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» 11.11.2008

Sharing the World's Wine

Domaine Selections is very pleased to announce the addition of Cougar Crest winery of Walla Walla, Washington to our portfolio.

As our name implies, we have always placed a premium on working with producers who have dedicated themselves to the exploration of particular viticultural “sites” allowing for an assurance of consistent quality as well as for the undeniable pleasure of having the voice of a vineyard slowly revealed through the filter of vintages and the many elements that define them. Cougar Crest is such a producer.

Natives of Washington, owners Deborah and David Hansen met while attending Washington State University. With a strong background in the sciences, they embarked on careers in San Francisco. An abiding affection for Washington, however, was never far from their minds. In 1995, they were able to begin the development of 125 acres of orchards just outside of Walla Walla. As was the case with so many other farmers turned vintners in Walla Walla, the combination of declining agricultural prices and a burgeoning passion for wine led the Hansens to convert 50 of their acres to vineyards. 

The Cougar Crest estate is comprised primarily of two vineyard sites, Cougar Hills and Golden’s Legacy. Cougar Hills, located spitting distance from the famed Seven Hills Vineyard, is the source for most of the traditional Bordelais varietals while Golden’s Legacy,  a few clicks to the southwest, yields exceptional Syrah and Viognier as well as the Hansen homestead. Both vineyards boast similar soils; an abundance of loam, gravel, and river rock with the Cougar Hills site offering a seam of volcanic ash lending the vines a rich source of nutrients and the wines an airy sensibility that offsets the natural power of Walla Walla fruit.

Tasting the Cougar Crest wines is a wonderful study of just how to walk the tightrope of balance in Washington. To be sure there is the richness and volume beloved of these wines, but the flavors are ever so pure, buoyed by lovely acidity and very fine tannins, that one comes away thinking more of elegance than brute force. 

There has been a bevy of critical acclaim directed at the winery in recent years, all of which well deserved. We can be certain there will be plenty more to come. Tasting on your own is believing, however. We invite you to enjoy these current releases from Cougar Crest Winery and offer our sincerest thanks to the Hansen family for allowing us the opportunity to represent these lovely Walla Walla wines.

2006 Viognier: $15
N.V. Dedication Two: $15
2006 Cabernet Franc: $26.67
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon: $25
2005 Syrah: $23.33
2005 Syrah Reserve: $40