Former Seattle bartender turned golf-pro, Tom Glase moved to Walla Walla for the “L” word: lifestyle. Marriage and starting a family didn’t mesh with the urban bar scene. “Winemakers came out to play golf. There weren’t many of them then, and they’d bring some wine,” says Glase of his time at the Walla Walla Country Club. “They were very generous. That’s how I got connected.” Following stints with L’Ecole No 41 and Corliss, the personable Glase is today a successful winemaker, turning out beautiful bottlings under his own label, Balboa Winery, as well as neighboring Beresan Winery. Here are two fine recent releases under his golden touch.
Balboa Winery 2012 Walla Walla Valley Mith, $45
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Nose: Rich aromas of dark red and black fruit, crushed violet, mown hay and flecks of white pepper spice.
Taste: This Cab-based blend (with Cabernet Franc and Merlot) is powerful, poised and polished with a focus of blackberry, cassis, dried cherries and black plum, tobacco, cocoa powder, wet stone minerality and toasted spices. Grainy tannins resonate on the vivacious finish.
Balboa Winery 2014 Walla Walla Valley Rosé of Syrah, $24
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Given its foundation of elegant structure, this is one of the finer Rosé wines we’ve come across lately. It was co-fermented with Syrah (96%) and Viognier (4%) from Eidolon Vineyard and Seven Hills Vineyard, both in the Walla Walla Valley.
Nose: Floral aromas of white flower blossom, wild strawberry and delicate citrus notes.
Taste: Fuller-bodied in style, this Rosé is structured and balanced with pleasing crisp acidity. There’s lovely depth to the strawberry-infused flavors of rose petals, crushed pebbles, citrus and melon.
Website: www.balboawinery.com