What we’re drinking: Marcus Sophia
August 22nd, 2012 by brynn grimleyMary writes:
Marcus Sophia Winery was bonded in 2009 sparked by the passion of Leala Cramer, owner and winemaker. It’s a small, 500-case winery in the heart of the verdant Puyallup Valley.
In the vineyards and in the winery, the fruit is coddled every step of the way. Hand picked grapes produces wonderful wines sourced from some of the top vineyards in Washington.
Cold soaking and gravity fed tanks to minimize the use of pumps are two examples. And this gentle handling shows in the purity of fruit in her wines.
The Merlot, Red Blend and Syrah are crafted with such wonderful balance, the kind that makes you want to pair them with something delectable and not just sit back and sip, although that could be an option also.
Marcus Sophia Winery’s 2010 Yakima Valley Lonesome Spring Viognier – now sold out – received 90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate which is an auspicious way to begin. A small little boutique winery recognized by a ginormous international wine publication.
The 2009 Yakima Valley Lonesome Spring Syrah is medium bodied with floral and spice aromas that hints of the Viognier it was co-fermented with. The Syrah cold soaks before fermentation to ensure great color with out the extreme tannins. And the flavors of earth, raspberries and black pepper are so well balanced with the sweet American Oak used to age the wine.
The 2009 Yakima Valley Lonesome Spring Red Blend is 85 percent Syrah with the balance in Cabernet Franc. Again the Syrah shows off wonderful lush fruit of raspberries and spice with a hint of Provence herbs to balance it off. The finish is smooth and lingering.
Since they are so small, visit their website at marcussophia.com to order some of these luscious offerings.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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