Tuesday, May. 05, 2009

Walla Walla winery comes out of retirement

By Andy Perdue, Wine Press Northwest

Two years ago, we reported the somber news that Walla Walla, Wash., producer Bunchgrass Winery was closing because founder/owner/winemaker Roger Cockerline had decided to retire.

But fans of the small winery west of town didn't want Bunchgrass to go away. Tom Olander and Barb Commare approached Cockerline about continuing the brand about the same time that Gordy Venneri, co-owner of Walla Walla Vintners, was helping his winemaker, Bill vonMetzger, look for a way to launch his own brand. Now, vonMetzger is Bunchgrass's winemaker with the Cockerlines, Olander and Commare - and Bunchgrass has been reborn.

"There was an unbelievable outpouring to Roger that Bunchgrass continue," Olander said.

Two wines have been released from the 2006 vintage: a Cab-based blend called Triolet (117 cases) and a Syrah from famed Lewis Vineyard (289 cases). Olander said a Cabernet Sauvignon from Windrow Vineyard will be released Nov. 1. Just 23 cases were made.

The wine that made Bunchgrass famous, Founder's Blend, has been retired, though Olander hinted that a similar wine with a different name will be released from the 2008 vintage.

The winery still is on the Cockerline family farm west of town and is open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, as well as on event weekends and by appointment.

For more information, go to bunchgrasswinery.com.