Two Mountain Winery Seems to Get Better Every Year

One of the best parts of my job is watching a winery – like a good wine – develop and mature with each passing year.

That’s certainly the case with Two Mountain Winery in Zillah. Brothers Matt and Patrick Rawn have come a long way since their first vintage in 2002. I’ve followed their winery almost since its inception and it’s been a pleasure to taste, critique and give their wines the recognition they deserve for a job that’s become increasingly well done.

But winemaking accolades don’t just fall out of the sky. Shirley Puryear at nearby Bonair Winery notes that in addition to being great guys, the Rawn brothers have become “two of the hardest workers in the wine business.”

The Rawn’s familial ties trace to Copeland Vineyard, which is planted on the family farm that was originally established in 1951. Located in the Rattlesnake Hills Appellation, the vineyard is responsible for over 90 percent of the grapes used to make Two Mountain Wines.

I’ve traveled to the tasting room on several occasions and it’s easily one of the least pretentious and laid back facilities I’ve visited. Tasting Room Coordinator, Rachel Haney, will see that you’re treated to a nice selection of past and current releases and you may even find Matt and Patrick’s mom, Kathryn, helping out behind the counter, as I did during a stop in October that ran nearly an hour past closing time.

Here are my tasting notes on several Two Mountain Wines that deserve your attention:

Hidden Horse VIII Non-Vintage Red Wine (about $15) – This tasty blend provides a whiff of berry, caramel, and black olive, followed by generous flavors of red cherry and blackberry. Supple tannins round out the finish on this perfect-for-everyday wine.

2010 Chardonnay (about $21) – Delicate and lighter in body than most Washington chardonnays, it displays gentle notes of apple, clover, allspice, and honeysuckle and a slightly buttery finish with toasted oak. It’s complex, yet elegant and reminiscent of a fine French Chablis.

2008 Merlot (about $22) – Everything berry comes to the forefront, particularly raspberry and thimbleberry aromas and flavors. The soft finish hints at dusty rose, with just the right bit of texture.

2008 Syrah (about $25) – A wine’s acidity generally reveals itself near the finish, but with this well-crafted syrah, the bright, pie cherry flavors lead off and then melt into a darker layer of plum, blackberry and espresso with a tinge of clove. Outstanding!

For ordering and distribution visit twomountainwinery.com or phone (509) 829-3900.