AniChe Cellars

Unedited

Some say that Washington may eventually be known for its blends. That is Oregon has the claim on pinot noir, New Zealand on sauvignon blanc and South Africa for its pinotage. So if Washington lacks the variety brand like so many other regions of the world, perhaps it’s OK. Perhaps we’ll be known for our “mutt wines” with blends of varieties. After all, Bordeaux blends cabernet and merlot into world-renowned wines and when you think of the Rhône you might salivate thinking of a blend of Grenache, syrah and mourvèdre.

So in terms of blends, AniChe Cellars excels. Here is where winemaker/co-owner Rachel Horn exercises her discerning palate to derive whites composed of gewürztraminer with a backbone of riesling or left bank style Bordeaux of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. And by focusing on blends, Rachel has editorial license to name her wines with such great monikers as Goat Boy, Moth Love and Lizzy.

Ironically the name AniChe is a blend of Rachel and husband Todd Mera’s two offspring – Anais (Ani) Mera and Che Horn: AniChe. The name is just as harmonic as the wonderful wines to savor at this family-owned winery in the Gorge.