2009 Reader Survey Wine of the Year

2009 Washington Wine Report Reader Survey Wine of the Year

Alexandria Nicole Mr. Big Petite Syrah Horse Heaven Hills 2007 $42

Alexandria Nicole Cellars was started by Jarrod and Ali Boyle. Jarrod, who was born in Prosser, learned viticulture from Dr. Wade Wolfe (now of Thurston Wolfe Winery) when both were working for Hogue Cellars. After seeing a patch of land in the Horse Heaven Hills, Jarrod decided he wanted to try his hand at his own vineyard. The first vines of what would become Alexandria Nicole’s estate vineyard, Destiny Ridge, were planted in 1998. The original plan for the vineyard was to produce small lot grapes for others to use. However, after seeing the grapes coming from the vineyard, those plans changed. Alexandria Nicole, named for Jarrod’s wife Ali, was founded in 2004.

Petite Sirah is a rare beast in Washington. Called Durif in France and elsewhere, Petite Sirah was originally misidentified as Syrah when it was planted in California. The term ‘petite’ comes from the small size of the grapes. A small number of Washington producers, such as Alexandria Nicole, Animale, Daven Lore, Portteus, Martin Scott Winery, and Thurston Wolfe, produce a varietal bottling. That said, the producers who make it are passionate about the grape.

The 2007 Mr. Big Petite Sirah comes from Destiny Ridge Vineyards. 67 cases were produced.

2008 Viognier was  voted #3

To view a complete listing of the winners.

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The 2009 Wine of the Year is intended for the one Washington wine in 2009 that stood out among those you tasted. First, let me thank all of those readers who sent in nominations and who voted in the preliminary and final rounds. To recap, readers were encouraged to nominate up to five wines. In the preliminary round, everyone could vote on any three of these wines. In the final round, everyone could vote on any one. This year, I picked all wines that received over 10% of the preliminary vote to be in final voting.

1,840 people cast their votes in the final round for the 2009 Wine of the Year (see complete list of final voting below). Of the four finalists, voting between two wines went down to the final hours. Both wines are recognized here.

Here is the link wawinereport