Watch as the Cellarmaster, Paul Kalemkiarian tastes the
2002 Zefina Serience red / Grenache / Syrah / Counoise / Mourvedre from Columbia Valley, Washington.
An October 2007 Vintner Series Wine.

2002 Serience Red Wine

'Chairman's Best of Class'
- Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition, 2005

2001 Serience Red Wine

'Bronze'
- Rverside International Wine Competition, 2005

'Double Gold Medal / Best of Show Nominee'
- Hilton Head Wine Competition, 2005

'Silver Medal'
- The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, 2005

'93 points'
This blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Counoise is drawn from the slopes on Alder Ridge, a cool bank of the Columbia River where the wind reaches gale force as it races east. Indeed, there's a kind of wind-harnessed wildness to the fruit character that dramatically expresses site, and feels definitively Rhone-like in tone. This blend forcefully leads with its Grenache elements, staying bright and firm yet never forsaking a lush, succulent bolt of cherry raspberry fruit that gives the wine a kind of springlike luster. This is exuberant young vine fruit, that will only take on depth and power in years to come. Would be bracing with a saddle of rabbit.
- Wine & Spirits magazine, August 2004

'87 points'
Loads of spices are found in the nose of the 2001 Serience Red, an assemblage of 36% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, and 14% Counoise. This flavorful, medium-bodied wine displays raspberries, cherries, hints of brambleberries and bilberries in its spicy, herb-laced character. This wine's nose, mouth-feel, flavor profile and overall style are excellent, however some bitterness detected in the finish prevented a higher score. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
- The Wine Advocate

'Outstanding'
Winemaker extraordinare Charlie Hoppes crafted this Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mourvedre. Pleasing oak and earth aromas lead to absolutely lovely flavors of dark fruit and wonderful balance.
- Wine Press Northwest

'Gold Medal'
- NorthWest Wine Summit, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- San Francisco Wine Competition, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- Hilton Head Wine Competition, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition

'Exceptional'
Huge aroma of cranberry, fresh plums, spices and jam. The taste is utterly succulent, with loads of jammy/spicy fruit and an almost sweet finish. Not a long aging wine, but this Grenache-Syrah blend from Washington is a beguiling effort that's simply smashing with almost any food. Limited, but I encourage orders.
- Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences

'Terrific'
Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mourvedre make up the 2001 red Serience, a rich, spicy wine with hints of game.
- Anne Nisbet, Seattle magazine, January/February 2004

2003 Serience White

'Gold Medal'
- Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition, 2005

'Gold Medal'
- San Diego International Wine Competition, 2005

'Silver Medal'
- The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, 2005

2002 Serience White

'90 points'
- Wine & Spirits magazine, August 2004

'88 points'
Apricots, white flowers, notes of smoke, and honey can be found in the aromatic profile of the 2002 Serience White. Medium-bodied and satin textured, it is a blend of 55% Viognier and 45% Roussanne. Its expressive personality reveals white and yellow fruits in a plush, generous, forward style. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.
- The Wine Advocate

'88 points'
The peachy-apricot and honeysuckle character of Viognier dominates the blend, which balances a nice touch of citrus on a bright, fragrant finish. Viognier and Roussanne. Drink now.
- Wine Spectator, Dec. 31, 2003 - Jan 15, 2004

'Outstanding'
This new Washington winery that prides itself on fruit from the Alder Ridge - which is just downstream from Canoe Ridge on the Columbia River - and varieties outside the mainstream. This is a blend of 55 percent Viognier and 45 percent Roussanne, and it's marvelous. There's tremendous fruit in the nose with orange oil, pineapple, tangerine and lychee and some tropical spice notes. And it's a full-flavored wine with the same tropical fruits and ample acidity, including dried pineapple on the finish with just a touch of bitterness that will lend itself well to spicy ethnic cuisine.
- Wine Press Northwest

'Gold Medal'
- Hilton Head Wine Competition, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- San Francisco Wine Competition, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- NorthWest Wine Summit, 2004

'Silver Medal'
- The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, 2004

'Bronze Medal'
- 2003 Tri-Cities Wine Festival

'Bronze Medal'
- Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition

'Lush and delicious'
...I discovered some terrific wines from Zefina. Lush and delicious, the 2002 white Serience is blended from Rousanne and Viognier.
- Anne Nisbet, Seattle magazine, January/February 2004

2001 Zinfandel

2001 Zinfandel

'Excellent'
Bold yet elegant, this big Zin shows off ripe blackberry aromas and juicy dark fruit flavors laced with black pepper notes. Pair with a fine cut of beef.
- Wine Press Northwest

'Pretty'
Zin is finally catching up in Washington, and this pretty version features bright berries and accents of juniper spice.
- Paul Gregutt, 'Northwest Wines', The Seattle Times

'Silver Medal'
- 2003 Tri-Cities Wine Festival

In the Glass:
Aromas of sweet spice are accompanied by rich jam-like scents of raspberry and cherry, followed by hints of chocolate and more raspberry fruit in the mouth. Pairs nicely with braised lamb shanks and creamy polenta.
- Anne Nisbet, Seattle magazine, October 2004

2001 Sangiovese

'Excellent'
Complexity abounds in this zesty red by winemaker Charlie Hoppes. Cherry cola and black licorice aromas mingle with hints of spice and gobs of ripe, racy fruit.
- Wine Press Northwest

'Bronze Medal'
- NorthWest Wine Summit, 2004