2011-12-12 - Milbrandt Vineyards, Eastern Washington

Kelley Milbrandt was recently in to review her family wines with me. We tasted through the selection below, but a few notes on the winery:
• Mildbrandt Wines started as growers in Eastern Washington, planting vineyards in 1997, then they began bottling their own label in 2007
• They are still large suppliers to a number of Washington State wineries, including Ste Michelle Estates, where 50% of their production goes
• Gordon Hill is their winemaker, formally at NorthStar and CSM

The Wines:
Milbrandt Riesling Traditional Range, 2009
1.4% RS. Clean and fresh with easy acid on the palate, light fruit on the palate as well with just a hint of sweetness, good length. Approx $10.00 retail. Pretty wine overall, 1+/3

Milbrandt Pinot Gris Traditional Range, 2009
Lean and clean, a bit lighter ion the palate with striking focus, good chalky feel, fresh elegant finish, dry with length. Approx $10.99 retail. 1+/3

Milbrandt Chardonnay Traditional Range, 2010
This vintage includes the ‘Estate” tier win, which is 50/50 FO and SS. Sourced from more southerly vineyard holdings which add tropical fruit components (at least that was what Kelley described). Touch of leesy wine flavors, good acid for a chard making a fresh styled wine with a bit of appley flavors, hint of oak, finishes light and clean. Approx $10.99 retail. 1++/3

Milbrandt Syrah Traditional Range, 2007
Smokey red fruits on the nose, fresh fruit that is showing progress in the freshness, round raspberry flavors, very soft on the palate, showing some grip but the finish shows that the wine is fading. Approx $14.99 retail. 1/3

Milbrandt Merlot Traditional Range, 2008
15% CS, 1% Ma, 1%Barbera. Dark red /cherry color, round and deep cherry flavors, a little dusty and really soft on the palate, lacks a bit of acid, but good, dusty cocoa flavors on the finish. Approx $14.99 retail. 2/3

Milbrandt Cabernet Sauvignon Traditional Range, 2008
Dark red garnet in color, touch of smoke, dark cherry and plum in the nose, med+ dry with grip through the finish, dark flavors, bit dry with tannins but good structure. Approx $14.99 retail. 1+/3

Milbrandt Malbec Estate Range, 2008
Violet red in color, big ripe fruit aromas with dark berry and black brambly fruit notes, touch of wood on the nose as well, very soft on the palate, good grip, fruit and balance, actually fresh style with some tannins. Sees a combo of Fr/Hung/Am oak, 50% of which is new, for 14-18 months. Approx $22.99 retail. 2/3

Milbrandt Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Range, 2008
Dark, almost purpley red in color, big ripe fruit aromas with dark berries and rich plum and blackberry notes; soft and juicy on the palate with good acid and grip plus a length of spice and wood tannins adding to the deep flavors. Sees a combo of Fr/Hung/Am oak, 50% of which is new, for 14-18 months. Approx $22.99 retail. Quite Good 2/3