“I certainly never thought one could wake up one day and decide to be a winemaker,” admits Kyle Welch with candor. He bounced around for the better part of a decade “following his bliss,” when his life’s journey ultimately put him on a path to WSU’s wine program, followed by internships at Chateau Cantenac in Bordeaux and Snoqualmie Winery in Prosser. He graduated in 2011 with the recession in full swing.
“There were zero jobs, and the jobs that were available were internships. Being newlyweds, we had the urge to travel anyway,” says Kyle. “So we hit the road for a while and worked a couple harvests elsewhere. But, a few speed bumps later, we eventually ended up back home and started making our own wine in 2013.”
The name, Longship, pays tribute to Kyle’s Scandinavian descent and the ships used by Norsemen during the Viking Age. “Some people look forward to St. Patrick’s Day, I look forward to Midsummer Fest. Most of my family comes from Minnesota, where they celebrate Leif Erikson’s birthday,” he says with pride. His red wines are unfined, unfiltered, bold and intrepid. Tastings are by appointment, phone (509) 572-7652
Longship Cellars 2013 Walla Walla Valley Ginger Man Syrah, $28
Nose: Leather, black and dark purple fruit, vanilla and smoke.
Taste: Rich and textural, delivering prominent spice notes that meld with smooth tannins. Dense blackberry and Italian plum fruit flavors are layered over shadings of mint, vanilla, orange peel and game on the persistent finish.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
Longship Cellars 2013 Invader Tempranillo, $28
Nose: Swarthy aromas of black plum with bright notes of fresh berries, cigar wrapper, asphalt and forest floor.
Taste: Powerful, concentrated and openly textured, displaying bold fruit flavors of black plum, rhubarb and raspberry, layered with complex notes of tar, tobacco and black pepper. Vibrant acidity gives depth to the rich, spice-laden finish.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 120 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
Website: www.longshipcellars.com