Gordon Hill, longtime Washington enologist and, currently, winemaker with Milbrandt Vineyards Winery, was selected as winemaker to make the red blend for the 2010 Legends of Washington Wine event.
The Legends event, scheduled for Saturday, August 28 at WSU-IAREC in Prosser, WA, annually honors an inductee (stay tuned for upcoming announcement) into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame who exemplifies legendary status because of substantial commitment and contributions made to the Washington wine industry.
For the 2010 Legends wine, Hill created a 70% Petit Verdot Red Blend, tamed by 28 months of barrel aging with the addition of barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. A dash of Merlot was added for smoothness, with a splash of Malbec, contributing up-front character.
Raised in Bellevue, Hill attended Washington State University. While earning a food science degree there, he worked under the guidance of Dr. Chas Nagel, another celebrated Washington wine pioneer. He began his career at Chateau Ste. Michelle in 1980, where he eventually became winemaker. Hill was involved in the creation of Northstar, the Bordeaux- style Merlot he made in conjunction with renowned Lake County (California) winemaster, Jed Steele. In 2005, Hill joined Milbrandt Vineyards Winery where he has developed several award-winning wines.
Hill’s selection continues a Legends tradition of highlighting the skills of a winemaker, in addition to honoring Washington Wine Hall of Fame inductee(s). Past Legends winemakers include Co Dinn from Hogue Cellars; Ray Einberger from Columbia Crest; and Rick Small from Woodward Canyon Winery.
To purchase tickets to the event, contact Kathy Corliss at the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center at 509-786-1000, or visit www.theclorecenter.org
The Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame is a project of the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. Named after the late Dr. Walter J. Clore, the Clore Center will be a learning center that promotes Washington food and wine by engaging visitors to experience the diversity and quality of Washington’s food and wine products.