Butch and Jerry Milbrandt were fourth generation famers and made the transition from potatoes and apples when they relocated to Eastern Washington in 1997 and have since won numerous awards and a constant string of 90 plus pt. ratings.
The bottom line is these guys (along with Butch’s children Buck and Kerri) make some impressive wines at great prices. Some of the best Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wines you will ever drink delivering all the quality, restraint and elegance the region, and the winery is known for.
They were also instrumental in establishing two of the top AVAs in Washington State: Ancient Lakes in 2012 and Wahluke Slope in 2006, where I might add is where their vineyards are located. The Wahluke Slope vineyards are situated at 1,475 ft elevation with shallow soils and are particularly suited for their red’s wines while the Ancient Lakes vineyards are ideal for their white’s. Both areas share long sunny days and low rainfall during growing season.
Brothers’ Blend 2016
This is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot and Tempranillo with all grape varietal contributing to the mix.
Nose is dominated by cherries, blueberries and subtle cooking herbs. Palate has a ‘too easy to drink’ appeal with blueberries, raspberries, cherries and plums all working to put a smile on your face. Body and structure are distinct without t00 much oak intrusion with subtle notes of vanilla and just a hint of dark cherry on a nice finish.
Merlot 2017
This is a wine that seems to get all the attention of the three- attracting a 91 pt. rating and a Top 100 placement with Wine Enthusiast. Delightful nose of cherries, cranberries and herbal notes. As with the Blend, palate is friendly and inviting and way too easy to drink- a wine you would be happy to pour for your friends, whenever that may be, given the current circumstances. Ripe soft cherries, blackberries and plums dominate with secondary notes of mocha, cooking herbs and vanilla on a long finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
This is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot with an enticing nose of dark fruits, cherries and chocolate. The palate has impressive depth with layers of blackberry pie, dark cherries, plum and baking spices with obvious restraint and impressive length on the finish. A wine with attitude than you would be happy to serve your friends, whenever that might be … a cook out towards the end of summer, maybe. In the meantime, just enjoy it or your own or significant other.
Vine to Table 