Gard winemaker Aryn Morell, who handed the reins to Matías Kúsalas in 2021, is a Washington native, but he started his career in the most hallowed of California Cabernet locations: Silver Oak. Then, after working a Napa Valley job that gave him a glimpse behind the scenes at Joseph Phelps, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, and Chappellet, he took his talents home to the Northwest.

Aryn joined forces with the Lawrence family, who have been farming in the Columbia Valley for 40 years. Every drop of wine he makes at Gard comes from the Lawrences’ sustainably farmed vineyards, most of which sit in the rapidly rising Royal Slope AVA.

Made official in 2020, you may not know Royal Slope, but you’ll be hearing about it more in the future. Sitting north of the established Wahluke Slope AVA, Royal Slope looks south upon the Saddle Mountains from the Yakima Fold Belt, a geographical feature that gives the AVA some elevation—from 610 feet up to 1,756 at the highest point—and a south-facing orientation, which makes it perfect to soak up the sun from way up near the 47th parallel.

The result is a long growing season that gives the grapes here, which grow in deep and well-draining glacial soils, the opportunity to ripen perfectly. This wine comprises 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, and it’s named for the Vaucluse department in the South of France, home to the finest Syrah/Grenache blends in the world. The Vaucluse is located east of the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct.

This is an example of how Washington's top wines are often too well-hidden. We’re thrilled to share it with you.