We always smile with glee when a new Washington winery catapults to the world-stage with its astonishing wines. That’s exactly what happened with Dossier Wine Collective, which crafts luxury wine that is sophisticated and elegant. Dossier’s winemaker is Master of Wine Billo Naravane of Rasa Vineyards, so you know the wines will be outstanding before you even taste them. Co-founders Tim Lenihan, a successful real estate broker and developer, and former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice launched Dossier Wine Collective in 2021. Subsequently, they created a unique wine experience, both in Walla Walla and their new tasting room in Woodinville. We visited Walla Walla at the end of May, and spent a fun and educational time with our Dossier host, Michael Ervin.

The Dossier Story

First, we met Tim Lenihan earlier this year at “Walla Walla Wine on Tour,” and were impressed with his passion. He grew up in Yakima and went to college in Walla Walla, In the evenings, he worked at a high-end restaurant, and also did the same when he later moved to Seattle. Tim went on to become a successful real estate developer, but he also always wanted to be further involved in the wine industry. Meanwhile, Sidney Rice decided to stay in the Seattle area after his Seahawks team won the Super Bowl in 2014. The two initially met to discuss some of Tim’s development projects, and then became friends and started sharing wines. Later, they shared the dream of their own winery.

The dream became a reality in 2021. Two years later, the Dossier Wine Collective launched a tasting room in Walla Walla, and then opened another one in Woodinville last month. Tim and Sidney are actively involved in all aspects of the winery. That is to say, Sidney isn’t just another celebrity name on the label. He’s a working member of the winery. Add superb winemaker BIllo Naravane into the mix, and you have a winning Dossier team, and compelling wines.

When I think of the word dossier, I think of an elegant, classy, rich leather file holder of important information. Dossier’s luxury wines are elegant and classy, so the name is fitting. Dossier’s initial wines were Syrah, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. That lineup has expanded, and their dossier continues to build.

Halo Reserve

In addition to the Dossier portfolio, Billo produces Halo Reserve wines that “present our pursuit of perfection. No effort or expense is spared. At this level of craft, wines transcend from beverage to art.” For Dossier’s Halo wines, Billo identifies the top 10% of fruit that displays optimum flavor intensity and concentration. The team works with a select number of cooperages to create special barrels for these wines. As well, “the Halo tier lots receive extra loving care during the winemaking process.” Dossier offers these reserve wines once a year by allocation only, at luxury prices. Not surprisingly, the Halo tier generates top scores. For example:

• 2022 Halo Reserve Sauvignon Blanc: 95 points James Suckling, 96 points International Wine Report
• 2021 Halo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: 97 points James Suckling, 99 points International Wine Report
• 2021 Halo Reserve Dissertation Red Blend: 97 points James Suckling, 98 Points International Wine Report

Dossier Wines

At the Walla Walla tasting room, our kind host Michael Ervin poured us all three of those Halo Reserve head-turners, and four other wines: 2023 Rosé, 2022 Dossier Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Dossier Halo Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Flagship Index Red Blend, 2021 Halo Reserve Dissertation Red Blend, 2021 Flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2021 Halo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Hang onto your seatbelts, because it is quite a ride.

2023 Rosé ($28)

Dossier 2023 Rosé is made from 100% Syrah from the Columbia Valley. Mchael described it as a modern approach and a serious complex style. In other words, it is beautifully textured and has some weight to it. Billo aged it in natural oak barrels and concrete, which bring lovely flavors and minerality to the glass. We found aromas and flavors of tea, cherries, strawberries, watermelon and baking spices with a silkiness that goes down easy with or without food. You could easily sip on it during a summer afternoon or evening on the deck. Or you could put it away for a few years, if you have patience. Either way, this sophisticated rosé is more like a quiet evening watching the sunset than a party in a glass.

2022 Dossier Sauvignon Blanc ($42) and Halo Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($100)

Dossier 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is delightful, with flavors and aromas of stone fruit, citrus, tropical fruit, brioche, and a touch of graphite. Billo aged it in a combination of French oak, stainless steel and concrete eggs. This is one smooth Sauvignon Blanc, one of the best Washington Sauv Blancs we’ve tasted.

But Dossier Halo Reserve 2022 Sauvignon Blanc elevates the experience to a whole other level. This stunner is the best North American Sauv Blanc we’ve tasted. Ever. We first noted that the complex aromas and flavors almost defy description. But then we came up with: silky, lush, and creamy, while lively with refreshing acidity. Quite simply, we think this exceptional and exquisite white wine is heaven in a glass.

2021 Flagship Index Red Blend ($110) and Halo Reserve Dissertation Red ($225)

2021 Flagship Index Red Blend is Dossier’s inaugural Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (18%), Malbec (12%) and Petit Verdot (4%). They merge into a sensational glass of exotic beauty. This is one killer wine with layers of red and black fruits, along with notes of dark chocolate, graphite, cassis, spices and earthiness. This gorgeous red features texture, complexity, power and structure that resonate with every decadent sip.

2021 Halo Reserve Dissertation Red comprises a similar blend of Cab Sauv (48%), Merlot (23%), Cab Franc (17%), Malbec (9%) and Petit Verdot (3%). But the Halo designation means this red has that wow factor — the allure of a captivating, no make that mesmerizing, wine. Aromas of raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite and anise mirror the plush palate. This is a show-stopping wine.

2021 Flagship Cabernet Sauvignon ($110) and Halo Reserve Cabernet ($225)

2021 Flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is simply incredible. Intense aromas and flavors of dark fruits, coffee, mocha and spices lead into a palate of black and blue fruit, with hints of dark chocolate and cassis. What a stunning wine to indulge in.

And then there’s 2021 Halo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. International Wine Report gave it 99 points, and one sip explains why. This remarkable Cab Sauv demonstrates both finesse and a hedonistic pleasure that leaves you almost breathless. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cassis, chocolate and spices, as well as salinity and minerality, entice you to have one more sip. And another, and another. Billo knocked this Cabernet Sauvignon right out of the park and into the stratosphere.

Summary

In conclusion, Dossier captured the attention of wine enthusiasts and collectors almost immediately, elevating these captivating wines to the world stage. Now you can taste them both in Walla Walla and Woodinville. And we highly recommend you do so, and see for yourselves why we ran out of superlatives to describe them.

Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram and Facebook.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave