Accolades
Upchurch Vineyard was created in 2007 and since then has garnered much praise.
“What I have learned is that if you start with a great site and then give every aspect of it all the attention it deserves, in both the vineyard and the cellar, then the accolades will follow.” – Chris Upchurch
Indeed Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon received 95, 93, 96, 96, and 95 point scores for its first 5 vintages respectfully from Jeb Dunnuck of the Wine Advocate and both our merlot dominant blend "Counterpart" and the "Southwest Facing" sauvignon blanc are following suit with 90+ point scores.
Jeb Dunnuck- Cabernet Sauvignon (97)
Including 9% Merlot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a magical Cabernet as well as the finest wine made at this estate to date. Massive notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, cedary spice, and leafy herbs all flow to a full-bodied Red Mountain Cabernet that has awesome purity of fruit, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s going to benefit from a handful of years in the cellar and keep for two decades.
Jeb Dunnuck- Counterpart (93)
The 2016 Counterpart is two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon, all from estate fruit. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered Merlot has subtle background oak as well as terrific black cherry and blackberry fruits intermixed with notes of leafy herbs, underbrush, and truffle. It’s a brilliant Merlot to drink over the coming 10-12 years.
Jeb Dunnuck- Southwest Facing Sauvignon Blanc (91)
Starting with the white and aged 18 months in concrete eggs, the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Dick Boushey Vineyard has a classic bouquet of green citrus, white flowers, and a terrific sense of minerality. Reminding me of a top Bordeaux Blanc, it’s medium-bodied, balanced, and has a crisp, clean finish.
Stephen Tanzer- Southwest Facing Sauvignon Blanc (91)
"From vines planted in 2004; done entirely in cement, with no malolactic fermentation): Pale straw-gold color. Distinctly ripe, pungent scents of stone fruits and musky ginger. Very ripe but very dry, with serious palate presence to its flavors of Bosc pear, honey, and stone. A bit in the style of a ripe Sancerre, showing little in the way of herbal character. A standout in the context of the Washington Sauvignon Blancs I tasted this year."
Local Awards
2018 Seattle magazine Red, White, & Rose "Best Red Blend over $45"- Counterpart
2018 Seattle Met "30 Most exciting wines in Washington" - Counterpart
2018 Sip Northwest "Best of the Northwest" Best Packaging - Counterpart
2018 Great Northwest Wine Invitational Wine Competition "Best Merlot-Based Blend"- Counterpart
2018 Washington State Wine Competition "Best of Class/Gold Medal"- Counterpart
Check out these awesome reviews from Dr. Owen Bargreen of Washington Wine Blog! http://www.washingtonwineblog.com/blog/2019/3/20/upchurch-vineyard