Hispanic-Owned Canon de Sol Has Some Awesome Current Releases

Because the wine industry has become so competitive, smaller wineries sometimes need to have a niche to make their presence known among consumers. Victor Cruz, owner and winemaker for Canon de Sol Winery has been marketing his wines, in part, by promoting his position as the only Hispanic-owned winery in Washington.

I had an opportunity to meet with Cruz a few weeks ago and sample his current releases. Here are my tasting notes on these wines:

2004 Viognier (about $18): Wonderfully floral with lush peach and apricot flavors, followed by a touch of oak on the finish.

2003 Merlot (about $24): Huge black cherry and plum flavors with smooth tannins and an ultra-long finish. Outstanding!

2002 Meritage (about $28): A blend of Cabernet, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Powerful, complex blackberry and cherry flavors are balanced by an elegant finish.

2003 Syrah (about $30): Another awesome red wine with big, jammy dark fruit flavors complemented by toasty, spicy accents.

Rave reviews and recognition by wine critics underscore the fact that Cruz has indeed found his place in the wine market. But his wines are, quite honestly, so good that he really doesn’t need to work the Hispanic ownership angle. These wines can sell themselves and the proof is in the tasting. Go try them today.

More information: www.canondesol.com.