Kiona Lemberger

Well defined aromas of blackberries and cloves characteristic of the grape. The wine is mildly tannic, has great structure, with a velvet mouth feel. Hard to find Lemberger these days.

From the winery: "Rich red wine aromas with nuances of Cabernet or Merlot, perhaps a hint of Syrah or Pinot, but with a spicy intriguing background not easy to identify at first tastings.

With additional experience you will identify the wonderful and well defined aromas of blackberries and cloves characteristic of the grape. The wine is mildly tannic, has great structure, with a velvet mouth feel. American and French Oak are evident in the long smooth finish.

Kiona's Lemberger is made from the Lemberger grape which is a true vinifera variety. The first commercial lemberger planting in the new world was by Kiona in 1976 and the first commercial vintage in the U.S. (Kiona 1980) was released in 1983. In recent years more acreage has been planted in Washington state and several wineries are now producing the wine.

The European home of Lemberger is usually considered to be Germany where about 1000 acres are grown. Lemberger is also produced and bottled as Blau Frankish in Austria and Eastern Europe. Kiona produces about 3000 cases of Lemberger each year."

What others say:

Richard Kinssies, Seattle P.I. "...the Gold standard for Washington Lemberger..."

Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences "This small winery in Benton City...has a stellar track record for a wide array of excellent wines including ... this grape native to Austria where it is called Blaufrankisch. This version is near perfect: an aroma of blueberry and plum, it is reminiscent of a Cru Beaujolais, with better mid-palate fruit and a superb soft yet still crisp finish"

Wine Iconoclast Holiday Issue "EXQUISITE ! "

Matt Kramer / Sunday Oregonian "..Occasionally you run across a red wine of uncommon goodness that makes you sit up and take notice.. Kiona's Lemberger had just that effect."

"..This just released version is yet another success in a virtually unbroken string of superb Lembergers from Kiona."

2001---SILVER Florida State Fair
SILVER, New World International Competition CA
SILVER, San Diego National Wine Competition, CA
SILVER, Northwest Wine Summit, OR
2000 - DOUBLE GOLD, Central Washington State Fair, WA
GOLD, International Eastern Wine Competition, New York
1999 - GOLD, Tri-Cities 22 nd Annual Wine Festival, WA
GOLD, Tasters Guild International, Grand Rapids, MI
1998 - "89" and "TOP 100 BEST BUYS FOR 1999" THE WINE ENTHUSIAST
GOLD - Central Washington State Fair, Yakima, WA
GOLD - American Wine Society, New Jersey
GOLD - New World International Wine Competition
GOLD - Florida State Fair, 2000 International Wine Competition