Basel Cellars Estate Winery

Chateau Mouton Rothschild was the inspiration for the winery design at this wine resort, which includes accommodations in the grand lodge and in a Cabana, and estate vineyards that overlook the Walla Walla River.

Perhaps the famous Bordeaux inspired the winemaker, too, who crafted this blend of 84% Merlot [from Canoe Ridge (Horse Heaven Hills AVA) and DuBrul (Yakima Valley AVA) vineyards] and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon from Les Collines in Walla Walla Valley. Only 590 cases were produced so the wine is hard to find, but at $24 a bottle, it is well worth the search if you are a fan of the fruit forward Columbia Valley style Merlots.

Rich, round, and dense, the wine has aromas of chalk, cedar, vanilla, and that classic Columbia Valley blueberry, along with a sensation of high alcohol. On the palate, the flavors are intense, with blueberry, plum, mocha, and caramel notes. This full-bodied wine is fairly hot on the palate as well, so steer clear of spicy dishes when thinking about food pairings. A nice, juicy steak with blue cheese butter would be just the ticket. It is chewy on the finish with evident oak tannins, bright, juicy, refreshing natural acidity, and a slightly bitter espresso note.

Reviewed January 31, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.

Other Awards & Accolades

88 POINTS -- Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
"Full red-ruby. Black raspberry, mocha, dark chocolate and nutty oak on the sweet nose, lifted by a minty nuance. Sweet, soft and lush, with easygoing dark fruit flavors offering considerable early appeal. Finishes with firm, ripe tannins and lingering dark berry flavor."