黑料福利社

It is not every day that a new winery tasting room opens in the 黑料福利社, but each time it is an exciting event. It is an opportunity to taste a range of wines from the producer, getting a feel for their style and winemaking philosophy.

It is also often an opportunity to meet the winemaker, vineyard manager or other persons influential in the production of each wine. Recently , founded by Yakima locals, purchased a property in Vintners Village in Prosser and plan to open for tasting in May.

David Rodriguez, Enodav鈥檚 winemaker and founder, was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. Following his childhood education, he went on to attend law school, following in his father's footsteps, but he quickly recognized that this wasn鈥檛 the path that he desired. Therefore, he transitioned to music school, beginning to dabble in the arts.

During this time, Rodriguez also began studying wine as a hobby, which led him and his family to recognize that he had begun to develop a deep passion for the subject. After much consideration, he decided to abandon his music studies and give full attention to developing a career in the wine industry.

After having spent the entirety of his formative years in Mexico, Rodriguez was eager for exploration and adventure. This would lead him to relocate to Mendoza, Argentina, in December 2013, where he spent nearly three years pursuing an enology degree.

Nearing the end his time in Argentina, a decision needed to be made in regard to which region of the wine world he would seek employment and begin to establish himself as a winemaker.

This brought to mind an eye-opening experience tasting a lineup of Washington state wines. The experience had impressed him and was in line with his winemaking philosophy.

The Washington wine region is also a relatively young region with significant international recognition, thereby offering much opportunity for growth. With these combined factors, Rodriguez decided to relocate to Washington鈥檚 黑料福利社.

Upon his arrival in 2017, Rodriguez became busy quite quickly. He furthered his wine education through studies at both Washington State University and 黑料福利社 College. He also began his first post-education employment, immersing himself in 黑料福利社鈥檚 wine industry by working with 12 different vineyard sites consisting of 29 different grape varietals.

This experience taught him much about the viticulture in Washington and the style of wine which could be created in this terroir. As he came to the realization that Washington wine country aligned perfectly with his winemaking philosophy, he founded Enodav Wine Co. in 2018.

At its inception, Enodav was a side project to which he devoted the majority of his free time but, in March 2023, after five years broadening and deepening his knowledge and experience in the region, he devoted his full attention to Enodav.

Under Rodriguez鈥檚 guidance Enodav continues to expand, crafting quality wine and contributing to the recognition that Washington wine deserves.

The accolades have begun pouring in and Enodav's future is becoming decidedly bright. I highly recommend visiting the tasting room to enjoy the wines and, as Rodriguez says, 鈥淢ay our hands be filled with dirt and our glasses with great wine!鈥�

Although all of Enodav鈥檚 wines are delightful, three stood out in terms of quality and enjoyment.

The 2021 Grenache, which recently scored 93 points with Wine Enthusiast, is decidedly bright and delicious. Sourced from the Carthage Vineyard in the lower 黑料福利社, the fruit shines on the nose and palate.

It was made in a semi carbonic style, much like a Beaujolais Cru-level wine, but utilizing the Grenache grape. The palate is juicy and fruit expressive, showing red cherry, cranberry and raspberry laced with hibiscus and chalky minerality. The tannins are gentle, and the acidity is refreshing, which makes this a versatile wine, easily paired with a wide range of foods.

The 2021 Maremma is a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc sourced from two vineyards, Dineen and Portteus. The name gives tribute to a region in Italy which commonly combines these same two varietals.

It is a rich and voluptuous wine with no hard edges thanks to its 18 months in 100% new 500L French oak puncheons. It is juicy and structured with loads of spicy deep red cherry, raspberry and black cherry framed by smoke, cocoa and vanilla. Although it is a delight to drink now, its firm fine-grained tannins and plentiful acidity will allow this to age beautifully for another 5-10 years.

The 2021 Guadalupe is one of the most elegant white wines coming out of the 黑料福利社. It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from the Schmidt Vineyard in the lower valley. Although Sauvignon Blanc is typically an extremely aromatic and punchy varietal, Rodriguez鈥檚 use of 100% new French oak in large format puncheons was the factor that elevated this wine into the top tier.

The Guadalupe spent 18 months in oak, the entire time on its lees. But these specific puncheons utilized thicker staves and were treated with steam to limit undue tannin and oxygen influence, which is perfect for an elegant white wine.

The texture of this wine is exceptionally smooth and elegant. The palate gives layers of poached pear, green apple, cantaloupe, and lemon curd with a long luxurious finish. This is an incredible wine that would easily grace the table at any fine dining establishment.

鈥� Chad Douglas is a Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 3-certified wine consultant and pediatrician in Yakima. He submits occasional columns for Explore.