Mackey Vineyards: A Winery to Watch in Walla Walla

Mackey Vineyards, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is a newcomer in the Washington wine industry. Brothers Roger and Philip Mackey relocated from California to Walla Walla in 2007. They bought a farm with apple orchards and grape vines. The Mackeys brought the vineyard on their farm, now named Mackey Vineyard, back to life. They also own Frenchtown Vineyard near Lowden, Washington and source fruit from Les Collines Vineyard, Yellowbird Vineyard, Sagemoor Vineyards, and DuBrul Vineyard.

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste the Mackey Vineyards current releases in a blind samples tasting, the 2010 Riesling, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 Syrah, and the 2009 Concordia, which is a Rhone-style red blend. While we would recommend all four wines, we especially enjoyed the 2010 Riesling. In addition to being an excellent wine, it also delivers some serious bang for your buck.

The Mackeys have enlisted the services of an extremely talented winemaker, Billo Naravane of Rasa Vineyards. He makes their wines at the Rasa Vineyards production facility on Powerline Road, south of Walla Walla. With Billo at the helm, Mackey Vineyards is certainly a winery to watch. The Mackey Vineyards tasting room is located on 2nd Avenue in downtown Walla Walla.

2010 Mackey Vineyards Riesling (Columbia Valley, Washington): 100% Riesling. Pale, greenish straw yellow. Aromatic with melon and petrol on the nose. Melon, white peach, lime, and a hint of petrol come through on the palate. Off-dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a long, refreshing finish. Residual Sugar: 3.01%
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $15

2008 Mackey Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): 80.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.7% Merlot, and 4.9% Petit Verdot. Deep, purplish red. Aromatic with jammy black fruit and oak on the nose. More black fruit and oak as well as smoke come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with smooth tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $32

2008 Mackey Vineyards Syrah (Mackey Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington): 100% Syrah. Deep, dark red. Very aromatic with eucalyptus, licorice, black fruit, and spice on the nose. Black fruit, spice, and mint come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $32

2009 Mackey Vineyards Concordia (Columbia Valley, Washington): 77.4% Syrah, 12.9% Grenache, and 9.7% Mourvedre. Deep, dark red. Nice nose with earth, vanilla, and game aromas. Black fruits and vanilla come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and lively with medium to high tannins and a medium finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 1 bang for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $38

Mackey Vineyards: A Winery to Watch in Walla Walla was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.