre’ Pinot Gris- A skin-contact Pinot Gris from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Tigre’ is so perfumed on the nose with star jasmine, baking spice, orange zest and shades of cashew nut. The palate has amazing freshness and richness with great damp soil and nutty nuance with a core of melon fruits. This is incredible stuff that is drinking great now. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Gard Rose- This 2025 Gard Rose is mainly Columbia Valley Grenache with some Mourvèdre blended in. It is distinctly earthy on the nose with dried herbs and delicate red fruits. The plate is pretty and downright sexy with its core of red fruits alongside damp earthy notes. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Gard ‘BDX Blanc’ White Wine- The 2023 BDX Blanc was sourced from the Connor Lee and La Reyna Vineyards. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc, with 35% Semillon, this delivers walnut and white rose petals alongside shades of salted green melon on the nose. Standing golden in the glass, the wine takes on sensational flavor density with heady melon, tropical and citrus fruits. This is impeccably balanced stuff. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Grand Klasse’ mainly was sourced primarily from the Solaksen Vineyard and Connor Lee Vineyards. Salted brioche, Japanese pear and baked brie all mark the nose. The palate has great power and poise with a terrific melange of pastry crust alongside baking spices, melon and tropical fruits. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gard ‘Winemaker’s Select’ Chardonnay- There was no ‘Select’ made in 2022, as this is a barrel selection Chardonnay that was stored entirely in new French oak before bottling. A brilliant golden hue, this opens with baking spice laced pastry crust alongside roasted pineapple and shades of salted mango. The palate is decadent and delicious with amazing richness and underlying finesse. Finishing exceedingly long, watch this evolve over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Viognier- The 2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Viognier is a stunning wine that was stored in roughly half new French oak before bottling, as this went through partial malolactic fermentation. The nose is gorgeous with gardenia and white rose petals that combine with mandarin orange zest and hints of pie crust. The palate has amazing volume and finesse and terrific salty and stony nuance. Drink 2026-2035- 94

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Roussanne- The 2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Roussanne comes from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. Stored in roughly 50% new French oak before bottling, this delivers walnut and honeydew melon alongside salted peach and orange blossom on the nose. The palate has incredible volume and tension, with loads of stony and salty nuance. A world-class wine, enjoy now and never the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2025 Gard ‘Carbonic’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Solaksen Vineyard, the 2025 ‘Carbonic’ has amazing freshness and finesse with bright red fruits, and hints of cola with rocky soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Gard Tempranillo- The 2023 Tempranillo offers damp earth with smoked meats on the nose and bright red and dark fruits. The palate is refined and plush with great salty and meaty character. The savory and herbal notes really pop here. Partially whole-cluster included. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard ‘Vaucluse’ Red Wine- This 2023 ‘Vaucluse’ vintage has considerably more Viognier blended in that was all co-fermented. The nose is beautifully high-toned from the Vio, with white flowers alongside hints of blood orange zest, iodine and bright red fruits. The palate has amazing balance with a seamless texture. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Gard ‘The Don’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The excellent 2023 ‘The Don’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Royal Slope AVA. The palate shows medium-bodied dark fruits with chocolate and green herbal notes. This is juicy and delicious stuff that is meant to be enjoyed now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Gard Malbec- The 2023 Malbec was stored in roughly 40% new French oak before bottling. Violets, tar and dark chocolate all combine on the nose. The palate is soft and juicy with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Gard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Gard Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Scarline and Solaksen Vineyards. It is soft and elegant on the mouth with juicy kirsch and boysenberry fruits that combine with smoky and savory tones. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine coming from mainly the Connor Lee and Solaksen Vineyards. This comes off lush and round on the mouth with terrific volume and flavor density. Arabica bean and milk chocolate combine with heady dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Gard Cabernet Franc- Coming entirely from the Connor Lee Vineyard, the 2023 Cabernet Franc was stored in both new and neutral French oak prior to bottling. Red currants and orange bell pepper combines with white peppercorns on the nose. The palate is nervy and well-balanced with a refined texture. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gard Merlot- This 2023 Merlot was sourced from the Connor Lee and Scarline Vineyards. Beautiful red florals mark the nose with tar and red licorice. The palate is polished with great salty mineral character alongside bright red and dark fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Gard ‘Kvasir’ Mourvedre- The outstanding 2023 ‘Kvasir’ was aged in large format oak barrels prior to release. Very meaty and wld, with its herbal tones, the wine comes alive on the palate with racy acidity and a silky mouthfeel. The palate sows beautiful freshness and texture, with loads of salty minerals, smoke and charcuterie notes. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Gard Grenache- This 2023 Grenache comes from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. It is seamless and elegant on the palate with amazing texture, weight and length. Bubblegum and gorgeous loganberry fruits combine with green herbal accents and bright salinity on the palate. Amazing to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Reverence’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Reverence’ is primarily Grenache (69%) with the remainder Syrah. The palate is beautifully-textured with a refined mouthfeel. Smoked brisket and green peppercorns combine with dense dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Syrah- This 2023 ‘Grand Klasse’ Syrah is inspired by the wines of Cote Rotie. Aged in mainly new French oak this is incredible stuff with outstanding flavor complexity. BBQ beef ribs, chocolate, green herbs and shades of white pepper all combine on the palate.Mainly sourced from the Connor Lee Vineyard, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Thunderstone’ Syrah- Sourced from the Scarline Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Thunderstone’ saw all whole cluster fermentation. Dark currants combine with wet rock, iodine, beef drippings, blood orange zest, and tar notes on the palate. The flavor range here is utterly sensational. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Gard ‘Toro’ Red Wine- A gorgeous wine, the 2022 ‘Toro’ combines 60% Grenache with the remainder Tempranillo that was stored in American oak barrels for 30 months prior to bottling. Coconut and orange rind flavors mingle well with a gorgeous core of red fruits and a seamless texture on the palate. A stunning wine, with great weight and freshness, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2021 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The sensational 2022 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a barrel selection wine that was stored in new French oak before bottling. This is heady and intense on the mouth with serious texture and good stuffing. Fresh sage and chocolate flavors mingle well with sweet pipe tobacco leaf and loamy soil character on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Gard ‘Stoneridge’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Stoneridge’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo from this stony location. The palate is sublime in terms of its seamless nature and power with serious poise. Loganberry and dark currants combine with roasted figs and tobacco leaf on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now, savor this elegant, opulent wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Gard ‘Connor Lee’ Red Wine- A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a barrel selection wine that comes from the Connor Lee Vineyard. It is rich and velvety with a seamless texture on the mouth. Loads of espresso ground and freshness greet you with chocolate covered cherry and shades of tar on the palate. Delicious and dense, with bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Gard ‘Solaksen’ Red Wine- The 2023 Gard ‘Solaksen’ Red Wine is a barrel selection wine that is near equal parts Syrah and Malbec. Jet black, this shows off black floral and fresh sage on the nose with shades of iodine, tar and blueberry compote. The palate is heady and dense with incredible power and great poise. There is not a wine quite like this in the state. Incredible! Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Gard ‘Scarline’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Scarline’ is a barrel selection wine composed of equal parts Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Gorgeous florals mark the nose alongside dark chocolate shavings, graphite and black licorice. The palate is amazing with incredible weight, verve and salty minerality. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Gard ‘Laura Lee’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named after Josh Lawrence’s mother, the 2023 ‘Laura Lee’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon coming from this stony location set on chalky soils. Fermented in concrete and then barrel-aged, this delivers sagebrush and milk chocolate tones that combine with black tea and exotic spices on the nose. The plate is beautifully-balanced and posed with great stony and salty character. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next ten pls years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Gard ‘Connor Lee’ Red Wine- Made from equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2023 ‘Connor Lee’ is a powerful, concentrated wine that has a long life in front of it. This comes off plush and polished on the palate with a seamless character. Dried herbs and red bell pepper flavors combine with heady dark fruits and milk chocolate covered coffee bean on the palate. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Syrah- A barrel select wine, the 2023 ‘Winemaker Select’ offers tar, dark currants and chocolate notes on the nose with dried herbal accents. The palate is powerful and complex with heady dark and blue fruits that mingle well with espresso bean accents. With a lush mouthfeel, enjoy this delicious bottling over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A barrel select Cabernet Sauvignon, this. 2023 comes from several estate sites. Bay leaf, espresso ground and chocolate with graphite all fill the nose. The palate is decadent and lush with a silky mouthfeel and refined tannins. Super refined and elegant stuff to enjoy now, yacht this evolve one the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Gard ‘Crossfire Vineyard’ Marsanne- All Marsanne, this 2024 Rocks bottling offers honeysuckle and melon tones on the nose alongside shades of green papaya. The palate is dense and delicious with great nerve and rocky character alongside a core of melon and tropical fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 95

