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J. Bookwalter ‘Protagonist’ Red Hills
2006
Merlot
Bold
United States
Meat
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Red Mountain is Washington's smallest wine region--700 planted acres of vines on a broad mound that measures only 1,500 feet at its peak. The south slope of Red Mountain, located right in the center of the Columbia Valley, produces many of Washington's finest wines and is home to several key vineyards that supply grapes to some 40-odd wineries around the state.
Match this big red with steak or rare lamb rib chops that will mitigate the tannin of the wine. Grilling will add char flavors that complement the wine's caramelized oak notes. Venison or duck are also good matches, especially if seasoned with green herbs or aromatic spices.
The Bookwalter family has been involved in agriculture for many years. Jerry Bookwalter helped to develop several vineyards in Washington in the 1970s before starting to make his own wine in the early 1980s. The family now has a small winery in the tri-cities area of the mid-Columbia Valley. Jerry's son, John Bookwalter, returned to the family business after a successful sales and marketing stint in the beverage industry. He worked with consultant Zelma Long for nine years and has now partnered with international consultant Claude Gros.
J. Bookwalter's red wines are ripe and rich, with big flavors as well as great balance. This predominantly Bordeaux-style blend has rich plum, black currant, anise, black cherry and mocha aromas and ripe blackberry, black cherry, cinnamon, Assam tea and mushroom flavors that finish with a taut espresso note.