The 2018 Vintage was released to our Road 27 wine club at the end of August in 2021, it was released wider to the public in January 2022. This page is actively maintained with the vintage’s rating and awards, check back regularly for updates.
2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 561 cases
77% new oak | 23% used once filled oak (one vintage, i.e. 22 months)
85% French oak | 15% Hungarian oak
19% of finished wine was aged in 500L puncheons
91 pts, Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
This producer has made its mark with outright delicious, unabashedly appealing, full-bodied wines, and that is what we have here. Coffee, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and blackberry aromas are followed by ripe, velvety fruit flavors. A warm, lingering finish caps it off. There’s enough tannin behind it all to hold this hedonistic offering all together. It’s delicious. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
90 pts – The Wine Panel
From Fielding Hills estate vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, this Cabernet has the classic masculine structure you may expect from cellar worthy Cabernet. While Washington requires wines to be made from at least 75% of one varietal to label it a single grape, this wine far exceeds that requirement with 90% Cabernet, along with just a touch of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah. The other varietals may add subtle layers of flavor and complexity, but this wine is really all about the Cabernet. Expect dark blackberry, currant, and even a bit of hazelnut in the background. With good, deep fruit richness, there’s a backbone of firm tannins that will soften over time in your cellar. If you can’t wait, use your aerator or decanter before enjoying with a hearty meal. 90 Points in the +$45 Category – The Wine Panel
92 pts – James Suckling
A mix of currants and plums on the nose with notes of coffee and a hint of blueberry. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Sweet tobacco and cedar on the palate. Well structured, with depth and intensity throughout. Drink or hold.
92 pts – Wine Spectator
Buy Wine
2018 Estate Cabernet Franc – 343 cases
38% new oak | 62% used once filled oak
86% French oak | 14% Hungarian oak
16% of finished wine was aged in 500L puncheons
90 pts– Wine Enthusiast
The aromas provide immediate appeal, with notes of flowers, dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate and cherry. The flavors are rich and high octane, but the palate is still more about sophistication than overt power. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
Buy Wine
2018 Estate Syrah – 534 cases
62% new oak | 38% used once filled oak
95% French oak | 5% American oak
44% of finished wine was aged in 500L puncheons
14% of finished wine was fermented whole cluster
91 pts – Wine Enthusiast
Owner and winemaker Mike Wade has made a name for himself over the last 20 years by creating rich, hedonistic wines, and that is what we have here. The aromas are subdued, with notes of tar and chocolate, while the palate is rich with full-bore black fruit flavors. It’s hedonism in a glass. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
92 pts – The Wine Panel
This is a bold Washington Syrah that delivers what Syrah lovers want in Spades. Big toasty oak notes, rich, deep dark flavors, and just enough structure to make it respectable yet not tannic. Expect blueberry, vanilla, cola, and roasted espresso beans along with a savory note that can remind you of olive tapenade. There’s a lot packed into this wine. 92 Points in the $35 to $45 Category – The Wine Panel
92 pts – James Suckling
A lovely nose of black cherry, blackcurrant, sage and toasted pine. Full-bodied with soft tannins. Rich and textured. So much intense dark fruit here. Woody price and roasted herbs too. Drink or hold.
93 pts – Wine Spectator
Buy Wine
2018 Estate Malbec – 328 cases
42% new oak | 58% used once filled oak
85% French oak | 15% Hungarian oak
17% of finished wine was aged in 500L puncheons
2018 Estate Tribute – Red Wine – 514 cases
22% new oak | 78% used once filled oak
88% French oak | 12% American oak
56% of finished wine was fermented and aged in a 30hL (800gal) French oak tank
90 pts – Wine Enthusiast
This is a blend of 58% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah. Beyond that are notes of coffee, cherry cordial and black licorice. The palate is full-throttle, chock-full of dark-fruit flavors. There’s a lot to like. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
93 pts – The Wine Panel
This wine is striking in its unusual depth and intensity, yet it has polish and grace. To get the super deep notes, wineries often over-extract their wines and end up with big, rough tannins and too dry of a finish. Not this time, not this wine. Tribute seems a fitting name for this wine, because after all, doesn’t the name imply paying homage with something special? The refined, creamy nature of this wine is paired with its dark deep notes of black fruit, dark chocolate, and espresso for a truly memorable experience. Crafted from 28% Merlot, 32% Cabernet, and 10% Syrah, sourced from Fielding Hills estate vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. This is one of the best wines we’ve experienced from the winemaker tandem of founder Mike Wade and his younger protégé Tyler Armour. 93 Points in the $35 to $45 Category – The Wine Panel
92 pts – James Suckling
Rounded aromas of plum, black cherry and blackcurrant. Full-bodied with lovely, toasted and herbal character. Fine tannins. Rather well balanced and sleek. Ripe, with a lovely note of dark chocolate.
92 pts – Wine Spectator
A handsome blend that’s refined and harmonious, showing appealing red currant, dustry mocha and spice flavors that finish with fine-grained tannins.
Buy Wine
2018 Estate Carmenere – 37 cases – SOLD OUT
59% new oak | 41% used once filled oak
100% French oak
90 pts – Wine Enthusiast
This variety is often known for its green elements, but it seems to have found a happy home at the winery’s warm vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. A bit reductive out of the gate, it has aromas of blackberry, cherry, baking spice and herbs leading to rich, pillowy soft dark-fruit flavors. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
2018 Estate Merlot – 168 cases
78% new oak | 22% used once filled oak
70% French oak | 30% American oak
22% of finished wine was fermented and aged in a 30hL (800gal) French oak tank
90 pts – Wine Enthusiast
The aromas announce themselves, with notes of freshly brewed dark coffee, chocolate, vanilla and baking spice, mixing fruit and barrel. Ripe fruit and spice flavors follow. It pulls no punches. SEAN P. SULLIVAN