Grape Varietal: Gamay Noir Country: USA Region: Columbia Gorge AVA, Washington The Wine: Gorgiste is the project of Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen — sommelier, co-founder of W.T. Vintners, and self-described garagiste — dedicated to revealing the cool-climate potential of the western Columbia Gorge. Rainmaker Vineyard sits between 950 and 1,350 feet above White Salmon, Washington, on volcanic soils shaped by Mt. Adams activity and Pacific-driven weather, farmed in partnership with growers Larry and Patty Singer. For the 2022 Gamay, half the fruit underwent carbonic fermentation and half whole-cluster traditional, then blended — spontaneous fermentation throughout, aged in old oak and concrete with minimal intervention. The 2022 Rainmaker Vineyard Gamay Noir opens with tart cherry, pomegranate, and violet, lifted by a whisper of pine sap. On the palate it is lively and medium-bodied, with crunchy red fruit from the carbonic half and a spiced, darker bass note from the whole-cluster, finishing dry with fine tannin and a mineral pull. Pairing: Roasted duck leg with cherry gastrique, salami with pickled cornichons, a warm lentil salad with smoked bacon and red wine vinaigrette, or a cold autumn night around a campfire with this poured straight into the tin cup.
