the plains of washington with the logo for wine 101 at syndicate wine bar

22. Wines of Red Mountain AVA

$25.00

Instructor: David Anderson, WSET- 3

Located in southeastern Washington State, Red Mountain is a seeming geologic oddity within the Yakima Valley, home to dozens of prized vineyards known for producing expressive, high quality wines.

How did Red Mountain come to be? What makes its microclimate and terroir so distinct to have earned it an American Viticultural Area designation?

In this Wine 101 session, we learn about and discuss the geologic and natural history of the area, including how it was shaped by repeated ice dam breaches left over from the previous Ice Age.

We examine the unique soil deposits and warm growing environment, along with other factors that contribute to the growing region’s noteworthy wines.

We also highlight some of the founding Red Mountain vineyards that put the region on the map, and sample nine red wines from vineyards growing on its slopes.

Curriculum length: 3460 words. This is a self-directed online class.  Wines are not included.

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Description

This class covers some of the major varietals, styles, and producers of Red Mountain AVA. To prepare, you will want to source the following nine (9) Red Mountain AVA wines, available in the Pacific Northwest wine market. If you cannot find them, a suitable alternative is to source other wines from Red Mountain (the vintage isn’t as important as varietal and style):

  • Guardian Cellars 2022 Confidential Source (medium-bodied Merlot)
  • Gorman 2022 Zachary’s Ladder (Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah dominant red blend)
  • The Walls 2022 Stanley Groovy Vinho Tinto (Portuguese-style red blend)
  • Townshend 2019 Red Mountain Merlot (medium-full bodied Merlot)
  • Andrew Januik 2021 Stone Cairn Cabernet (medium-full bodied)
  • Force Majeure 2021 Parabellum Coulée (Rhone-style red blend)
  • 2019 Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain Syrah
  • Pacific Rim 2017 Thick Skinned Red Mountain Blend (Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend)
  • Cadence 2022 Coda (full-bodied, Right Bank Bordeaux-style blend)

Recommended Additional Class

This class focuses on wines from Red Mountain AVA. Class 4 focuses on wines from Walla Walla Valley AVA, approximately one hour east of Red Mountain. Grapes there are subject to a considerably different microclimate, but will appeal to a similar palate as wines from this class. It is available for purchase and download through this online store.