BILL’S BLEND is the name on the label of Bill Whiting’s new line of wines.
Bill is an old friend and though he has been in the wine business for many years, his dream of creating his own wines was only realized when he successfully bid on one ton of Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and a French/American oak barrel while he was attending the Washington Grape Growers Association annual fundraiser. It was a life-changing experience. Soon he was able to produce the first vintage of BILL’S BLEND which was released for family and close friends. The wine was a smashing success.
Anyone that knows wine or has been in the wine business knows Bill and his long association with wine. His family has been in the wine business since 1919. America is home but Italian blood flows through his veins.
His grandfather was born in Connecticut in 1895. At a young age,”Pop” was sent to Italy and placed under the tutelage of his Aunt Teodolinda, who supervised the household staff for Pope Pius XI. Teodolinda was passionate about hospitality and oversaw the cellar for the Pontiff. “Pop” mirrored her enthusiasm the two passed their knowledge to Bill’s mother Joan, who in turn motivated Bill and his brothers.
Bill’s Blend Rosè Red Mountain AVA 2022 made from 52% Malbec, 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot all from the Kiona “Heart of the Hill” single vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA at 784 feet. The soil is 53% Warden silt loam, 45% Finley stony and fine sandy loam and 2% Scooteney silt loam. The training system is bi-lateral cordon. Harvest is from October 14 to November 1. 100% Saignée tank fermentation in stainless steel for 14 days. Only the free run juice which is the highest quality juice is used because it has no contact with the seeds (pips) and skins. The wine is then aged in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation. The wine was bottled August 14, 2023. This is a Rosè that will age for a few years. $25
Note: All net proceeds for the 2022 Bill’s Blend Rosè were donated to five different Maui charities to help them rebuild after what has been deemed one of the deadliest wildfires in U. S. history.
Bill’s Blend Red Red Mountain AVA 2020 made from 78% Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot from Kiona “Heart of the Hill”(86%) and Thurtle (14%) vineyards. Soil same as above as is the training system. Harvest is from October 6th to 24th. Each variety was hand sorted and fermented separately. The whole berries were destemmed and crushed and fermentation is for 14 days on the skins for 14 days. The wine is aged for 32 months in French oak of which 30% is new with a medium roast. The wine was bottled on August 14, 20023. The wine has hints of red plums, cassis, raspberry, black cherry, a hint of violets and a touch of cocoa. This wine will age for 10 to 15 years. $48
Note: Located on a southwest-facing slope in south central Washington, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, Red Mountain is one the smallest, warmest and most sought-after wine growing area in Washington State (and the world).
The samples were delivered by Bill in person
To find out where you can buy these wines, write to bill@billsblendwine.com.