I am always a happy camper when I find a good Bordeaux-style blend, so I’m pleased to say that Gilbert Cellars in Yakima struck a high note again with its 2006 Estate Claret. We first tasted the 2006 vintage shortly after its release, when we visited Sean Gilbert at the winery’s new tasting room in Yakima in September. The Claret was very good then and now, just a couple of months later, it’s even better. (I’m finishing one of the bottles we purchased as I write this blog post!)

Gilbert Cellars 2006 Estate Claret is a tasty blend of 74% Cab Sauv, 12% Merlot, 8% Malbec and a pinch (1%) of Cab Franc. We loved the previous 2004 vintage, which we tasted earlier this year, and the new release is even better. Here are the tasting notes:

The follow up to our very successful 2004 Claret is another wonderful example of the success of Bordeaux varieties on the Wahluke Slope. A bouquet of dark cherries, crushed herbs and Christmas spices accent a  rich, full palate of blackberries and cocoa leading into a lingering finish of crème de cassis and subtle vanilla.

We first met owner Sean Gilbert at Sexy Syrah last April at Salty’s on Alki in Seattle. We’ve been following his wines ever since and hope you will, too. And the next time you’re in downtown Yakima, be sure to stop by his fun tasting room. Seriously, it’s more like a wine bar!

Cheers!