A Wine for Tonight: 2009 William Church Bishop’s Blend Red Wine



By Kori ~ June 28th, 2012.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2009 William Church Bishop’s Blend from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$20
  • Must be widely available

William Church Winery, founded in 2005 by Rod and Leslie Balsley, is located in the warehouse district in Woodinville, Washington, and they also have a second tasting room in the Hollywood Schoolhouse area next door to Purple Café. After years in the high-tech industry, Rod and Leslie are thoroughly enjoying their second careers in the wine industry. Bitten by the wine bug when they honeymooned in Italy, Rod and Leslie got their start in winemaking as a hobby when they moved next door to a man named Dick Gidley who had been making wine in his garage for over twenty years. After a while, they decided to pursue winemaking on a commercial scale. Rod and Leslie are both actively involved in all aspects of the winery. Rod manages the day-to-day winemaking operations with the help of winemaker Marcus Rafanelli. Leslie manages the marketing and sales aspects of the business.

“Always a crowd pleaser this house blend over delivers for the price every year.  One of our most popular wines, it’s created to be drinkable now and go with a variety of different dishes. Marionberry and boysenberry flavors abound with complexity and richness followed by creamy vanilla and a finish that is smooth and well balanced.” –William Church Winery

2009 William Church Bishop’s Blend Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 47% Syrah, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep, dark purplish red. Aromatic with toffee and black fruit on the nose. Blackberry, black cherry, and spice come through on the palate. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $20; Available elsewhere, $20


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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