On several occasions I have tasted the Wellington Roussanne and Cabernet and could not believe how inexpensive and good the wines were, always keeping a bottle or two for emergency. I do not usually drink west coast wines and to find one for $10-12 is next to amazing. Last night there was a public tasting at one of the St Louis wine stores. Peter Wellington was pouring 4 of his wines and I got to talk to him about their winery. They produce about 10,000 cases of several different wines and have owned the winery since 1986 with some vines going back to late 1800s. His favorite people out there is Tom Dehlinger and Gary Farrel so at least he keeps good company. He does not believe in Parkerizing his wines and has not changed his style since the beginning
'01 Cabernet - Integrated, soft tannins, minimal oak and a wine that is definitely not over-the-top and can actually be drank with food. Cost by the case is $10.79
'04 Roussanne - This is one grape that, IMO, CA does well even though it is best found in the Rhone. ESJ and Wellington are my two favorites. Round, earthy, ripe peaches and some almonds. I love this wine and at $8.79 by the case it is hard to pass up. He claims his '05 is better
'05 Chardonnay - OK, he got me again, great fruit, minimal oak, only a touch of butter and one of the few west coast chards I have had lately that I would serve. How about $10.79 per bottle by the case.
'03 Syrah - Didn't pay much attention but easy to drink and can only wish you could get something like this by the glass at restaurants. $10.79
Have to admit that he said the prices in St. Louis are less than anywhere else in the US and that is because of the low margin required by our local distributor. Just wanted to give credit to a good winery with nice people that make great juice for unbelievable prices. I just couldn't bring myself to ask him why he does not raise his prices. Also think the winery is all organic.
Walt