Did you know that Walla Walla Valley is among the most exciting and dynamic wine regions of the world? Around 30 years ago, some visionary winemakers realized the potential of this wine region. Now, Walla Walla produces world-class wines. Some wineries have a cult-like following, and you need to get on a waiting list to get on the waiting list to join the wine club and buy their wines.
These wines must be unique, but Walla Walla has many outstanding producers whose wine you can taste right now.
Dusted Valley Winery
Dusted Valley Winery is among the Walla Walla wineries that produce excellent wines and don’t make you get on the waiting list. While their production is only around 6,000 bottles, it might be available at your local wine store and some restaurants.
It was founded in 2003 by two Wisconsin families who relocated to Walla Walla with a dream that they turned into reality. They are focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay, along with Bordeaux and Rhone-style blends.
2016 BFM Dusted Valley
We selected this bottle during our trip to Walla Walla in spring of 2019.
2016 BFM is Merlot driven Bordeaux blend of 82% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. The fruit came from Dionysus Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA. It’s located on the east side of the Columbia River, 15 miles north of the Tri-Cities, WA.
In a typical season, Washington desert-like summer conditions result in very ripe fruit. BFM is no exception because the 2016 vintage is among the warmest on record.
The grapes went through 21-25 day maceration. Aged on fine lees in 45% new French oak and racked once before bottling.
Aromas
BFM is a fruit-driven, as expected from Merlot, with aromas of plum, ripe black currant, cherry, vanilla, and cedar.
Flavors
The flavors of plum and black cherry were complemented by herbs, tar, chocolate, and smoke.
Finish
2016 Dusted Valley BFM is an all-around winner in our view. It has everything that high-quality Merlot should. It’s full-bodied and fruity, yet it enough tannin and acidity to balance the ripe fruit. And we can still recall long aftertaste of chocolate-covered prune.
Pairing
Full-bodied Merlot like BFM pairs best with charred steaks, roast beef, and roast lamb. We had it with chargrilled medium-rare Wague steak, and it was an excellent combination. The bloody meat was complimented well by dark fruit in the wine, and charred bits went along with dark chocolate nicely. The acidity in wine balanced fatty Wague steak and turned into wine and food feast.
Have you tried yet Dusted Valley wines? What about Washington Merlot?
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