By Duane Pemberton
Winery website: www.waterbrook.com
This 2010 Melange is made by Waterbrook winery, one of Walla Walla’s oldest wineries and has done a really good job of establishing itself on a national level as a solid Washington producer. This Melange Blanc is a “field blend” of varying white varietals from one of the cooler years – 2010.
Technical Data:
- Varietal blend: 39% Riesling, 18% Pinot Gris, 14% Gewürztraminer, 10% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Viognier
- Appellation: Columbia Valley
- pH: 3.17
- TA: 0.74
- RS: 2.10%
- Alcohol: 11.8%
- Vineyards: Canyon Ranch, Bosma, Willow Crest, Den Hoed, Oasis, Carpenter
- Oak: 8% Neutral barrels, 92% SS
- Fining: Bentonite
- Aging: 7 months
- Malolactic: None
- Yeast: Premier Cuvee, X5
- Harvest Dates: 9/30/10 – 10/28/11
- Bottling Dates: 5/5/2011
- Cases Produced: 7,195
- Price: $15
Nose: Pear, green apple, white flowers, peach, mango, hint of jasmine tea, mango, kiwi and a hint of hibiscus.
Taste: An interesting mix going on the palate here – it’s a bit disjointed, frankly as it comes across as a white that doesn’t really know what it is. Having said that, it does retain some good fruitiness – all over the map – and exhibits a nice nose. The acidity is good and the mid-palate is not bad either. A slightly off-dry finish – would go well with Thai food, flounder or even sushi.
