Pondera Winery is a family-run winery in Woodinville’s Warehouse Winery District with a deep focus on Bordeaux varietal blends and single red varietals. Dan and Pat Howard and their son, winemaker Shane Howard, launched the brand in 2005. This newly released red blend, Livin’ the Dream, commemorates the winery’s 10th anniversary, a blend using all five classic Bordeaux variety grapes. The tasting room highlights a rotating exhibit of fine art curated by Howard/Mandville Gallery in downtown Kirkland, also owned by the Howards.
Pondera 2012 LTD Livin’ the Dream Red Wine, $42
Nose: Gorgeous aromas of dark fruit mingled with caramel, herbs and generous cedar.
Taste: Displaying precision and masterful balance, this Bordeaux varietal blend consists of Merlot (39%), Cabernet Franc (36%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%), Malbec (4%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Ultra smooth in texture with well-defined flavors of cassis, blackberry, black plum, raspberry and currant, with tobacco and cedar shavings providing added depth. Moderate, elegant tannins frame the long finish with an equal proportion of vibrant acidity. This 10th anniversary tribute wine scores a “10”!
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
web: www.ponderawinery.com