Capitello Wines

Every once in awhile a new winery comes along that is obviously going to be a huge hit. Ray is a winemaker you want to know about, before the huge ratings begin.

Ray Walsh made King Estate's white wines from its start, developing the US's best known Pinot gris. He rose quickly at King Estate, highly regarded for his ability to bring out the very best in Oregon grapes. Ray left King Estate last year to make his own Capitello wines.

Ray unabashedly admits to using every tool at his disposal to make the best possible wines. He uses Biolees to improve flavor and texture, and was the first winemaker in Oregon to "de-alc" his wines. Whatever Ray's doing, what we at Avalon know is, we're awfully fortunate to have connected with Ray as he gets started -- and to offer one of the future superstars of wine's new releases to our customers.

Ray is a native New Zealander, and worked his way up from "Cellar Rat" to "Cellar Master" at Limeburner Bay, Villa Maria, Waitakere, and Coopers Creek Wineries before moving to the US in 1995. He started as Cellar Master at King Estate in June of 1995, then became winemaker in June of 1999. He was instrumental in the development of the King Estate wine style, and in the high ratings and national respect the winery has today.

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Capitello Wines Brut Willamette Valley Ray made a few cases of sparkling wine for the holidays- mostly for family and friends. It's strictly handcrafted - lovi... Wine Spectator 91 Points Qty. $25.65 $28.50 Regular

Capitello Wines Dolcino Dessert Wine 2010 375ml This 100% Gewurztraminer by Ray Walsh at Capitello has been a favorite of Avalon's for several vintages running. It offer... Qty. $17.95 $19.95 Regular

Capitello Wines Riesling Dessert Wine 09 375ml Ray Walsh, former winemaker at King Estate, has developed a reputation for his mastery of white winemaking. This is his ... Qty. $17.95 $19.95 Regular

Capitello Wines Pinot gris 2010 2007 Vintage Tasting Notes In the nose, there's sweet lychee, intense essence of passionfru... Qty. $15.70 $17.45 Regular

Capitello Wines Sauvignon Blanc Walnut Ridge 2011 Ray's New Zealand heritage is in full flower with this home run of a Sauvignon Blanc. The knock-out scents are both su... Qty. $17.50 $19.45 Regular

Capitello Wines Pinot noir 09 Aromas of pomegranate and raspberry with floral and earth tones including oak spice. Flavors of rich berries and silky t... Qty. $30.38 $33.75 Regular

More About Capitello Wines

Read our Exclusive Interview "Capitello Kiwi- Makes Memorable Wines" by Alison Ruch, Avalon Staff Writer