This wine comes from the Lewis vineyard near The Dalles in the Columbia Gorge. In 2002 there was a large wild fire where this vineyard acted like a firebreak. It shows in the wine.

Dark red color. Smoky barbecue sauce, vanilla, and red fruit nose. On the palate the barbecue sauce takes a little bit of a back seat to the cherry and raspberry flavors, with some catsup, and smoke as well. Good balance and structure. Good length with a smoky, fruity finish. This would be a natural with a barbecued roast or chicken. If ever there was a terrior wine, this is it. 91 points, $21.

Duke, I noticed the same wildfire effect on the 2002 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon. Peter told me the grapes had come from a vineyard close to the fire, and the wine had a smokey nose and taste to it.

With all due respect, boys, do you really believe that the wildfire had this effect?

Peter told me the same story, with a wink and a nod.

It has become sort of a minor folklore tale with some winemakers I've shared the legend with and they think it's one for Aesop's Fables.

QOH,
If this vineyard tastes like this every year, it would be a terrific blending wine to just add a hint of the smokiness to the mix.

Smokiness is nice in a wine. Methinks it has much more to do with the process than with the grape.

Queen,
I agree I think it has more to do with charred oak use than the grape specifically

Funny. I don't think I saw this thread when it was originally posted. Here is an interesting read. I got chided for not buying into the whole wild fire story.

http://fora.erobertparker.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=028512

I've had a number of wines from this area and I've never noticed the smoky character that this wine has. My suspicion is that the grapes came in with a certain amount of soot & ash on the skins, hence the smokiness.

If this ends up being a one year effect, then I'll believe the firebreak story, otherwise, as I said before, this would be a terrific blending vineyard and/or barrels.

Hey, Duke, don't give Peter any good ideas or we'll never get that wonderful smokey flavor again!

whatever the cause of the smokiness, the wine has piqued enough interest in me that I would like to try it.. If anyone sees any available, please let me know!

Thanks!

I can get it. I'll bring a bottle up to Seattle next time I'm there.

Sounds great!