Ron Coleman Makes Tamarack Cellars a Great Place for Wine

One of the best things about writing wine reviews – apart from getting to sample some really good wines – is meeting people in the wine industry. Such was the case when Ron Coleman, owner/winemaker from Walla Walla’s Tamarack Cellars, was in Bellingham last month at Purple Smile Wines for a wine tasting featuring several of his current releases.

nullBesides having an extensive background in wines that includes being a wine salesman and a sommelier, Coleman is an extremely personable individual who greets you with a smile, pours you a glass of his wine and then likes to chat at length about what went into the finished product.

This is all a good thing, especially since Tamarack’s wines are well worth the time to find and enjoy. Here are my notes on some of the releases I sampled:

2004 Chardonnay (about $15) – Loaded with citrus and baked apple flavors, this chardonnay melts into a creamy finish topped with hints of toasty oak. Outstanding!

2004 Firehouse Red (about $18) – The “Heinz 57” of reds is a blend of about half cabernet and five other varietals. With lots of berry and cherry flavors and a bit of spice, there’s something for everyone in this well-priced wine.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $27) – Bold and complex with plenty of character, here’s a full-bodied cabernet that’s packed with berry and dark plum flavors and touches of French oak on the finish.

2002 Columbia Valley Syrah (about $28) – An incredible syrah that begins with layers of cherry, plum and mocha that melt into finish of smoke and spice. Available locally in extremely limited quantities that may also be special ordered through Food Pavilion and selected Haggen stores.

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