DarkRock wines’ portfolio consists of three reasonably priced bottles of an award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, a mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc, and a food-friendly red blend. First, Four Feathers Wine Services sources the grapes from 3,500 acres of estate vineyards in the new Beverly AVA and Horse Heaven Hills in Washington state. Next, they manage and craft the wine, which is all Sustainable WA Certified. Consequently, this means “we’re not just growing grapes — we’re protecting what makes this place so extraordinary.” We recently tasted through their lineup, costing between $20-25, and available at some grocery stores, wine shops, and restaurants.

DarkRock Story

From bottle labels that depict black-and-white photos of WA’s powerful wine regions to its Sustainable WA certification, DarkRock’s goal is “to deliver complex, elegant, and unique wine that showcases this dramatic environment.” Their vineyards, like many in Washington state, sit on lands shaped during molten lava flows and the massive Missoula floods, 15,000 years ago.

In short, the winery’s name originates with the spectacular dark rocks that border The Cliffs estate vineyard. “These age-old rocks create a unique terroir profile that produces wines with one-of-a-kind character. Planted high atop dramatic basalt bluffs overlooking the Columbia River, this vineyard is surrounded by striking natural structures that harken to the area’s volcanic history.”

Their other estate vineyards include Beverly, located in the newly established Beverly AVA, on a warm, dry and steep slope rising from the Columbia River. In addition, in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, Stonemark Vineyard is a cool growing site, which is rocky, rugged ground overlooking the western end of the Yakima Valley.

Winemaking

Meanwhile, a women-led team at Four Feathers features head winemaker Frederique Vion, who oversees all the company’s winemaking operations. As well, Casey Cobble is also one of the winemakers. She helped found the Alliance of Women in Washington Wine, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting women in the state’s wine industry.

They craft wine in concrete for freshness and oak for structure. And in their words, “Sauv Blanc stays sharp. Red Blend stays smooth. Cabernet shows its strength.”

DarkRock 2024 Sauvignon Blanc ($20)

We adored DarkRock 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, which we paired with prawns on our deck. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing with beautiful minerality that pops from the glass. At the same time, it’s savory and substantial. Think citrus – lemons, lemon zest, lemongrass — with passionfruit and peach flavors. Other pairings could include salmon grilled on a cedar plank, garlic-seared scallops, and goat cheese.

2023 Red Blend ($25)

This unique red blend is light, bright and aromatic, combining 71% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc into fruity layers of aromas and flavors. We tasted a lot of blackberries and blueberries, along with milk chocolate, baking spices, and hints of vanilla. We recommend pairing this red blend with food, rather than drinking it alone. For example, we’d serve it with smoked ribs, or open it on Taco Tuesday.

2023 Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)

Recently, the 2025 Sunset International Wine Competition awarded DarkRock 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon a Gold Medal and Best in Class. After opening it, we understand why. Not surprisingly, this rich Cab is layered, lovely, and full of dark fruit, cocoa and a mineral edge. The winemakers blended Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) from The Cliffs vineyard with 10% Malbec from Beverly vineyard. As a result, the jammy fruit flavors of the Malbec enhance the elegance of the Cab Sauv. Of course, keep in mind that the Horse Heaven Hills is known for remarkable Cab Sauv created by luxury brands in Washington. Serve this beauty with barbecued steaks or any grilled meats.

Summary

In conclusion, these three reasonably priced wines are making their way onto the Washington wine scene. Next time you’re at a grocery store or wine shop — PCC or Total Wines, for instance — check them out.

Thank you, Four Feathers Wine Services, for the samples.

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Cheers,
Margot and Dave