Back in 2012, we met Doug Long, co-owner and winemaker at Obelisco Estate, at a Washington Wine Commission event in the “other Washington” — D.C. We were immediately drawn to his friendliness, his humor, and his knowledge of the grape. Subsequently, we quickly became friends and frequently visited his Woodinville tasting room. At the time, I wrote “Obelisco meets our personal criteria for incredible wine and great people.” Sadly, Doug passed away in 2017. But his legacy continues. In August, we had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Doug’s daughter and Obelisco General Manager, Melissa Long Vilar, and her husband, Jacques Vilar. What lovely people. They poured six tasty wines in the Obelisco lineup. And they raved about their winemaker, David Rosenthal, who is returning to the winemaking style that Doug Long pursued, and we adored.
Obelisco Estate Story
The name Obelisco originates with the obelisks that still stand in Egypt. “Although not the first winemakers, the Eygptians were the first to methodically cultivate, grow, and crush grapes on an industrial scale, dating as far back as the third millennia.” Obelisco wines, Electrum and Nefer, also pay tribute to Egyptian viticulture.
Prior to Obelisco, Doug Long planted his initial vineyard in 1971, high above Napa Valley. Ten years later, he started his first winery, David Arthur, named “Winery of the Decade” by Wine Spectator in 2000.
Once he moved to Washington state, Doug and his wife Betsy founded Obelisco Estate Winery. Next, they planted Obelisco Estate vineyard in the incredible Red Mountain AVA in 2004. And then he applied his Napa Valley winemaking skills to WA grapes. He bottled his first vintage in 2007, and immediately began winning awards.
These days, Doug’s legacy continues with Betsy and their two daughters, including Melissa Long Vilar, who is currently Obelisco’s general manager. We met Melissa and her husband Jacques, a financial data consultant, and noticed she shares many fine traits with her father.
She told us their goal is “to create wines that would make my dad happy and proud.” So they hired David Rosenthal to be their winemaker in 2023. David worked at Chateau Ste. Michelle for more than 20 years, including seven years as head white winemaker.
His initial vintages for Obelisco are 2023 and 2024. Melissa noted, “David is impressed with the elegant library wines that Dad made, and I expect his wines will go back to those roots.”
Obelisco Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Sangiovese
Obelisco released 2024 Sauvignon Blanc the day before our visit, along with the 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. The standout Sauvignon Blanc ($35) blends 76% SB with 24% Sémillon from the Columbia Valley. The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé ($40) is elegant, yet crisp. It mirrors the impressive initial 2012 vintage, which we tasted in 2013, although they sourced grapes from different vineyards.
2021 Red Mountain Sangiovese ($65) comprises 80% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Malbec. This is a pretty, medium-bodied, intense red. “If you enjoy fruit-forward wines, please drink this wine within 2-5 years. However, if you enjoy older wines with aged characters like dried fruits and coffee notes, this wine will age well for up to 20 years.”
Electrum and Nefer
Obelisco Electrum and Nefer wines are smooth and complex, with layers of luscious flavors to savor, and details that distinguish good from exceptional. Electrum Estate 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon ($90) blends 89% Cab Sauv, 8% Merlot, and 3% Malbec. We’ve loved it since the 2009 vintage. Electrum is silky and graceful, showcasing Red Mountain Cabernet to the max.
Melissa explained that there are now three Nefer wines honoring Egyptian viticulture. “Nefer 2022, the Single Nefer, is a new entry-level wine, playing on the Nefer name but less expensive. Double Nefer is the middle manager, while Triple Nefer is for gods and only found in tombs.”
She added that the more-accessible 2022 Single Nefer ($45) is a crowd pleaser, made with 100% Red Mountain grapes — 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Malbec. Meanwhile, 2020 Triple Nefer ($130) is 100% Red Mountain Cab Sauv. What a velvety, powerful, and gorgeous wine! Its motto: “History says that III Nefer is for the gods and the pharaohs only, but we made this one just for you.”
We first tasted and wrote about the 2010 Triple Nefer, calling it “superlative” and noting this luxe red wine demonstrates how incredibly well Washington grapes can be transformed with a Napa Valley style. While it’s approachable now, 2020 Triple Nefer has an aging potential of 20-25 years.
Summary
In conclusion, Obelisco is returning to its roots, with wines that showcase Red Mountain grapes and celebrate Doug Long’s winemaking style. With Doug’s passing, Washington state’s wine industry lost a great man and we lost a friend. However, his daughter Melissa embodies Doug’s spirit and passion, and we look forward to tasting more of Obelisco’s wines crafted by David Rosenthal.
Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.
Cheers!
Margot and Dave