Whenever we visit Heaven’s Cave Cellars in Prosser, I start singing Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” because the wines are to die for. Yes, I know that sounds cheesy but seriously, Heaven’s Cave 2007 Two Degrees Barbera  is the best we have tasted in a long, long time. Besides, the grapes were grown in Horse Heaven Hills, after all.

Unlike its light-bodied Italian counterparts, this 100% Barbera is a warm, earthy, medium-bodied and well-balanced wine that is also rich and smooth. Heaven’s Cave Barbera is good enough to drink on its own, but it also pairs well with pizza, pasta, meaty tomato-based sauces or spicy sauces, and chicken parmesan.

When we were at the Prosser tasting room last month, we also enjoyed the smoky 2007 Purple Diamonds Tempranillo and 2003 Angel’s Blend – a well-balanced Bordeaux-style red table wine.

Keep your eye on Heaven’s Cave – it’s located near Alexandria Nicole Cellars, just as most of the grapes come from ANC’s Destiny Ridge Vineyard. This vineyard was recently reviewed (Oct. 13, 2009) by Wine Press Northwest: 

“There doesn’t seem to be a grape that Jarrod Boyle and Jose Luiz Yanez can’t grow on the [Destiny Ridge] slopes overlooking Crow Butte Park and the Columbia River.”

Must go drink some of that awesome Heaven’s Cave Barbera now!

Cheers!