2024 Gard ‘Crossfire’ Viognier- The 2024 ‘Crossfire’ Viognier was stored in all neutral oak before bottling. Honeysuckle and star jasmine all combine on the nose with heady papaya and tangerine zest notes. The palate is reined and elegant with light baking spice notes alongside a core of dense melon fruits, with outstanding rocky character. Drink 2026-2033- 96

2024 Gard ‘Crossfire’ Rousssane- A total stunner that is all Roussanne from the Rocks District, this stands golden in the glass. Flinty aromatics meld well with lychee, pineapple and shades of Japanese pear on the nose. The palate silky and opulent with incredible texture and mouth-watering acidity. Bravo! Drink 2026-2033- 96

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Carignane- The first wine of its kind from the Rocks District, this 2024 Carignane shows lots of exotic spices on the nose with shades of red currants, wild strawberry and orange peel with bergamot notes. The palate is very rocky and citrus-driven with smoky and green herbal character. 50% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Cinsault- Sourced from the Icarus Vineyard in the Rocks District, this 2024 Cinsault offers Asian spices, crushed wet gravel and orange rind, red raspberry and garrigue notes. The palate is refined and sleek with incredible texture, weight and mouthfeel, embodying this outstanding rocky essence. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Mourvedre- The 2024 ‘Icarus’ Mourvèdre offers potpourri and provencal herbs on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and Middle Eastern spices. The palate is super rocky and novel with amazing flavor range with soy sauce, green peppercorn, citrus rind and bacon fat notes. This has fabulous flavor complexity, making it completely irresistible to enjoy now. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Syrah- A monumental bottling from this warm vintage, the 2024 ‘Icarus’ Syrah was 50% whole cluster fermented and then aged in neutral oak before bottling. This immediately gratifies on the palate, delivering beef drippings, oyster sauce, seaweed and shades of mandarin orange zest. The palate is ultra-refined and extremely rocky with incredible flavor range, texture and mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2026-2034- 97

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Shiraz-Inspired by the Hunter Valley Shiraz wines, this utilizes 309 rootstock. The 2024 ‘Shiraz’ shows dried herbs and eucalyptus alongside dark currants and chocolate tones. The palate is lush and elegant with light rocky soil character and excellent volume. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Gard ‘Forcefield’ Cabernet Franc- The 2024 Gard ‘Forcefield’ Cabernet Franc shows incredible sage and tarragon notes no the nose alongside shades of orange bell pepper. The palate is elegant and seamless with a terrific melange of red and dark fruits that mingle with rocky soils. Drink 2026-2034- 95