Alcohol: 14%
Grape(s): 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Location: Columbia Valley, Washington
Tasting Notes: This wine reveals enticing aromas of black cherry, cassis, and plum, followed by flavors of dark berries layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it carries lively acidity and firm tannins, offering a structure that is both powerful and approachable, culminating in a long, savory finish.
Notes: Aged in French oak (about 26% new). Designed as a value-driven bottling using declassified fruit from elite vineyards. Drink now for vibrant fruit, or cellar until ~2032 for added complexity.
Food pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb chops, or short ribs, and complements hearty stews and braised meats. It matches well with aged cheeses such as cheddar or gouda, and for a vegetarian option, dishes like mushroom risotto or lentils provide an equally satisfying pairing.
Winery Story: Gramercy Cellars is a boutique winery in Walla Walla, Washington, founded in 2005 by Master Sommelier Greg Harrington and his wife Pam. It is known for producing Rhône and Bordeaux-inspired wines with a minimalist, old-world approach.
Greg Harrington’s journey began in Manhattan, where he worked as a sommelier and wine program director for renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. After becoming the youngest American to pass the Master Sommelier exam at age 26, he dreamed of making his own wine. That dream took shape in 2004 when he tasted Washington wines at a Brooklyn picnic and was struck by their earthy, restrained style.
The following year, Greg and Pam moved to Walla Walla and established Gramercy Cellars. From the start, their philosophy emphasized ripe but not overripe grapes, organic practices, little or no new oak, and extended aging. This approach produces wines that are balanced, elegant, and food-friendly, often requiring patience to fully reveal their complexity.
Gramercy quickly gained recognition, with early releases like the 2005 Lagniappe Syrah earning praise as some of the most exciting wines in America. Today, the winery produces about 8,000 cases annually, focusing on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and blends that highlight Washington’s terroir. Their wines are celebrated for intensity and restraint, combining fruit purity with earthy depth.
From a sommelier’s dream to a benchmark Washington winery, Gramercy Cellars embodies the pursuit of perfect balance—melding old-world sensibility with the unique character of Walla Walla vineyards.
