By Duane Pemberton
Winery website: http://www.bookwalterwines.com
John Bookwalter is not only one of the most brilliant winemakers in Washington State, he has also served on the Washington State Wine Commission – he truly is a great ambassador for our state. His wines win awards all over the country and he has some of the best marketing I’ve seen from any winery in our state.
This 2009 Antagonist is a red blend that retails for $50 and brings with it complexity and drinkability.
Technical Data:
- Blend: 88% Joseph Phelps Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec.
- Appellation: Columbia Valley
- Vineyards: 88%:Elephant Mountain Vineyard 88% Columbia Valley 12%: Conner-Lee Vineyard 12%
- PH: 4.04
- Aging: 18 months
- Bottling Date: Spring 2011
- Alcohol: 15.5%
- Price: $50
Nose: A total assault on the nose of blackberry, bramble, tar, tobacco, dark chocolate and leather.
Taste: Road tar, cigar tobacco, 80% dark chocolate, black pepper, blackberry, leather, and shoe polish. This is a very complex wine that is tasting very young right now – I’d love to try it again in 5 years. Having said that, it offers incredible complexity, good tannin, fruit and with okay but not great acidity. The finish hangs out like those people that never have a clue when they’ve over-stayed their welcome. Drink now if you decant for 2-4hours or hold for another 3-5 years.
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