Winemaker Roger Rezabek, with Czech roots in Bohemia, grew up in the Midwest where he majored in Math with a minor in Botany. His love for and passion about wine came after a three-year stint in the Air Force in the Azores, where Portuguese Rosés, German Rieslings, and French Bordeauxs were very accessible. During the early 1980’s, he planted his first vineyard—60 grape vines, all French hybrids able to withstand 25-below-zero temperatures during the cold winter months. He made wine, and learned that mistakes can sometimes be changed into successes with creativity. “A batch of Chardonnay (from a concentrate) that became severely oxidized, for example, was sweetened, fortified with brandy, and made into a Sherry,” he says. “It turned out very well…for a Sherry.”
Upon retiring as an educator after a 47-year career, Roger and his wife, Donna, a native Washingtonian, found ten acres of land near Battle Ground, Wash. they deemed suitable to plant a vineyard. They put in Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Meunier (the first to be planted in Clark County).
Daybreak Cellars is their current label, named after a county park nearby. “Also, we looked at our efforts as the dawn of a new initiative, so Daybreak fit,” says Roger. Looking to the near future, Roger says, “When we start producing wine from our own grapes, we may very well label it as Rezabek Vineyards.”
Their signature grape is Tempranillo at the moment, which is the basis for their Solstace red blend, a Port style wine, and a delicious Rosé. The wines are creamy with soft spice notes from aging in Flextanks, a vessel made of hygienic food-grade polyethylene that are an alternative to traditional wooden barrels—and allow Roger to control the addition of oak flavors from staves.
Visit: $10 tasting fee, refundable with purchase, 11700 NE 279th St, Battle Ground, open Sat and Sun 12-6 or by appointment, (360) 896-0218, www.rezabekvineyards.com
Rezabek Vineyards Daybreak Cellars Tempranillo Port Dessert Wine, $24
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-95 pts.)
A gorgeous fortified dessert wine blended from Tempranillo (80%), Graciano (15%), Touriga Nacionale (4%) and Tinto Cao (1%). Opulent and luscious, with intense aromas and rich flavors of Amarena cherry, dark plum, fig and caramel layered with biscotti and hazelnut accents. Finishes long and supple, supported by fresh, creamy acidity and hints of wild raspberry.
Rezabek Vineyards Daybreak Cellars Sunset Rosé (NV), $20
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-95 pts.)
This dry, crisp and medium-bodied Spanish style Rosé is made primarily with Tempranillo and Graciano. Aromas of cherry and strawberry flow easily on the palate with hints of citrus and spice.
Rezabek Vineyards Daybreak Cellars Solstice Red Blend (NV), $25
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (86-90 pts.)
An intriguing non-vintage blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Merlot sourced from a combination of Washington and Oregon vineyards. Firmly structured, offering bright acidity and subtle red fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry that mingle with soft spice notes.
Rezabek Vineyards Daybreak Cellars 2015 Yakima Valley Viognier, $23
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (86-90 pts.)
Perfumed aromatics of floral and spice lead to a creamy mouthfeel layered with an exotic mix of honeysuckle, pear and melon flavors wrapped around notes of ginger, nutmeg and spice. Pure and full-flavored, yet not overly weighty.