Bob Lorkowski took over Cascade Cliffs in 1997 and has re-energized the pioneer winery/vineyard into a powerhouse with a reputation for Piedmont varietals: Barbera, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. The 23-acre estate vineyard includes Sangiovese and a mix of non-Italian varietals like Merlot, Grüner Veltliner and a rarely heard of grape in the Pacific Northwest, Symphony, a cross between Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria. Bob and his wife Denise have taken the Columbia Gorge-based operation to new heights and expanded the operation into a 10,000 case per year winery. The wines are serious and well-crafted.
Profile: This Sangiovese is lean and firmly structured with robust, earthen streaks of red cherry, dark plum, red currant and dark loamy soil.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Alcohol: 14.9%
Website: www.cascadecliffs.com