From: Yakima, Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo
Taste: The latest edition of their celebrated 'Lady in Red' blend pays homage to Cindy Walker. The wine encapsulates the essence of Kestrel Vintners with its jammy fruit aromas and flavors of cherries, plums, and berries, complemented by hints of toasted oak, spice, and a smooth, lingering finish.
Pairing: When pairing Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine known for its intense and bold flavor, choosing heartier and richer dishes is advisable. These robust flavors complement the wine by cutting through its intensity. Conversely, opting for lighter fare, such as certain fish dishes, can lead to an imbalance where the wine's strong flavor overwhelms the delicate taste of the food, which is different from the desired outcome. This wine should be paired with rich, fatty steaks, grilled lamb, caramelized onion burgers, and vegetarian options like Portabello mushrooms.
Lamb Patties With Fried Onions And Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
By David Tanis
About: John J. Walker’s dream, born during a business trip to Seattle in 1995, transformed into reality with the establishment of Kestrel View Estate. Walker's encounter with a glass of Washington red wine left such an impression that it inspired him to delve into the wine industry despite his Floridian roots.
The Walkers enamored with the Pacific Northwest's rich culinary and wine scene, saw untapped potential in Washington's emerging wine industry. Their decision to purchase a 160-acre estate in Prosser, Yakima Valley, marked the beginning of Kestrel Vintners. This vineyard, chosen for its quality vinifera grapes and named after the native sparrow hawk, is now adorned with Kestrel houses, a tribute to the bird that charmed the couple.
Kestrel's first 1995 vintage featured Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, embodying John Walker's vision of crafting wines for every table. This ambition has been meticulously realized through a rigorous selection process, ensuring that only the finest grapes contribute to their Reserve and Winemaker’s Select Series.
Today, Cindy Crowley, Walker's vibrant daughter, continues her father's legacy alongside a creative team. The winery, which started as a 3,000-case establishment, has expanded to approximately 35,000 cases from a 15,000-square-foot facility with a state-of-the-art cellar and a welcoming tasting room.
The Kestrel View Estate Vineyard, sitting atop the Rattlesnake Slope at 1200 feet, is a jewel in Washington State. Home to some of the oldest Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the state, it benefits from the region's unique climatic conditions. With more sunlight than California’s prime growing regions and a perfect balance of warm days and cool nights, the vineyard produces fruit with high natural acids, leading to richly flavored, well-balanced wines.
The vineyard's soil composition is equally noteworthy, featuring a complex blend of basalt bedrock, glacial sediments, and loess soils, creating an ideal terroir for wine grape cultivation. This meticulous viticulture practice has fostered a reputation for excellence.
