Waterbrook Wine - Awards and Acclaim

April 01, 2012

Waterbrook - 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon- BEST BUY (88 points)

Wine Enthusiast
Just $12, This luscious Cabernet Sauvignon made by John Freeman proves to be another value tier winner!

April 01, 2012

Waterbrook - 2009 Merlot - BEST BUY (89 Points)

Wine Enthusiast
Washington Merlot proves its merit onces again, delivering big taste and even better value. At $12 this Watebrook 2009 Merlot is a steal. Enjoy!

December 18, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - P. Gregutt's TOP 100

Seattle Times, Wine Adviser

December 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon-92 Points

Wine & Spirits

November 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Merlot "Best of the West" - steals under $15

Sunset
In its annual roundup citing the best of the West in several price tiers, Waterbrook's 2008 Merlot was cited as a finalist for steals $15 and under. -Sara Schneider, November 2011

October 15, 2011

Waterbrook - 2010 Sagniovese Rose - 89 Points

Wine Spectator

"This gentle rosé is shocking pink in color but subdued in its strawberry and rhubarb flavors. Flavors pick up intensity on the dry finish. Drink now." Harvey Steiman, October 15, 2011

October 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 Points

Wine Enthusiast

August 31, 2011

Waterbrook - 2009 Waterbrook Reserve Chardonnay - 90 Points

Robert Parker
"The 2009 Reserve Chardonnay was naturally fermented and aged in 79% new French oak. Buttered popcorn, poached pear, jasmine, and melon aromas set the stage for a ripe, plush, tasty Chardonnay that over-delivers in a big way."

August 13, 2011

Waterbrook - 2010 Waterbrook Melange Blanc - Recommended

The Seattle Times
"A lush blend of riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier, it mixes crisp citrus fruit with bright, floral highlights." -Paul Gregutt, August 13, 2011 More Info >>

August 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2010 Waterbrook Rosé - Recommended Value Summer White

Food & Wine
"Washington's Columbia Valley isn't known for the Sangiovese grape variety, nor for rosés. As a result, Waterbrook's lightly floral bottling is a nice surprise." - Ray Isle, Food & Wine, August 2011 More Info >>

July 20, 2011

Waterbrook - Waterbrook Winery - Tourists Pour into Walla Walla for Wine Events

Wine & Dine Walla Walla

Tourist Pour into Walla Walla for Wine Events - Wine & Dine Walla Walla Blog

In one corner, next to a red 1906 Schacht Model K "High Wheeler" automobile, are mannequins adorned in 1940s daywear. A black dress with a terra cotta sash for her; a brown, double-breasted herring bone suit for him.

Outside on the patio is a 1928 Chevrolet sedan parked near a group of people enjoying a wine picnic. All around are even more cars and period clothing from the first half of the 20th century, with people milling about, looking, sipping glasses of wine, sampling from a food platter.

Then there's talk of rock, and benefit jazz and symphony performances on deck - while a version of "Whatever Lola Wants" from the 1955 musical "Damn Yankees" is piped through the room.

OK, so what's going on here? Is this a museum? Concert venue? Charitable organization? A winery?

Actually, this recent exhibit of antique cars and classic clothing at Waterbrook Winery makes it all of the above. It serves as an example of how the winery and others in the Valley are stretching to offer more extracurricular activities to draw tourists and local customers to stay ahead in the wine business. And the tourists they draw contribute heavily to Walla Walla County's total economy.

"It's about creating experience," said Ron Williams, Waterbrook tasting room manager. "You give that experience, and people will associate that product with it for the rest of their lives."

Witness Mary Ann Tobia, a retired Yakima school teacher who with one hand was fondling a 1940s-era terra cotta sash on a mannequin and holding a glass of Waterbrook's Sangiovese Rose in the other:

"I was just a kid in the 1940s," she says. "The detail [of the sash], it looks like something Edith Head designed for the movies."

Founded in 1984, Waterbrook is not the first winery in the Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area to go beyond simply offering wine and related gift shop items out of its tasting room.

But since it was bought by Seattle-based Precept Wine in 2006, opened a 53,000-square-foot production facility and 5,000-square-foot visitor facility west of Walla Walla in 2008, it's taken offering events to broader heights on its larger grounds.

"It has to be different. It has to be surprising. And it has to be on a certain scale," said Williams. "For me, to get people to drive the 10 miles from Walla Walla, it has to be on a grander scale."

The recent cars and clothing exhibit got started when Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Donald Schacht - a member of the Walla Walla Historical Auto Club - asked Waterbrook if he could use the winery as a destination for a Fourth of July weekend gathering.

"They were willing and excited to have us," he said.

The judge, a distant relative of the founder of Cincinnati-based Schacht automobile and truck manufacturer, which operated from 1904 through 1937, said the rally drew 70 antique and vintage automobiles from as far away as Seattle, Portland, Boise and Salt Lake City. His wife, Margaret, who collects period clothing, and other members of the club enhanced the exhibit with examples of formal evening and daywear and accessories.

