Bunnell Wines

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.

From the SF Chronicle:

THREE STARS NV Bunnell Family Cellar Vif Columbia Valley Red Wine
"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. "

Bunnell Family Syrah Wahluke Slope Clifton Hill Vyd 07 $44.95 Retail $40.46 Qty. Previous Vintage Tasting Notes 2006 Vintage Tasting Notes Wine Spectator 92 points "Smooth and round, with mineral, apricot and spice overtones to the blackberry and plum flav... read more

Bunnell Family VIF Red Wine 07 $34.95 Retail $31.46 Qty. Bright and fruity, country style red blend.... read more

Bunnell Family Syrah Boushey 06 $44.45 Retail $40.01 Qty. Previous Vintage Tasting Notes 2005 Vintage Tasting Notes Number 46 on "TOP 100" list as one of the year's best Washington wines for 2006 by Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times. Elegant, precise, tart, co... read more

Bunnell Family Syrah Horse Heaven 06 $39.65 Retail $35.69 Qty. Previous Vintage Tasting Notes 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, hintin... read more

Bunnell Family Pinot gris Evergreen Vyd 05 $16.95 Retail $15.25 Washington State... read more

Bunnell Family Gewurztraminer Roza Berge Vyd 05 $17.95 Retail $16.16 Winemaker Ron Bunnell has over 25 years experience making wine. He's also a new father.... read more