Far away in the deep upper reaches of a land known as Ballard, Matt Gubitosa toils away in small carefully organized cellar, slowly crafting the wines called ANIMALE.  The wines are intense and full flavored made from select vineyards in Eastern Washington where well-drained soils, cool nights, low yields, small berry size, limited irrigation, and late harvests result in special grapes that make unusually complex wines.  Grapes you won’t find in your typical CMS Washington blend.  Come by on Saturday, meet Matt, and try the new wines of his 2011 vintage.

2011 Dolcetto – Columbia Valley $25
This Piedmontese grape finds a new home on Waluke Slope.  It shows intense cherry aromas and flavors with a soft but lingering finish.  24 cases produced

2011 Cabernet Franc – Yakima Valley $25
Inspired by the great reds of the Loire Valley, the Cab Franc is elegant and spicy with notes of chocolate, clove, and fresh berries and suggestions of citrus peel.  24 cases produced

2011 Tempranillo – Yakima Valley $25
This classic Spanish varietal takes on a new persona in Prosser.  The Tempranillo is tangy and lithe, complex and intriguing 24 cases produced

2011 Petite Sirah –  Yakima Valley $26
From a vineyard in Sunnyside planted especially for ANIMALE, the 2011 Petite Sirah is a muscular wine with burly tannins lurking beneath its dark full fruit. 24 cases produced

2011 Carmenere – Red Mountain $25
This interesting and intense “lost grape” of Bordeaux that was reborn in Chile also shows up to state a claim in Red Mountain.  The Carm has saturated red/black color and flavors of fresh berries, mixed herbs, tobacco and roasted red peppers.  It is full bodied and vigorous with a lengthy finish. 32 cases produced