Stephenson Cellars Producing Some Awesome Red Wines

Added note: Stephenson Cellars 2003 Cabernet received a double gold at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival on November 12, 2005.

I first discovered Stephenson’s wines at the Temple Bar in Bellingham last year and was thoroughly impressed. This is a winemaker who is really on top of his game, producing some awesome red wines that are well crafted, complex and packed with mouth-watering flavors.

His current releases include the 2002 Syrah (about $28). This is a beautifully balanced wine with just the right amounts of dark cherry fruit, spice and a delicate smoky, earthy quality that make it resemble more of an Old World style Syrah.

Also available is the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $32). Stephenson calls this a lighter Cabernet, but I think it’s loaded with plenty of character. Blueberry aromas lead to red currant and cherry flavors with a serious layer of chocolate and mocha on the finish. This is one wine that commands your attention.

Stephenson Cellars wines can be purchased in Bellingham at The Vines and the Zephyr Bistro and are also served at the Oyster Bar and Cliff House restaurants.