Dumas Station Red Wines: In a Word, Outstanding!
Dumas Station Wines carries a Dayton, Washington address (population about 2,500), but it’s actually seven miles west of this small town and an easy 30-minute drive northeast of Walla Walla.
Although it is a bit isolated, a road trip to this family-owned winery with it’s folksy/friendly atmosphere is just part of the package that makes it so appealing.
Owner/Managing Partner Jay DeWitt and Winemaker Dirk Brink head a team that is also doing a spectacular job producing a number of delicious, medal-worthy wines (as validated by the 2024 Pacific Northwest Wine Competition where they earned two Double Gold and two Gold medals out of four entries).
Dumas Station sources the majority of its grapes from estate owned vineyards, all of which are located in the Walla Walla Valley AVA on either side of the Washington/Oregon border.
A recent visit listed just one white wine on the tasting room menu (a stunner of a Pinot Gris) and a full complement of red wines that are nothing short of amazing.
Here are some tasting notes on wines that were sampled and currently available:
2020 Cow Catcher Red – This Merlot-based red blend scores with warm vanilla bean on the nose, dried blueberry and cherry fruit-roll flavors, and mouth-watering acidity. At $28, this is more than an ‘everyday’ red; it’s a flat-out delicious choice to serve for practically any occasion.
2021 Grenache – This gorgeous Grenache oozes with depth, flavor, and character. Black plum skins, textured tannins, and great acidity from a finishing splash of plum and black cherry juice all add up to a wine with picture-perfect balance. Try it with fresh-baked bread with a smear of pesto and roasted garlic.
2022 Syrah – Super-dark black currant fruit is at the core of this excellent Syrah, with flourishes of persimmon, juniper, and mint flavors and aromatics. The finish is both silky and chalky, with a touch of graphite that make it an excellent pairing partner with grilled meats.
2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon DeWitt Block – This grand slam of a Cabernet is big and dense with concentrated cassis and black licorice flavors, and capped by notes of tarragon, sweet cedar, and toasted oak. Enjoy it now with pork belly or a Porterhouse steak or stock it away in your cellar for another 10 years…easily.
Dumas Station Wines are also available for purchase on line at www.dumasstation.com. Phone the tasting room at (509) for 383-3037 for hours and reservations.