May 9, 2019 - Rasa Vineyards
/The featured winemakers for our May tasting are Billo and Pinto Navarane from Rasa Vineyard. As one of the top wineries in the state, Rasa is an ultra-boutique, small production of incredibly high quality that produce only 100 – 500 cases of each wine in the lineup. The meticulous care and passion are apparent in each bottle and we are very fortunate to have them for the next WAC tasting. Furthermore, Billo is only one of less than five people in the state to have achieved the Master of Wine (MW), which is one of the most difficult certifications to earn in wine. He will be sharing some of his vast knowledge and experience at our event. This is an absolutely can’t miss tasting and look forward to seeing everyone there.
Here are the feature wines (The reviews below are from our very own WAC wine club member and top wine reviewer in the state, Dr. Owen Bargreen of the International Wine Report and Washington Wine Blog):
2015 Rasa Vineyards 'Primus Inter Pares' Grenache
This stunning Grenache wine was sourced from Monette's Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks region. Prior to bottling the wine was left on the lees for 18 months in neutral French oak barriques. This wine begins with aromatics of rose petals, white flowers, Mandarin orange rind and potpourri. This leads to flavors of red cherry, strawberry, orange zest and strawberry jam. This is pretty, feminine, sexy and absolutely irresistible at this juncture. While less acid-driven than the ’14 bottling, this outstanding wine is just as good and even more impossible to put down as the gorgeous aromatic and flavor range shows through. Only 103 cases made of this absolutely stunning Grenache wine which is one of the best of its kind in Washington state. Drink 2017-2029- 95
2015 Rasa Vineyards 'Tilting At Windmills' Red Wine
The 2015 ‘Tilting At Windmills’ by Rasa Vineyards is an inspiration by head winemaker Billo Naravane to make a Washington wine in the style of the profound red wines of Priorat. It is a sexy blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which was aged in 40% new French oak (predominantly from Troncais and Alliers) and 60% neutral French oak prior to bottling. This wine begins with aromatics of black tea, black olive, rose petals and suggestions of baking spices. This leads to dense flavors reminiscent of black tea, red cherry, raspberry jam and umami that sit alongside some moderate tannins. This wine is another stunner by superstar winemaker Billo Naravane. Drink 2017-2029- 94
2014 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequiter’ Syrah (#9 on top 100 wines of 2018)
Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol, the 2014 ‘Veritas Sequiter’ will be released in November 2018, the wine is sourced from the famed SJR vineyard. The wine underwent 100% whole cluster fomentation and was aged in 80% new oak for 27 months prior to bottling. Distinctly Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this has bacon fat, horse manure, seaweed and Umami aromatics that bring you back to the glass for more. The palate is highly compelling and has marvelous weight and tension. The wine shows wonderful Umami, black licorice, green olive and bacon fat flavors that collide with marvelous minerality. The balance and complexity of this wine is truly amazing. Drink 2018-2030 - 96
2013 Rasa Vineyards 'Fianchetto' Red Wine
This wine is the follow- up the stunning 2012 Rasa Vineyards’ Fianchetto’ Red Wine and is a massive blend of 56% Cabernet with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a bouquet of black cherry, creme de Cassie, mocha, crushed gravel and Earl Grey tea. Dense and intense, there are ultra ripe flavors of mocha, creosote, coffee grounds, black olive and black tea with cherry cough syrup. The finish is exceedingly long. This is massive yet feminine as this really needs one more year to fully settle. The balance and mouthfeel is exquisite. Powerful and seductive, this is another heavyhitter of a wine crafted by the talented hands of Billo Naravane. Drink 2018-2035- 96
2014 Rasa Vineyards 'A Perfect Union' Red Wine
Rasa has crafted another wonderful red wine with their 2014 ‘A Perfect Union’ Red Wine. This wonderful blend begins with aromatics reminiscent of crushed mint, red bell pepper and red cherry with cigar box. The plush mouthfeel and silky texture is lovely as this wine is soft and supple. The red wine has dense flavors of black tea, mocha, baking spices and blackberry pie. This lovely blend can benefit from another year of bottle age for the fruit to fully integrate. Drink 2018-2033- 93
