Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report Note: Site has moved to www.northwestwinereport.com

A vineyard designated wine is a rare beast for Cougar Crest - a winery known for making most of its bottlings from estate fruit sourced from Stellar Vineyard, Cougar Hills Vineyard, and Golden's Legacy Vineyard. All of these vineyards are within the Walla Walla AVA. The results in this wine are favorable overall, and I found the wine improved after being open over night.

As reported in our Walla Walla Spring Release 2007 report, Cougar Crest has opened a second label called Walla Walla River Winery. This winery’s initial releases are a dry Riesling, a Viognier, a Sauvignon Blanc, a red blend, and a Syrah. The winery is located at Cougar Crest’s old facility at the airport.

Wines:
Score	Name	Notes	$
+	Cougar Crest Stellar Vineyard Syrah 2005	Chukar cherries, herbal notes, and baking spices wind through the nose. On the taste, tart and loaded with cherries. Overall, a bit thinner on the mid-palate than I want it to be.	$35