Winery founder and owner Bob Jankelson, along with head winemaker Garrett Grubbs, have garnered much attention lately for their praise-worthy red and white estate wines grown near the shores of Lake Chelan. A combination of a unique growing site, coupled with the “lake effect” make wines from the Lake Chelan AVA highly noteworthy. Tsillan Cellars is one of the appellation’s founding wineries and among the most prolific producers of small-lot wines from the area.
Established in 2009, this region has established a reputation for producing vibrant and exciting wines in Washington State. Today, the Lake Chelan Wine Valley spans over 300 acres of planted vines with over 30 individual vineyards, and more than 40 unique wineries and tasting rooms. Visitors are drawn year-round to seasonal festivals, vineyard tours, and premier tasting experiences that showcase the glacially-influenced wines of the region.
The 2021 vintage of the Bellissima Rossa is a Bordeaux-varietal red blend that grabbed headlines earlier this year when it earned a perfect 100-point score from the judging panel at the 2023 West Coast Wine Competition.
Fans of Washington wine will be thrilled to explore this release (if still available through the winery) and other premium-crafted wines from Tsillan Cellars.
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Bellissima Rossa
96 pts.
This rich red is enveloped in warm earthen aromas, spicy new oak and cocoa notes that frame a lush medley of black raspberry, strawberry and dark stone fruit that expand on the broad-shouldered and textural palate. Powerfully built, with underlying salinity and a superlative finish that just keeps going. $44
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot