... Moore's methods do not fit the Washington norm, but the complex flavors of his wines validate his approach. A graduate in enology from U. C. Davis, with additional training in viticulture, Moore worked with several California wineries before coming to the Northwest in search of a cooler growing climate to start his own winery.

After a lengthy search, Moore settled on the Red Mountain area and founded Blackwood Canyon Vintners. At the far eastern end of the Yakima Valley, just before merging with the Columbia River, the Yakima River runs into Red Mountain, taking an abrupt turn northward before turning back south to join the Columbia. Situated on the grass and sagebrush covered slopes of Red Mountain, the Blackwood Canyon winery and vineyards overlook the Yakima River, and the long view westward up the valley. The Red Mountain area is one of the warmest growing areas in the Yakima Valley, and one of the premier sites for Cabernet Sauvignon.

...Moore is specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, and late harvest desert wines from several grape varieties. His Cabernet Sauvignon, the best still unreleased, and the late harvest botrytised wines rank among the Northwest's finest. Moore is among those who believe that Semillion is one of Washington's outstanding wine grapes, and he is giving it the winemaking attention it deserves. At Blackwood Canyon, the unusual is the norm. Moore has made dry Riesling and Chenin Blanc in the style of a barrel fermented Chardonnay, complete with ample lees contact. The Riesling was unusual and surprisingly good. The best of the Chenin Blancs tasted like it was meant to be made that way all along.

Northwest Wine - Washington Wineries

Blackwood Canyon Vinters / Route 2 Box 2169H / Kiona WA  99320 / 509-588-6249
Search for Blackwood Canyon Wines to Purchase online