Coming in August will be a jazz festival to benefit Friends of Children of Walla Walla, and in 2012 a "Wine Blowing Weekend" of one-of-a-kind glass art and glass-blowing demonstrations is being planned as a fundraiser for the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

Cultural bonus
The wine industry also is a factor in changes to the cultural landscape, to a point that is exceptional among small rural towns. The Walla Walla Symphony and three colleges in the vicinity have long served to bring cultural events and noted speakers to the area, but the growth of wineries has enhanced that with more private art shops and professional performances.

Williams, as an example, points to Nano Lopez, a native of Bogota, Colombia, who now lives in Walla Walla and is internationally renown for his colorful bronze sculpture.

But one cultural aspect that has not changed - despite increased competition - is the spirit of cooperation among local wineries, which have long helped each other out in growing and developing the Valley's industry.

In the upcoming Museum of Glass event, for example, Waterbrook is inviting a number of local wineries on and off Highway 12 west of Walla Walla to also pour their own wines.

"Philosophically, we have an obligation, obviously, to sell wine," Williams said. "But as a gateway winery it's kind of important we champion the Valley."

More Info >>

July 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Merlot - 89 points, BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast
"Excellent grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla and Yakima Valley AVAs combine to craft a supple, smooth, lightly chocolatey red wine that harks back to the great Waterbrook Merlots of the 1980s" - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

July 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2009 Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc - 89 points, BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast
"This juicy, fresh, fruit-laden wine captures the ideal mix of snappy citrus and luscious stone-fruit. Delicious." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

July 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Cabernet Sauvignon - 88 points, BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast
"A uniquely Washington take on Cabernet Sauvignon." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

July 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Chardonnay - 88 points, BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast
"Complex and well-crafted, especially at this price point. Tropical fruit, some taost and texture, good persistence and the right balancing acidity." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

July 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2009 Waterbrook Pinot Gris - 88 points, BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast
"A Washington Pinot Gris that has some of the flesh and texture of a fine Oregon version, yet brings the spice and verve of bight Washington fruit into play. Pear, apples, acacia, orange candy, even a bit of pineapple combine into a fruity and delicious wine." - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, July 2011

June 01, 2011

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Merlot - 88 points, Value & By-the-Glass Recommendation

The Tasting Panel
"Smooth, fresh and earthy with ripe, juicy plum and blackberry fruit; harmonious and supple with balance and good length." - Anthony Dias Blue, The Tasting Panel, June 2011

May 01, 2011

Waterbrook - Waterbrook - Top Value Brand of the Year!

Wine & Spirits Magazine

April 29, 2011

Waterbrook - Waterbrook Winery - Recommended

Wineandspiritstravel.blogspot.com

"We went down the road to Waterbrook Winery, a large, modern facility. It's only been open for three years and is welcoming with a large outdoor deck for events, with bocce ball and croquet on the sides. We met with winemaker John Freeman and did some barrel tasting of some wines I can't wait for, like the 2010 Waterbrook Mélange Blanc, a perfectly suited blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris, and toured the 53,000 square foot modern facility before heading to their tasting room for lunch.

It's hard for me to decide which I liked better at lunch, the wonderful selection of wines or the incredible food by Executive Chef Ceil Blaine. Let's just say it started with a salad with Red Onion, Avocado and Mint accompanied by the perfectly balanced 2010 Waterbrook Rose, and ended with a Tart with a Seeded Crust, Pumpkin, Walnuts and Cream with Bing Cherries soaked in Syrah and Triple Sec paired with Chocolate Shop Wine!"

More Info >>

December 01, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Merlot-Cabernet - 88 points, BEST BUY, Year's BEST Bordeaux-Style Blend

Wine & Spirits
"Ripe and full bodied, wtih scents of oak and juicy cherries, this blend is ideal for ribs off the grill." - Wine & Spirits, December 2010

December 01, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Meritage - 92 points, BEST BUY, Year's BEST Bordeaux-Style Blend

Wine & Spirits
"Burly tet well-built, this posh blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot leads with scents of plum and cedar, its marked oak presence feeling warm and expensive." - Wine & Spirits, December 2010

December 01, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Reserve Merlot - TOP 100 Wine (#46), 92 POINTS, SMART BUY

Wine Spectator

October 15, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Reserve Merlot - 92 POINTS, SMART BUY

Wine Spectator
"Ripe, pure, focused and beguiling for its balance, offering blueberry, raspberry and plum fruit at the core, layered wtih hints of red pepper, clove and peach fuzz as the finish extends extraordinarily well." - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

October 15, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Merlot-Cabernet - 89 Points, TOP 200 VALUE of 2010

Wine Spectator

"This polished red gleams with raspberry and red plum fruit, framed with hints of coconut, clove and red pepper that linger gorgeously through the silky finish." - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

89 Points - Two Vintages Running!

October 01, 2010

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Pinot Gris - 88 Points, BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast
"Bold and fruity, this runs through a spectrum from tart lemon to ripe pineapple to hints of something riper and sweeter, like banana or papaya. A good alternative to Chardonnay for those who favor fruit over oak." -Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast

