Milbrandt Vineyards: 2012 Traditions Pinot Gris and 2010 The Estates Cab



By Kori ~ May 15th, 2013.

Brothers Butch and Jerry Milbrandt planted their first vines in Washington’s Columbia Valley and Wahluke Slope in 1997. Today, Milbrandt Vineyards is comprised of over 2,000 acres of estate vineyards. After selling their grapes to wineries throughout Washington for years, the Milbrandts launched their own winery in 2005. Joshua Maloney, who previously worked for wineries in California and then as Chateau Ste. Michelle’s red winemaker, joined Milbrandt Vineyards as Director of Winemaking in 2011. The Milbrandt Vineyards tasting room is located in Prosser, Washington.

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste the 2012 Traditions Pinot Gris and the 2010 The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon in a blind samples tasting. Both wines are very good, but we especially enjoyed the Pinot Gris. It is crisp and refreshing and an excellent wine for late spring and summer.

Milbrandt Vineyards consistently offers a lineup of good quality wines that deliver serious bang for your buck.

2012 Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions Pinot Gris (Columbia Valley, Washington): 100% Pinot Gris. Pale straw yellow. Nice nose with lemon and honeysuckle aromas. Citrus fruits, especially lemon, and floral notes come through on the palate. Dry and medium-bodied with tart acidity. Well-balanced with a very long, refreshing finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12.99; Available elsewhere, $10 to $13

2010 Milbrandt Vineyards The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Wahluke Slope, Washington): 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 5% Malbec. Dark purplish red. Aromatic with molasses and blackcurrant on the nose. More molasses, blackcurrant, and black pepper come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $24.99; Available elsewhere, $14 to $27


Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

Reader's Comments

  1. Bruce J Jones | May 15th, 2013 at 8:35 am

    Although I live in New England I work for Whitman College in Walla Walla and always enjoy the reds when in town. So imagine my pleasure when I discovered the Milbrandt Cab at my local Cape Cod wine store, a stunning value @ $13 a bottle!

  2. Kori | May 16th, 2013 at 6:23 am

    So glad you found the Milbrandt Cab in New England, and at a great price to boot. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!