Boise Coop Wine Shop

Mannina Cellars

• June 17, 2009

Mannina Cellars is a small, family run winery specializing in producing small lots of premium wine. Named after the maternal grandmother of the winemaker, they are situated in the heart of the spectacular Walla Walla Valley, one of Washington’s best terroirs. When Don Redman moved to Walla Walla to work as an Environmental Engineer for Boise Cascade, he wasn’t planning on entering the wine business. But after being introduced to the region’s wines, he took his background in chemistry and applied it to the hobby of winemaking. After discovering he had an aptitude for creating wines that he liked, he decided to take the next step and created Mannina Cellars. Don’s goal is to create a pristine winemaking environment where the fruit can make its journey from grapes to wine with as little outside impact as possible. His background in chemistry drives him to strive for purity in every phase of the winemaking process.

2006 Cali, Walla Walla, $16.50
Named after the winemaker’s grandmother, Cali is a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Syrah (three percent). It spends 14 months in a mix of oak, 30 percent of which is new, which adds structure more than flavor. The nose shows loads of black currant fruit, olive tapenade and hints of cedar. This wine has a nice backbone with medium acidity and a long finish. A great buy for a wine from Walla Walla.

2007 Sangiovese, Walla Walla, $20.00
A supple blend of 83 percent Sangiovese and 17 percent Merlot, both from Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla, aged in 100% used French oak. It is a true Chianti style blend, medium bodied, with hints of strawberry, raspberry and spice, marked by good acidity and a smooth texture. A very food friendly wine that will pair well bruschetta, pastas with tomato sauce or grilled meats.

2006 Merlot Walla Walla, $22.50
This is a dense and beautifully concentrated wine, containing 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas explode from the glass with loads of plum and dark stone fruits, complemented by touches of caramel and vanilla. Full and fleshy with complex layers of flavor, it’s a rich and toasty wine with excellent depth.