Gamache Vintners

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Need a reason to stop at the Vintner’s Village in Prosser, WA? How’s about this: “splendid, multi-dimensional bouquet of wood, smoke, olives, sage, violets, espresso, black currant and blackberry that soars from the glass…some racy acidity, a velvety texture, excellent volume and incipient complexity…impeccably balanced.” That is a review of Gamache Vintners’ 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Robert M. Parker’s Wine Advocate August 31, 2010 earning a heady 92 points. And at just two minutes off the I-82 freeway, it’s well worth a stop and swirl.

Of note is the fact that brothers Bob and Roger Gamache planted their vineyard in the White Bluffs area northwest of Richland back in 1982. At the time, there were just a couple dozen wineries in the state. However, the fourth generation farming brothers knew there would be a demand for premium wine grapes. The brothers worked the Gamache Vineyards year after year and developed a keen awareness of varying soil types and microclimates within their vineyard. Finally, in 2002 they took the plunge themselves with the creation of Gamache Vintners to brand their own estate wine relying on the talents o f famed winemaker Charlie Hoppes.

The tasting room itself is a beautiful spacious contemporary setting where the clear focus is to experience Gamache wines. I could live there especially with a location that includes Cabernet Court in the address. Everything about it is a clear expression of the Gamache family rural roots – clean and authentic. Nothing pretentious here. Even the estate wines are clear expressions of the grape variety with little blending – viognier, riesling, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, sryah and merlot. Their one red bland dubbed Boulder Red (I love the name) is a perfect answer to the question, “What to serve with the grilled burger?” especially when it sells for just $18 a bottle.