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Story Cellars Shines Light on Northwest Zinfandel

September 12, 2022

Story Cellars owner Tim Oas (right) with former winery partner Mike Wisler. Tim Oas took over the winery full time in 2021.

Tim Oas produces assorted red and white wines but his eye has been trained on Zinfandel from the very start of Story Cellars’ first commercial vintage back in 2014. Oas continues to shine a spotlight on the masterful potential of this variety grown with grapes culled from the hot slopes of Red Mountain, as well as the cooler climate of the Columbia Gorge region. These bold and robust reds (not all may be released as of this writing) are each distinctive based on the vintage and fruit source; no two are exactly alike. Story Cellars is emerging as a Zinfandel leader to follow in Washington State.

Visit & Taste: 19501 144th Ave NE, Ste. A-500, Woodinville; (425) 246-8511, check the website for updated information at www.storycellars.com

Below are five releases we recently reviewed:

Story Cellars 2017 “The Whale” Columbia Valley Zinfandel
94 pts.
A blend of two distinctive AVAs, Red Mountain and the Columbia Gorge, offering savory details of spice, pink peppercorn, black olive and graphite that meld with a dark fruity profile of black raspberry preserves and plum. Medium tannins align with precise acidity scoring the finish that keeps all the elements in focus. $36

Story Cellars 2018 “The Whale” Red Mountain Zinfandel
93 pts.
A bold jammy version, yet not overweighted in the slightest, displaying marvelous chiseled structure filled with blueberry, red currant and raspberry flavors amply supported by baking spices, black olive and peppery notes. Sourced from Red Heaven Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA. $40 (releases fall 22)

Story Cellars Winery 2018 “The Whale” Columbia Gorge Zinfandel
93 pts.
Generous and appealing, leading with bold aromas of blackberry, plum, spice and hints of flourless chocolate torte. Powerfully built, brimming with black jammy fruit punctuated by dark currant, briar patch, Tellicherry and an underpinning of fresh acidity. Finishes with gusto on the long aftertaste. $40

Story Cellars Winery 2019 “The Whale” Columbia Gorge Zinfandel
94 pts.
Aromas of plum, melted brown sugar, vanilla and jammy dark berries. Polished and structured, with firm tannins and an elegant mix of black raspberry coulis, rose petal and white pepper with earthen hints of juniper berry and graphite. Ends with finesse and complexity. $40

Story Cellars Winery 2016 “The Snake” Red Mountain Zinfandel Dessert Wine
94 pts.
This fortified Port-style red is creamy and opulent, exuding an expressive array of luscious blackberry preserves, raspberry jam, licorice, patchouli, cashews and dark chocolate notes. Like a true single-vintage Port, this shows deep character and panache. Enjoy with a cigar and bonfire. Or dark Ugandan chocolate with cacao nibs.

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Tasting Room® magazine is the ultimate authority on the Washington wine scene and your personal tour guide to wineries, vineyards, destinations and travel tips, and artisan foods, chefs and artists. In short, Tasting Room is a metaphor for life’s simple pleasures that pair remarkably well with wine—touring, food, travel, culture, recreation and people.

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