Silver Lake Winery - Escape to Zillah

Enjoying a glass of Silver Lake wine and the view.

2008 Silver Lake Cabernet Merlot Reviewed

Two weeks ago I wrote about my impulsive trip to Zillah, Washington (Escape to Zillah). It was a sparkling, sunny morning when the road called out to me. I found myself unpredictably in the small winery community of Zillah, Washington. When in wine country, one should take advantage of the occasion to go taste wine. Tooling down the winding, shoulder-less road, I randomly chose, and followed the sign pointing the way to Silver Lake Winery.

Silver Lake Winery and Vineyards.

Silver Lake Winery is located at the end of Vintage Road, surrounded by vineyards. The tasting room is nestled on top of a hill, commanding what is likely the best view of the Yakima Valley in the area. This was my first visit to Silver Lake Winery, although I did visit this same facility many years ago, back when it was owned by Quail Run Vintners (ancient history). The current winemakers for Silver Lake Winery are William Ammons, since 2004 and Steve Hovanes, since 2008. While I did not visit with either of these winemakers, I was graciously treated and poured several samples of some outstanding red wines. A future re-visit is merited with a focus on note taking.

The view from the tasting room patio.

Purchasing a glass of the 2008 Cabernet Merlot, I sat outside on the patio and reveled in the sunshine while enjoying the view and the tasty red blend. I was impressed by the quality of the Silver Lake wines. Why have they been off of my radar? The glass of 2008 Cabernet Merlot was very enjoyable, so I purchased a bottle to evaluate at home.

2008 Silver Lake Cabernet Merlot.


2008 Silver Lake Cabernet Merlot, Tasting Notes:
When I first opened the bottle at home and poured myself a taste, there was distinct ginger bread and chocolate covered cherries in the mouth and finish, I set the bottle aside for 2 hours while I prepped dinner...the following notes are from 2 hours later.

Color: Deep garnet.
Nose: Oaky, earthy, mushroom, cherry background, hint of eucalyptus.
Mouth: Good mouth feel, cherry, vanilla, and an herbal component which reminds me of a cherry Sucrets, eucalyptus, dry and grippy, what I think of as “proper grippy” (as in “that wine is proper grippy and would go great with a grilled steak”).

This bottle emptied quickly and was thoroughly enjoyed. The 2008 Silver Lake Cabernet Merlot is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, Rattlesnake Hills AVA, 13.9% alcohol. Retail price: $12. Recommended + a Terrific Value. Seek this label out; they are producing some very good and reasonably priced wines.

FYI: Silver Lake has new label called “Girly Girl” wines. Have you noticed them at your local grocer? The Girly Girl wines have proven very successful for the winery; they quickly sold out of some their first releases and are releasing more.

Silver Lake tasting room pour.

The Silver Lake Zillah tasting room is:
open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (April – November) and
open Thursday – Monday from 11 am to 4 pm, (December – March).

On weekends they have Saturday and Sunday Barbeques. This facility is in a beautiful setting for some Washington wine adventures. Go visit them when you pass through the Valley. They also have a Woodinville tasting room, check their website for location and hours.

Silver Lake Winery, 1500 Vintage Road, Zillah, WA 98953
Call: 509.829.6235, Fax: 509.829.6895

Website: http://www.silverlakewinery.com/

Cheers!