Jones of Washington’s Victor Palencia Producing Excellent Wines

There’s an interesting story about the winemaking background of Victor Palencia, winemaker at Jones of Washington Wine in Quincy.

Palencia took an interest in winemaking when he was in his teens. Then he attended and graduated from Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture Institute, and went to work as winemaker at Willow Crest Winery in Prosser…all before he turned 21.

The catch, you see, was that Palencia was able to smell, sip and spit the wine, but not legally drink it. That all “magically” changed in January of 2006, when the turn of a calendar page marked his 21st birthday.

Now 26, and head winemaker at Jones of Washington, Palencia already has a decade of experience in the wine industry as both a vineyard worker and wine craftsman. He’s also part of the growing (and long overdue, but most welcome) trend of Hispanic winemakers making their presence known among those that enjoy premium Washington wines.

One thing that struck me when tasting Palencia’s wines is how solid and well-pronounced they come across on the palate. There’s virtually no mistaking their distinct, flavorful characteristics and that makes them an absolute pleasure to drink.

Here are my tasting notes on a few of Jones of Washington’s current releases:

2010 Rosé of Syrah (about $14) – For me, rosés generally fall into two categories: the savory, herby style and the fruitier, perfect-for-sipping variety. This one definitely falls into the latter…and in spades. Striking ruby color, strawberry cream on the nose, and big flavors of cranberry, cherry and candy apple all add up to this grand slam rosé.

2010 Chardonnay (about $17) – Here’s another substantial wine that will elevate your senses and leave you with a smile. Beautiful, round flavors of baked apple and nectarine glide into more of a tropical fruit edge and a lengthy finish that hints at crushed pineapple.

2008 Merlot (about $17) – Black cherry and fresh-brewed espresso aromas lead off, with a predominance of red fruit flavors including cranberry, cherry and currant. The wine’s bright acidity holds up nicely throughout a finish with traces of bittersweet chocolate.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $17) – This fruit-forward cabernet initially shines with plenty of pie cherry and red berry flavors. Mocha and toasted oak nuances come through later while firm, but unobtrusive tannins linger in the background.

According to the winery web site, you’ll find Jones of Washington wines locally at the Cordata Community Food Co-Op and Purple Smile Wines in Fairhaven. They can also be ordered on line at jonesofwashington.com.