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

This is part of a report on the South Seattle Artisan Wineries. Additional sections of the report will be posted to the blog. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.

Falling Rain produces three proprietary blends, each of which is unique and compelling. The first is a Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc called Irise. The 2007 vintage of this wine was barrel fermented and underwent full malolactic fermentation. The first of the two red blends, Cloudburst, is an intriguing blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet, and Malbec. The second, Mischief, is a Bordeaux-style blend. Judith Papesh serves as winemaker.

Note: All reds sampled at 63 degrees.


Falling Rain Irise White Wine Columbia Valley 2007 $22
Rating: + (Good) Pale straw colored. An appealing nose that is almost champagne-like in style with yeast and lemon aromas. Rich and creamy on the palate without being thick. A pleasant balance of fruit and dryness. This is quite an intriguing wine unusual in style for Washington. 55% Semillon, 45% Sauvignon Blanc. Sampled at 55 degrees.

Falling Rain Cloudburst Red Wine Columbia Valley 2006 $25
Rating: * (Excellent) Black licorice, cola, chocolate, and blackberry mark the nose. Impressively balanced on the palate with chocolate and black fruit flavors. Hits all of the right notes and hangs on for the finish. 30% Syrah (Lewis Vineyard), 30% Merlot (Wahluke Slope Vineyard), 30% Cabernet Sauvignon (Lewis Vineyard, Wahluke Slope Vineyard), 10% Malbec (Gilbert Vineyard). Aged in French and American oak.

Falling Rain Mischief Red Wine Columbia Valley 2006 $25
Rating: * (Excellent) Ground black licorice aromas pair with black fruit on an enjoyable nose. Rich with chocolate and fruit on the palate with a lingering finish. 45% Merlot (Wahluke Slope Vineyard), 42% Cabernet Sauvignon (Lewis Vineyard, Wahluke Slope Vineyard), 13% Malbec (Gilbert Vineyard). Aged in French and American oak.

Falling Rain Mischief Red Wine Columbia Valley 2007 $25
Rating: * (Excellent) A bit closed up at the moment with pencil lead, black fruit and chocolate. Big and brawny with fruit and tannins on the taste. Needs time in the bottle as it comes off as a bit dry and tight right now but this will be an impressive wine. Give 1-2 years. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot. Aged in French and American oak.