Willow Crest Winery - A Well Kept Secret

The Minick Family has been growing grapes for other winemakers since 1982. Several years ago Dave Minick decided to make his own wine from his own grapes. The wines are reasonably priced ranging from $8 for the Rose to $24 for the Cab. Visiting the winery, six miles north of Prosser is almost a spiritual experience. The 360 degree view of the vineyard and the Yakima Valley creates a beautiful, magical experience of peace and oneness in the universe. The wines are pretty damn good, too. The 2002 Cabernet Franc was a velvety delight when we tasted it at the winery several years ago. When we tasted it recently it had done what so many Washington state reds do - it had changed from fresh fruit and velvet to a more mahoganied quality. This is a common phenomenon which is why we advised Ryan to drink most of his Washington state wines when they are fresh. Many Bordeaux taste great when they are young, too, then they go through an awkward adolescence and emerge as buff young adults. Many Washington wines don't seem to emerge into adulthood, but head straight into old age. Just drink them young! Last time we tasted the Merlot and Syrah, they were excellent. The Pinot Gris from Willow Crest is true to type with lots of cool minerality and at a very reasonable price, too.