Success in the wine world takes a word no one likes — patience — and the reason for that is predominantly because of another word many people don’t like — age — but this is in the sense of ageability, cellaring, the complexity a wine acquires as it sits idle in a bottle doing so much more than meets the eye.
Back in 2000, the owners of Maryhill Winery in Goldendale saw the potential for the area, and Craig and Vicki Leuthold relocated from Spokane to embark upon an adventure that would test their patience and, possibly, age them right along with their wines. But take heart because, as I said, age is a good thing.
Maryhill Winery was named Washington Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest, followed up in 2015 as Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, Best Destination Winery by Seattle Magazine, 2013 Winemaker of the Year by Indy International Wine Competition and 2014 Winery of the Year by San Francisco International Wine Competition. Patience is paying off for the Washington winery with the sweeping view of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Here’s but a sampling of their literally dozens of award-winning offerings:
• Maryhill Winery 2012 Syrah — Harvested from four separate Columbia Valley vineyards (including their estate vineyard, Gunkel), this is a quintessential syrah with smoky components that shine paired with grilled and smoked meats like ham and short ribs but the traditional Northwest couple — salmon and blueberries — are like a well-choreographed dance alongside a glass of this juicy wine. Vegetarians will be happy to know that grilled eggplant holds up to this substantial selection. 14.6 percent alcohol. Retail: $26.
