Aryn Morell…My New Hero!!

Who Is Aryn Morell? I  Surely Know Now!

I Must admit as much as I am Captain Washington, Aryn Morell wasn’t in my wheelhouse until this review.

Aryn Morell is originally from Western Washington and was a top golfer growing up. He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), for their golf program and also studied Chemistry at the UNLV. Aryn felt inspired following a weekend trip to Napa Valley and realized that wine industry might be for him. He then had his start in Napa Valley in late 2003. Aryn worked for some prestigious properties there including Golden State Vintners, Edgewood Estates, Silver Oak and also worked for a company that consulted for Joseph Phelps, Quintessa, Hartwell, Chimney Rock, Caldwell Vineyards, Vineyard 29, Chappellet, Rutherford Hill, Spring Mountain Winery, Stags Leap Winery, Turnbull, and many others. Following his four years in Napa, in 2007 Aryn moved back to his home state, working at Matthews Winery as winemaker. Since that time he has founded other winery projects including Alleromb, Morell-Pena and also consults for Tenor, Mullan Road, Gard and Ardor projects. HIs wines are focused, balanced and superb. This was my first from Alleromb. This guy is a MAGICIAN!!

2011 Alleromb Rhone Red Blend

Located high in the Frenchman Hills near the center of Washington state’s Royal Slope region, the vineyard elevations run from 1,365 ft to 1,640 ft. These are some of the highest plantings in the Columbia valley. Everything starts in the vineyards. Only the most sustainable practices are used in farming their grapes. The wines of Alleromb are produced and bottled in a state of the art facility in Walla, Walla, Washington. This bottling is a Southern Rhone Blend of 67% Grenache and 33 % Syrah. Aged in all French Oak with 33% being New. 15.5% ABV which in my review is totally integrated and not hot. Let’s review

My Review

As I mentioned above Washington Wines with 15.5% ABV especially from 2011 scared me a little at first but it was love at first sip!. Almost not 100%, this could have fooled many including me that this on blind tasting was a Chateauneuf Du Pape but the new world fruit gives it away after aeration. In the glass a deep dark purple. On the nose, white pepper, herbs de provence with a backbone of black and red fruits. Lavender also is there. I get hints of black licorice. No heat from the 15.5% ABV and there are notes from the Oak but extremely well hidden and integrated. On the palate a medium plus rich mouthfeel of deliciousness of black raspberries, red berry, plums that is so well crafted it glides to the back of the palate almost silk like and ends with very soft tannins and hints of blueberry and spice but nothing jammy or sugarfied or hot. Just an artist displaying his craft with the perfect touch to a wine that would play well with, lamb, bolognese sauce, a bacon blue cheese burger or just some salami. I haven’t enjoyed a Walla Walla wine as much as this one in a long time as much as I love so many producers. ARYN MORELL is now a household name in my wine fridge. I think Sean Sullivan underscored this wine in Wine Enthusiast with his 91 points as I will go 94 on this one out of 100. Is it worth the winery asking price of $65 per bottle? No in blunt qpr language. Then you know me.  I don’t think any wine should be over $50 maximum. I was very lucky to pick this wine up on the internet for 1/2 the winery price. I only bought two bottles. I should have bought 2 cases!!! Fan Freaking Tastic !!

The Summary

This 2011 Rhone Blend is the perfect example of why I love Washington Wine especially from Walla Walla with Rhone Varietals as much as I do. Nothing and I mean NOTHING from California at this price range will taste almost like a Southern Rhone Wine from America like this does. Seek out more wines from Alleromb as I will as well. If this doesn’t hook you on Washington State Wine like Captain Washington is, then NO Wine will. Aryn Morrell you are a Magician. Buy his wines!!

Grape-fully yours, Larry

Aryn In The Vineyards