September 01, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - 90 points, EDITORS' CHOICE

Wine Enthusiast

July 31, 2010

Waterbrook - 2009 Waterbrook Sangiovese Rosé - Top Rosés in the World

Wine Spectator
"Light, dry and refreshing for its vivid watermelon and guava flavors, lingering gently." - Harvey Steiman, July 31, 2010

June 01, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Melange Noir, 90 Points, TOP 100, BEST BUY

Wine & Spirits Magazine

"This bright blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cebernet Franc has a caramel scent to go with its dark cassis flavors. Balanced, clean, fruity and bight, it's got the dusty Sangiovese tannins for braised beef." - Wine & Spirits, June 2010

June 01, 2010

Waterbrook - Waterbrook Mélange Blanc - DOUBLE GOLD

2010 Seattle Wine Awards

April 25, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Melange Noir, 89 Points

Wine Spectator
"Lithe and distinctive, with a harmonious range of blackberry, raspberry, cherry and space mindling effortlessly on the light, refined finish" - Harvey Steiman, May 31,2010

April 25, 2010

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Pinot Gris, 87 Points

Wine Spectator
"Fresh and lively, with pretty pear and melon aromas and flavors, lingering gently." - Harvey Steiman, May 31, 2010

March 25, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Reserve Merlot, EXCELLENT

Wine Press Northwest
"It's beautifully balanced and should only get better." - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

March 25, 2010

Waterbrook - 2007 Waterbrook Melange Noir - Excellent, BEST BUY

Wine Press Northwest
"The number 4 founded winery in Walla Walla remains in the hands of winemaker John Freeman, and his blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese continues to earn shelf space in the market"

March 25, 2010

Waterbrook - 2009 Waterbrook Sangiovese Rose - Recommended

Wine Press Northwest
"The Oasis Vineyard long as served as the source for this dry pink that's big on strawberry freezer jam and cherry blossom aromas" - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

March 25, 2010

Waterbrook - 2008 Waterbrook Pinot Gris - Recommended, BEST BUY

Wine Press Northwest
"Willow Crest Vineyard in the Yakima Valley now serves as an estate source fro this expanding operation in Walla Walla, and no oak gets in the way of this furit that features entry points of apple cider, orange juice and lime yogurt." - Wine Press Northwest, Spring 2010

November 17, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Waterbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 91 Points, TOP 100 WINE of 2009

Wine Spectator
"Round and appealing for its ripe cherry and currant flavors and medium-weight frame, which lets this become expressive as the finish lingers." - Harvey Steiman, June 15 2009

July 24, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Merlot-Cabernet, 89 Points, TOP VALUE

Wine Spectator

"Polished and refined, glowing with currant and blackberry; persists impressively on the poised finish."- Harvey Steiman, July 30, 2009

In his Washington report, Steiman also writes, "WHEN IT COMES TO FINE RED WINES AT FAIR PRICES, WASHINGTON EXCELS. It's Cabernet Sauvignons are rich in pure fruit flavors and Merlot remains a sold performer. Best of all in these turbulent times, you can explore terrific versions of all these varieties for $30 a bottle or less."

June 30, 2009

Waterbrook - 2007 Chardonnay - 88 Points, BEST VALUE

Wine Spectator

June 15, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Reserve Merlot - 90 Points! "An outstanding example of Washington Merlot."

Wine Enthusiast

June 15, 2009

Waterbrook - 2007 Reserve Chardonnay - 89 Points! "Beaucoup butter, caramel and toasted nut flavors."

Wine Enthusiast

June 14, 2009

Waterbrook - 2007 Chardonnay - 88 Points, BEST BUY!

Wine Enthusiast

May 01, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Reserve Merlot - 91 Points, TOP VALUE!

Wine Spectator

"Polished in texture, this is balanced well to show expressive currant, blueberry and coffee flavors, lingering beautifully." - Harvey Steiman, July 30, 2009

May 01, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - 91 Points!

Wine Spectator

January 09, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Reserve Merlot - GOLD MEDAL

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

January 08, 2009

Waterbrook - 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - SILVER MEDAL

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

November 24, 2008

Waterbrook - 2006 Chardonnay - Recommended Holiday Wine

The Boston Globe

"Small scale, nicely proportioned, cool-climate Chardonnay." - Meuse

October 01, 2008

Waterbrook - 2005 Reserve Merlot - "Outstanding"

Wine Press Northwest

October 01, 2008

Waterbrook - 2006 Melange Noir - BEST BUY, "Outstanding"

Wine Press Northwest

September 01, 2008

Waterbrook - 2006 Reserve Syrah - "Highly Recommended"

Northwest Palate

September 01, 2008

Waterbrook - 2007 Pinot Gris - Recommended

Northwest Palate

August 31, 2008

Waterbrook - 2006 Riesling Recommended - "Healthy Grilling in Hollywood"

Food & Wine
"WA State produces some of the country's best Rieslings; try the apple inflected Waterbrook."

August 08, 2008