Maison Bleue, founded by owner/winemaker Jon Martinez in 2008, is located in Prosser, Washington. Martinez changed careers to venture into winemaking, giving up a successful dental practice. He has become a bona fide winemaking star and his Maison Bleue wines have been the buzz of the Washington wine industry the past couple of years. Maison Bleue focuses primarily on Rhône varieties with annual production currently over 2,600 cases and increasing to 4,500 cases over the next two years.

Jon Martinez sources fruit from some of the best vineyards in the state, including the famed Boushey Vineyards. He is committed to expressing the distinctive traits of each vineyard site through his winemaking.

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste several Maison Bleue wines in a blind samples tasting. While we thought all three were very good, we especially enjoyed the two white wines, the 2010 Notre Vie Viognier and the 2010 Petite Joie Marsanne. With warmer weather on its way, these are both excellent whites to try this spring and summer.

Open by appointment only, the Maison Bleue tasting room is located in The Winemaker’s Loft in Prosser. If you are in the area, I highly encourage you to make arrangements to visit. Maison Bleue produces a number of wines worth checking out if you see them on the shelf at your local wine shop or on a restaurant wine list.

2010 Maison Bleue Notre Vie Viognier (Arthur’s Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington): Pale straw yellow. Aromatic with floral notes and lemon on the nose. More lemon and floral notes come through on the palate as well as lime and a hint of grapefruit. Dry and medium-bodied with tart acidity. Well-balanced with a long, lingering finish. Crisp and refreshing.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $25; Available elsewhere, $23 to $26

2010 Maison Bleue Petite Joie Marsanne (Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington): Pale to medium yellow. Nice nose with floral and petrol aromas. Lemon zest and floral notes come through on the palate. Dry and medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a very long finish. One of the best Marsannes I’ve ever had.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $35; Available elsewhere, $28 to $37

2009 Maison Bleue Liberté Syrah (Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington): Deep, dark purplish red. Aromatic with cherry and floral notes on the nose. Big Red soda, strawberry, and cedar come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $45; Available elsewhere, $40 to $44

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