Mike Conway was assistant winemaker for California’s Parducci Winery before he and his wife Ellena moved to Washington in 1980.
“With the help of grape grower Mike Hogue, we actually started two wineries—our own Latah Creek and Mike Hogue’s Hogue Cellars,” Conway told Tasting Room Magazine. “Three years later when it became impossible to make wines for both wineries my full attention was with our own Latah Creek.”
Over three decades later, the winery is now in another transition phase as Conway passes the winemaking torch to his daughter, Natalie, who grew up around the winery since infancy.
“I’ve tried to instill in her a belief that Old World winemaking techniques still work today, even in the midst of all the high-tech equipment that can do anything from removing alcohol to reverse osmosis filtration and flavor enhancements,” says Conway.
Latah Creek’s traditional hands-on approach continues to garner awards for a prolific lineup of white and red wines that express flavors true to the varietals.
The Monarch Red is a non-vintage blend of Merlot, Tempranillo, Malbec and Syrah.
Nose: Brooding dark fruit, evergreen boughs and tobacco leaf.
Taste: A compelling blend offering smooth tannins and vibrant flavors of red berries, red plum, cocoa and spice notes with accents of tobacco and forest floor.
Recommended pairings: Grilled meats, robust foods, or heavy pasta dishes.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Alcohol: 14.3%
Website: www.latahcreek.com