Charles Smith Wines: the Modernist Project focuses on the way people generally consume wine today, immediately! Wine in this category is typically either simple, or a wine that would be much better a few years down the road. Charles Smith Wines are wines that are about putting as much into the bottle as possible. The intent is to create wines to be enjoyed now, but with typicity of variety (i.e., merlot that tastes like merlot) and to the vineyard (wine that tastes like where it was grown). The wines are full of flavor, balanced, and true to place of origin. For Charles Smith Wines the fruit is sourced from some of Washington State's finest vineyards. Greatest attention is paid to those growers that practice sustainable farming methods. Owner-winemaker Charles Smith with his big hair, kick ass attitude and bold packaging has earned the moniker "rock star" of Washington State Syrah. Charles Smith arrived in the Walla Walla Valley following 11 years in Scandinavia managing rock bands. Originally from northern California, he has been involved with wine personally and professionally his entire life. In 2009 Food & Wine Magazine recognized Charles as "Winemaker of the Year."
63cWashington » Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley
" Yet another terrific vintage. Pure, focused and mouthwatering. Citrus blossom, lime leaf, white peach intermingle with mineral that fills the palate. Carries on to
James Suckling 91 A perfumed nose of white peach, pink grapefruit and white flowers. Medium-bodied and flavorful. Lots of stone fruit and wet minerals. Refreshing, soft
James Suckling 92 A fragrant nose of sliced apple, rose and orange blossom. Medium-bodied. Rather fresh and mineral with good depth and presence. Very tasty.
65bWashington » Columbia Valley
Tasting Notes "The color is a pale salmon, copper pink with flashes of fuschia. The aromatics lead with notes of wild raspberry and cherry, giving in
This little devil is wrapped in a velvet robe. Full with density and bursting with flavor. Dark fruit, cherry ,blackberry. Brimming with cedar, pipe tobacco
Washington » Walla Walla Valley
Jeb Dunnuck 94 “The 2016 Roma (80/20 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) has a singular style in its olive, tobacco, baking spice, and chocolate-laced aromas. This carries
87bWashington » Columbia Valley
Boom Boom! exploded on the wine industry in 2007, and this spicy Syrah has been one of Washington States signature wines ever since. Its a
67dWashington » Walla Walla Valley
Wine Enthusiast 91 “The only varietally labeled Barbera from the Rocks District, this offers intriguing notes of currant, savory herb, pipe tobacco and moist earth. The
Washington » Walla Walla Valley
Jeb Dunnuck 93 “A co-fermented blend of 75/25 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from a site in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, the 2015 Cabernet /
76cWashington » Columbia Valley
"If You like Cabernet dark and rich! This is your sexy beast. Chocolate, dark cherry and tobacco leaf. It continues with earth and stone on
Wine Enthusiast 89 Best Buy "Syrah makes up 64% of this wine, with the rest Grenache (26%) and Mourvdre (10%). Coming from sustainably farmed vineyards, this wine
Vinous Media 89 "Light, shimmering pink. Peach, honeydew melon, mango and strawberry on the highly perfumed nose. Round and open-knit, offering juicy pit fruit, red berry
"If You like Cabernet dark and rich! This is your sexy beast. Chocolate, dark cherry and tobacco leaf. It continues with earth and stone on
James Suckling 91 A fruity, tangy pinot grigio with dried-pineapple and mango character. Steely at the same time. Full bodied, layered and delicious. Flavorful finish. Intense,
This little devil is wrapped in a velvet robe. Full with density and bursting with flavor. Dark fruit, cherry ,blackberry. Brimming with cedar, pipe tobacco
Washington » Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley
" Yet another terrific vintage. Pure, focused and mouthwatering. Citrus blossom, lime leaf, white peach intermingle with mineral that fills the palate. Carries on to
Wine Enthusiast 90 "Syrah (71) makes up the backbone of this wine along with Cabernet Sauvignon (17) and other Rhne varieties. An appealing pale-salmon color, this
Very cool wine. Pure, vibrant, fresh, penetrating perfume giving way to lilac, guava, tangerine, and passion fruit. Delivered on a silky palate, this
Washington » Walla Walla Valley
Wine Spectator 95 Impressive for its structure and polish, a wine that seamlessly marries Cabernet and Syrah while retaining the best of both, showing blackberry, black
“Very cool wine. Pure, vibrant, fresh, penetrating perfume giving way to lilac, guava, tangerine, and passion fruit. Delivered on a silky palate, this
Wine Enthusiast 90 Best Buy “Vineyard-designated offerings of this variety are an extreme rarity in the state. Citrus, green apple, herb and wilted flower aromas predominate.
Wine Enthusiast 90 Wine Spectator 88 "Sleek and perky, with strawberry and watermelon flavors accented by spice. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise. Drink now.
Tasting Panel 91 "Fresh, smooth, and luscious with blackberry notes and tangy, balanced style. The winery describes it as one of the biggest and boldest Syrahs
"If You like Cabernet dark and rich! This is your sexy beast. Chocolate, dark cherry and tobacco leaf. It continues with earth and stone on
The Vintage Coming off of two rather hot vintages, 2017 was warmer still setting the record for the warmest vintage on record in Washington State. Spring