Ron Bunnell, one
of the winemakers at Chateau Ste Michelle
for many years, has opened his own winery,
Bunnell Family Cellar. The winery is located
at his family's farm. Based in Prosser, Benton
County, the winery is dedicated to producing
syrah and other Rhone varietals. The vineyard
and appellation wines Bunnell calls vins de
l'endroit (wines of a place); the blended wines
are vins de l'esprit (wines of the creative
spirit).
Ron
joined Chateau Ste. Michelle as head red winemaker
in the fall of 1999 after a 16 year career
in California that included vineyard work throughout
the state as well as winemaking at Kendall-Jackson,
Beringer and Chateau Souverain.
Prior to joining Chateau Ste. Michelle, Erik
worked at Simi Winery in Sonoma County. He
holds a degree in Enology and Viticulture from
University of California, Davis, a Master's
in Food Science from Cornell University, and
a MBA from University of Washington.
Syrah dominates the roster of first releases,
with three, from three different regions.
From the SF Chronicle:
THREE STARS NV Bunnell
Family Cellar Vif Columbia Valley Red Wine
($32)
"Vif" is French for lively,
vivid or brisk, which is how former California
winemaker Ron Bunnell sees this blend of Rhone
varieties. We see it as big, bold and nearly
over the top -- just the way many wine drinkers
love their reds. Its strong toast, mushroom
and cocoa aromas lead to ripe, juicy boysenberry
and black cherry flavors and a soft mouthfeel.
What the wine lacks in structure, it makes
up for with drink-now, fruity pleasure. "
Winemaker Ron Bunnell has over 25 years experience making wine. He's also a new father. ...read more
Washington State ...read more
2006 vintage will be released in May. Call or e-mail to request wine.
Number 46 on "TOP 100" list as one of the year's best Washington wines for 2006 by Paul Gregutt Seattle Times.
Elegant, ...read more >>
Forward and dense, with rich scents of mixed berries, spice, fresh herbs and toast.
...read more
Wine Spectator 92 Points "Winemaker Ron Bunnell, late of Chateau Saint Michelle, makes this dark and spicy red, a juicy mouthful of blackberry plum and tar flavors, hinting at rosepeta ...read more >>
Bright and fruity, country style red blend. ...read more
