 Maryhill
Winery
By John W. Schultz
This relative newcomer has come a long way in a
very short time. On the local wine scene for less than two years,
this fine Washington State winery is making a broad line of
interesting and delicious wines.
Maryhill
Winery started as a partnership between four individual wine
enthusiasts with the common goal of making world-class wines. Craig
and Vickie Leuthold, with 20 years of combined wine industry
experience, joined with family members Donald Leuthold and Cliff
Brooks to bring Maryhill from a dream into reality. On October 11,
2000, the ground was broken adjacent to the Maryhill Museum of Art
near Goldendale Washington.
Chosen for its unique microclimate, the winery’s grounds command
a sweeping view of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood while
providing the vineyards with ideal soil and climate for
exceptionally flavorful fruit. State of the art wine making
equipment marry with the gifted winemaking skills of John Haw, to
produce wines that highlight the “terroir” of the vineyards, while
harnessing the grapes to produce finished wines that are lovely in
the glass.
Winemaker John Haw certainly has a breadth of experience, from
making wine in the difficult wine growing region of Michigan (known
for it’s harsh climate), to taming the great and temperamental Pinot
Noir grape for Sokol Blosser in Oregon. It was during his tenure at
Sokol Blosser from 1987-1998 that John earned a review in the Wine
Enthusiast Magazine as one of the top ten producers of Pinot Noir in
the nation. Haw brings a winemaking style based in the vineyard,
with extensive hands-on experience in over twelve different
varieties of wine. While his career has led him back and forth
across the country, and up and down the West Coast, he welcomes the
challenge of starting yet another winery. “I can’t remember when
I’ve been so excited about the potential of a vineyard and winery
site,” he says. “This place is really going to be something
special.”
The Maryhill lineup can be found at better wine shops and grocery
stores in the greater Seattle area. If you can’t find the one you
are looking for, please know that each one of these wines can be
special ordered from the wholesaler by any retailer that sells wine.
Given the reasonable prices, these wines make for excellent values!
Maryhill Rediviva Red NV (Washington) $12
NEW!
The house blend red has sure become a trend, with great offerings
from many of the best wineries; this wine is no exception. It is
excellent! This first Maryhill blended wine is 40% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 15% Syrah. Bright red
brick in color, with aromas of fresh cherries and a whiff of
chocolate. Ripe, dark fruit on the palate, with lush tannins, and a
great long finish.
Maryhill Celilo Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2001 (Washington) $9
NEW!
Born from fruit purchased from the well-known Celilo Vineyard near
White Salmon, Washington. This highly fragrant wine explodes with
flavors of litchi fruit, kiwi and sweet pineapple. Made in the
German “Auslese” style, it retains about 3% of its original grape
sugars to give it a firm sweet finish.
Maryhill Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2000 (Washington) $13
This is a juicy offering from one of the newest fine wineries on the
scene. These great folks have started with a bang; the lineup of new
wines is exceptional. The Chardonnay is terrific; it’s dry and very
approachable with nice lush fruit and great balance. Nuances of
apple and melon, with toasty vanilla oak that integrates nicely with
the fruit. A crisp, smooth finish makes for great drinking over the
next couple of years. This is a super match to Salmon, white sauce
pasta, salads and hors d’oeuvers.
Maryhill Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2000 (Washington) $10
2002 Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition "Oyster Award" Winner!
Crisp and juicy, this dry Sauvignon Blanc has pretty aromas of
citrus, pineapple, and Granny Smith. Medium body, with
well-balanced, crisp acids that makes it a great food wine. A
must-try shellfish experience.
Maryhill Merlot Columbia Valley 2000 (Washington) $12
This wine displays the classic characteristics of a Washington
Merlot - intense varietal berry flavor, deep rich color and
seductively soft tannins on the finish. The aging and maturation in
a mix of French and American oak has resulted in a complex and
balanced wine ready to accompany any hearty dish.
Maryhill Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 1999 (Washington) $9
The Columbia Valley grows great Pinot Gris in Oregon, it also grows
very well where the Columbia valley crosses the border and into
Washington. From grapes grown in the Gorge, this crisp, juicy, food
friendly wine shows its pedigree with this fine example. Bright
citrus, and melon flavors balance the crisp acids for a racy glass
of wine.
Maryhill Syrah Columbia Valley 1999 (Washington) $16
Considered one of Washington's up and coming varietals, this Syrah
exhibits very ripe raspberry fruit with plumy and spicy aromatics, a
moderate tannin structure and very light oak finish. Consider this
wine a harbinger of things to come. Served with grilled or barbecued
ribs or steak, this frisky red wine gets the conversation going at
any evening gathering. |
