Winemakers bemoan the fact that they love to make Rhone wines, but they are difficult to sell to the public. Rhone wines from Washington make up some of the highest scoring, most popular wines in the area. Unfortunately, the wine consuming public hasn't caught up to the fact that a Syrah can be as compelling as any Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.

This creates an opportunity for winemakers looking to soften, richen, or broaden their wines aromatically or in terms of mouthfeel. Rhone wines add depth and volume to red blends, and can even be used supplimentarily in Cab blends or in red blends.

Our greatest number of sample requests this month have come from winemakers looking for Rhone wines to complete and soften red blends.