Whitman Cellars Walla Walla Narcissa Red 2003

Ask about the story of Narcissa Whitman, the namesake of Whitman Cellars' red blend, and you know you're in for a serious wine. The "W" on the bottle stands for Whitman, the brave and idealistic young couple Marcus and Narscissa who traveled west to set up a Christian mission amongst the Cayuse people in the 1830s, only to be killed before their time.

Marcus' wife Narcissa was one of the first women to cross the Rocky Mountains and make it to Walla Walla. Along with their religious ideals, the Whitman's unfortunately brought disease with them, and their pathology wiped out the children of the Cayuse. So it was a matter of survival for the locals that the Whitman's be killed and the buildings of their mission destroyed.

This is just the kind of story that inspires strength and perseverance, and the story has resonated in the area ever since.

In 1927, Banker W.W. Baker paid homage to the Whitman's and spearheaded the effort to build the Marcus Whitman Hotel in downtown Walla Walla, by far the most luxurious (and sturdy) hotel around. After years of negligence, the Whitman Hotel was renovated before the turn of the last century and now stands a proud boutique property in the now trendy W2.

About the same time the Whitman Hotel was reborn, Whitman Cellars Winery (unrelated to the hotel) was born. Stephen Lessard, who preceded Pete Hedges as Head Winemaker at Hedges Cellars, was brought in to lead winemaking efforts at Whitman Cellars in 2002. In the 1990s Lessard worked under the renowned Warren Winiarski at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in Napa Valley before moving north where he became known for big classic age worthy reds from Washington fruit.

Whitman's Narcissa Red 2003 is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 8% Merlot and 5% cabernet Franc, sourced from Walla Walla Valley, aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Cases produced: 2180.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep ruby with bright purple edges, translucent. Aromas: Blackberry, cherry, sweet spice, mocha, hints of forest and cold blossoms. Bold and full-bodied, rich and layered with plenty of tart tannic structure, pepper and oak spice frame the ripe black and red fruit, cocoa, bourbon and citrus rind flavors. The finish is rolling and chalky dry.

Excellent value ($24).   Closure: Real cork.   Alcohol content: 13.8%