Viscon Cellars' 2012 Unforeseen Cabernet Franc Rated "Outstanding" Bordeaux by Wine Press Northwest

Our bottle is second from the right. We're in good company!

Our 2012 Unforeseen Cabernet Franc was rated an "Outstanding" Bordeaux by Wine Press Northwest.

"For this issue of Wine Press Northwest, we asked wineries from Washington, Oregon and Idaho to send us their wines that retail for $30 or less, and we ended up with more than 300 examples, which our intrepid tasting panel worked through to discover what they liked."

Viscon Cellars 2012 Unforeseen, Yakima Valley •  $24
Ben Viscon runs this small winery in West Seattle, north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock. This is a Cabernet Franc that is a classic from first whiff through the complex finish. Aromas of violet, rose petal and Earl Grey tea lead to lively flavors of cedar, raspberry and black cherry. This wine emphasizes elegance over power. (125 cases; 13.2% alc.)

2012 BLACK - Red Wine Blend

2012 BLACK
Red Wine Blend
Columbia Valley
13.9% Alc

BLACK combines multiple wines from our 2012 vintage.  Through constant tasting and testing of each barrel of wine during the aging process, we select the barrels of wine that offer the best representation of each varietal to create this savory, well balanced red wine blend. 
BLACK is comprised of 36% Syrah from Lewis Family Vineyard, and Alder Ridge Vineyard contributed 27% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot into this wine. BLACK was aged for 30 months in 50% French Oak and 50% American oak barrels, both once-used. 

2015 PORCH Rosé of Syrah

Rosé of Syrah
Rattlesnake Hills AVA
13.8% Alc

Our 2015 PORCH is a Rosé of Syrah from Konnowac Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. This wine was fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel tanks. For me, the name PORCH signifies a wine that can be enjoyed on a sunny day on the porch, deck or patio –– or wherever you find your peaceful solace.  We even break out a bottle of this Rosé in the dead of winter when we just need to put our spirits into a summertime mood.

This Rosé of Syrah was whole-cluster-pressed in order to minimize skin contact time which would develop a lighter color, however, came out with a light pomegranate color that is darker than most traditional Rosé wines. As it swirls in your glass, the wine gives aromas of warm strawberry fields. Flavors of cranberries balanced with dark black plum freshen your tastes, finishing with slight tannins and a hint of spice –– key characteristics of a Washington State Syrah.

2015 Perseverance Viognier

2015 Perseverance
Viognier
Rattlesnake Hills AVA
13.6% Alc 

The 2015 Perseverance is 100% Viognier from Konnowac Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel tanks, the amazing characteristics of this fruit shine through.

This Viognier has a soft golden color, aromas of fresh picked peaches and honeysuckle, flavors of fresh tangerine and pineapple, and finishes crisp and refreshing. Perfect with appetizers or as a simple glass on the patio. 

The label on our 2015 Perseverance is a one-of-a-kind piece from Seattle artist Jesse Link. 
It depicts the need to “persevere” and find the optimism in all.  In our home, we often marvel at our youngest daughter’s one track mind to get what she wants at any cost and note that her “perseverance” will be a valuable asset in her future.  We couldn’t help but recognize the same perseverance in our efforts to bring this delicious wine to your table. 

2012 Long Road Red Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Long Road Red
Cabernet Sauvignon
Horse Heaven Hills AVA
13.6% Alc

Long Road Red is the signature Cabernet Sauvignon in our line-up. The name is derived from our journey and commitment to make a wine that represents the beauty and complexity of this majestic old world grape. Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is like no other. We are fortunate in our state to have great Cabernet grapes to choose from with diverse characteristics, highlighting areas the grapes are grown. The Long Road is well traveled.

The 2012 Long Road Red is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. This wine was aged in 25% New French oak and 75% once used French oak barrels for 30 months.

The color of this wine is reminiscent of a royal throne covered in crushed velvet. Smells of ripe black cherry and warm plums compliment tastes of freshly picked blackberries with a savory subtle vanilla finish.

Viscon Cellars 2012 Heart Box Red rated "Outstanding Merlot " by Wine Press Northwest

Our Heart Box Red Merlot (center)

"Owner/winemaker Ben Viscon has opened his small winery in West Seattle and has a big hit on his hands with this delicious Merlot. Aromas of cherry cola and black cherry lead to approachable flavors of blackberry, spice and a hint of vanilla. It’s beautifully balanced with bright acidity and plush, elegant tannins. (110 cases; 13% alc.)

Last fall, Washington wineries crushed more than 35,000 tons of Merlot, wine that will be bottled by itself as well as blended with other grapes. This is more than triple the amount made as recently as 1997. And while interest in Merlot has leveled in the past three years, the red Bordeaux grape is still a strong producer."

Read more.

2013 Pilot Light Reserve Syrah

Reserve Syrah
Red Mountain
Artz Vineyard
14.3% Alc. by Vol.

Hopefully we all have our inner Pilot Light. That spark that drives us to do something different, something daring and risky that ultimately leads to something great. We will do everything we can to keep that Pilot Light burning. Once in a while we have to look to the Pilot Light when we are questioning what we are doing for reassurance and affirmation of the journey. 

For me, Pilot Light is a name reserved for wines that I am especially proud of, wines that exemplify the reason I make wine and want to share with my friends and neighbors, it’s what keeps me going, doing what I am doing. 

I am pleased to introduce you to the inaugural “Pilot Light” of my winemaking career. The 2013 Pilot Light is 100% Syrah from Artz Vineyard on Red Mountain. 

The color of this wine is deep dark and seductive and draws you in with soft scents of black olives, cloves and sweet cassis. Tastes of sun-ripened warm blackberries, with a hint of spice are balanced with soft tannins and a smooth rich finish.

From the moment we harvested these grapes I knew we were dealing with something special. Through a textbook fermentation to 24 months of barrel aging, this wine continues to impress.

2012 The Descendant Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
13.9% Alc. by Vol.

The Descendant is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% from Lewis Family Vineyard and 50% from Alder Ridge Vineyard.

This is a Cabernet lover's Cab. This wine demonstrates everything that winemakers love in this grape, from the firm tannins and balanced acid, to the deep rich dark flavors of ripe black cherries and soft cedar. This wine was aged on 100% French Oak which contributes to the warm vanilla and espresso finish.

This wine can be enjoyed now and will definitely age well and develop additional complexity over the next 5 years. 

2011 NOIR - Red Wine Blend

NOIR Red Blend
Columbia Valley
14.0% Alc. by Vol.

NOIR is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah. 40% of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Lewis Family Vineyard and 20% from Alder Ridge Vineyard, with the Syrah also coming from Lewis Family Vineyard.  This wine was aged in 100% French Oak which lends to its complexity and balance.

The Cabernet Sauvignon provides a firm structure while showcasing the beautiful fruit from these two vineyards, releasing the signature flavors of ripe blackberries and blueberries. The Syrah adds in flavors of deep baked plum and a slight spice of black pepper. This wine finishes with a touch of vanilla and baked cloves. Enjoy this wine now or hide it away to savor the development of flavors over the next 5 years or so.

2011 Long Road Red Cabernet Sauvignon wins Gold at Seattle Wine Awards

GOLD - Seattle Wine Awards

"On April 19th & 20th twenty four wine professionals gathered at the Seattle Waterfront Marriott Hotel to serve on the Tasting Panel and review nearly 1250 wines for the 2015 Seattle / Oregon / Idaho Wine Awards. This Tasting Panel was comprised of Master Sommeliers, Wine Directors, Wine Buyers, Wine Makers, Sommeliers and Masters of Wine."

Read the full list of winners.