Colvin Vineyards Allegresse 02

Colvin Vineyards in Walla Walla has shut its doors . Mark and JoAnne Colvin launched their winery south of Walla Walla in 1999 and relocated their tasting room two years ago to the Walla Walla Airport, taking over the space vacated by Reininger Winery's move west of town.

The Colvins focused on red wines, making several delicious blends, Syrahs and Cabernet Francs over the years.

Most importantly, Colvin Vineyards introduced many of us to Carmenere, the obscure red Bordeaux variety that has gained fame in Chile and now has followers in Washington. Famed British wine writer Jancis Robinson once called Colvin's the best Carmenere she'd ever tasted. Now, a half-dozen wineries make the spicy red wine. They can all thank the Colvins for that.

I'm not sure what the issues are that are forcing the Colvins to retire from the wine industry. They didn't crush grapes this fall and anticipate selling out of their wine inventory by spring. - Andy Perdue, Wine Press Northwest