The wines of Kelnan Wine Management are specifically selected with an eye for high winemaking standards while demonstrating tremendous value. In addition, each wine must have its own unique character and be fun to work with. In our years of experience, KWM understands value is a relative concept. We've often pondered the wisdom of plenty of $40-$50 Cabernets, Merlot, etc. that should have been priced in the low-teens. Conversely, we have enjoyed wines in the $30-$40 range that could easily compete against wines costing triple this amount. Our challenge is to find wines that stand for real value, represent their regions and tastes, and wines that are fun to drink by themselves or with friends and family with meals. For those who ascribe to this category, KWM offers the following:
WASHINGTON CALIFORNIA OREGON
DiStefano Winery, Woodinville, Washington. Winemaker Mark Newton crafts an exquisite selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Grenache, complimented by Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier. Exceptional attention to detail begins in the vineyard by selecting outstanding fruit sources with exacting standards (including Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge in Walla Walla Valley, Bacchus and Dionysis Vineyards in Columbia Valley, and Weinbau Vineyards on the Wahluke Slope), and continues meticulously in the winery throughout every step of the winemaking process. Emphasis is placed on achieving the finest possible wine by careful blending of these vineyard sources. These are elegant and sophisticated wines, crafted very much in a European style. Represented nationally. www.distefanowinery.com.
Donedei Wines, Tenino, Washington. Donedei is a very small (1,000 cases +/-) producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These are simply some of the finest examples of these varietals we have ever tasted! The vineyard sources are largely from Red Mountain (Artz, Ciel du Cheval, and Tapteil) with additional fruit from the very impressive Elephant Mountain Vineyard of the upper Yakima Valley. One hundred percent free-run juice, small batch fermentation, judicious amounts of oak, and exquisite winemaking result in absolutely stunning wines. Represented nationally. www.Donedei.com.
Eliseo Silva, Columbia Valley, Washington. Eliseo "Lee" Silva exemplifies the hard work and dedication necessary to grow extraordinary grapes in Washington’s outstanding Wahluke Slope appellation. Arriving in Washington State from Mexico at the age of 14 and the second youngest of 19 children, Lee, through perseverance and diligence has risen to become the Vineyard Manager for the Alice and Arete Vineyards of Tagaris Winery. These two vineyards, together representing 300 acres, were first planted in 1983 and produce some of the most highly sought-after fruit in the state. This outstanding reputation is a direct result of Lee's contributions and of others like him. Current wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah. Represented nationally.
Hightower Cellars, Red Mountain, Washington. Located on Red Mountain, Hightower Cellars produces very small quantities of finely hand-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, in addition to several remarkable Cabernet/Merlot blends. Grapes are handpicked and handsorted from outstanding vineyard sources: Artz, E & E Shaw on Red Mountain, Pepper Bridge in Walla Walla, and Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Winemaking duties are shared equally by the husband and wife team of Tim & Kelly Hightower, who will soon begin to use fruit from their own 10-acre estate vineyard on Red Mountain. Small batch fermentation, considerable barrel time, and gentle gravity racking result in rich and robust wines that also possess elegance and finesse. Represented nationally. www.hightowercellars.com.
Kiona Vineyards Winery, Red Mountain, Washington. An area pioneered by the Williams family, there was no agricultural development on Red Mountain prior to the planting of their vineyards in 1975. Their vision and conviction that Red Mountain could grow exceptional wine grapes transformed the region, and Red Mountain has become an internationally recognized growing area that produces wines rivaling the best in the world. Kiona Winery offers a variety of stunning wines that range from crisp, fruity dry Riesling, rich, robust Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah to luscious Chenin Blanc Ice Wine. The wines, in many instances, are produced from twenty-five to thirty-year old vines and many are made from 100% free-run juice. The result is a collection of wines that over-deliver on quality while being very reasonably priced. Represented nationally. www.Kionawine.com.
Sheridan Vineyard, Zillah, Washington. The very talented Scott Greer is owner/winemaker at Sheridan Vineyard. Situated on a high (1,500 feet) hill north of the town of Zillah in the middle of the Yakima Valley, Sheridan Vineyard is a seventy-six acre property that produces only estate-bottled wines. A classic, south-to-southwest facing slope, along with higher elevation, result in grapes that are high in sugar and high in acid, characteristics that are typically mutually exclusive in most grape growing areas. The resulting wines are quite rich and powerful without being overripe, over-alcoholic, over-alcoholic, or out of balance. Wine quality is extremely good with great attention paid to detail. Sheridan is a highly regarded property and production currently is quite limited. Represented nationally. www.SheridanVineyard.com.
Tagaris Winery, Columbia Valley, Washington. Founded in 1987 by Michael Taggares, Tagaris Winery is a family-owned estate winery, with two substantial vineyard sites. Arete Vineyard, located on Radar Hill near Othello, features 20+ year-old vines on a 200 acre site. The 100 acre Alice Vineyard property is located on a south-facing slope along the Saddle Mountains in the recently established Wahluke Slope AVA, widely recognized as one of the premier wine growing regions in Washington State. Represented nationally. www.tagariswines.com
