2021 Métis Red Blend
A complex red blend of the finest varietals from the Walla Walla Valley, this bottling celebrates the Métis heritage of Founder Jim Bernau's fourth great grandmother Catherine "Kitty" Umfreville Pambrun who worked with her husband Pierre Chrysologue Pambrun to lead Fort Nez Percés in Walla Walla, ushering in a time of peace to the trading post and Columbia Basin.
On the Nose: A complex blend of Walla Walla Valley varietals, the wine opens with lively aromatics of blueberry and jam that play with darker notes of kalamata olive and black tea, reflecting the barrel and terroir.
On the Palate: The present tannins add a fresh intensity to the plum and boysenberry flavors, and the voluptuous palate pulls notes of cedar and leather, offering a balance of fruit and spice.
Food Pairings: Enjoy with savory and aromatic dishes, including steak and mushroom sauce, cedar plank salmon, French onion soup with white cheddar crouton and dark chocolate desserts.
Blend: 30% Merlot, 20% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Franc, 13% Syrah, 11 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot
Accolades:
92 points - Owen Bargreen
Our experienced winery Ambassadors are here to assist you! Call the winery at (503) 588-9463 and ask to speak with an Ambassador about delaying the shipment of your order, winery pickup, temperature-controlled shipping during extreme heat and other questions you may have about your order. An adult signature is required for wine deliveries.
At this time, we cannot ship this wine to the following states:
AL, AR, DE, IN, LA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, RI, UT, VA, WV, WY.
"Wines made with consideration for the environment, employees and community simply taste better."
Jim Bernau, Founder/Winegrower
Métis is a special red blend dedicated to the offspring of the indigenous people of North America and early European trappers and traders. The Métis played a critical role in the peaceful interaction between European trading companies and settlers. They later became a powerful cultural and political force within Canada during the nineteenth century for the rights of First Americans.
Jim Bernau’s fourth great grandmother Katherine (Kitty) Pambrun operated the Nez Perce Hudson’s Bay trading post near Walla Walla with her husband Pierre, the Chief Factor from 1832-1841 ushering in a time of peace and commerce in the Columbia Basin. Katherine’s mother was Cree from Quebec. Jim’s third great grandmother, Mary McKenzie was also Métis, her mother being Iroquoian and father explorer and trapper Donald McKenzie after which the river in Eugene Oregon is named. Mary died in childbirth and her daughter Louisa Pambrun was raised by her grandmother Katherine at Fort Vancouver after Pierre died from internal injuries when his horse suddenly reared, startled by a white granite rock (glacial erratic) on his way to their garden. Narcissus Whitman cared for Pierre during Pierre’s final six days in the Whitman cabin. Katherine and Louisa moved with John McLaughlin to Oregon City. Louisa, Jim’s second great grandmother, later married Billy Carter and homesteaded Ribbon Ridge.
Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown from a bold idea into one of the region’s leading wineries, earning the title “One of America’s Great Pinot Noir Producers” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
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