Since 2013 our mission has been to find great wines of great value that are ready to drink tonight.
In a competition that continues to raise the bar each year, standing out is no small feat. The 2021 Drink Washington State Carménère from the Wahluke Slope did just that, earning Double Gold honors at Peninsula Underground’s 3rd Annual Washington State Wine Competition. From the first pour, it was clear this was a wine with something to say—bringing together character, balance, and a strong sense of place in a way that immediately captured the attention of our judges.
That sense of place is no accident. Crafted by owner and winemaker Brad Binko of Eternal Wines, this bottling reflects a deep commitment to showcasing Washington’s vineyard character through thoughtful, hands-on winemaking. Through his Drink Washington State label, Binko has built a reputation for producing wines that are both authentic and approachable—an ethos that comes through clearly in this standout Carménère.
The grape itself only adds to the story. Carménère, originally from Bordeaux but now most closely associated with Chile, has quietly found a promising home in Washington State. In the warm, sun-drenched vineyards of the Wahluke Slope—one of the Columbia Valley’s most consistent and expressive AVAs—the varietal ripens beautifully, developing depth while maintaining structure and freshness.
A dark, mysterious story you can sip, this wine immediately pulls you in. Carménère remains a rare grape in Washington, but in a site like Wahluke Slope—with its warm days and cool nights—it develops a bold fruit profile alongside a distinctly spicy personality. In the glass, it shows a deep purple hue, while the nose opens with expressive notes of blackberry jam, black cherry, and violet, layered with subtle cedar and a whisper of herbal, savory complexity—think green pepper, lavender, and even a hint of eucalyptus.
On the palate, it’s juicy, layered, and full of intrigue. Flavors of black currant and plum take center stage, joined by a playful, root-beer-like note of sassafras, along with spice, cedar, and mild smoky undertones. Medium-plus acidity and tannins provide structure and lift, while the finish stretches long, brambly, and slightly herbal, leaving behind a lingering mix of fruit, spice, and green leaf. It’s bold, complex, and just a little playful—a Washington original with a confident, unmistakable vibe.
What impressed our judges most was the wine’s balance. It’s bold without being heavy, expressive without losing precision. That harmony is what ultimately pushed it into Double Gold territory—a unanimous recognition of excellence.
And then there’s the value. At around $20, this wine dramatically overdelivers for its price point—something we at Peninsula Underground never take for granted. Great wine doesn’t have to be expensive, and bottles like this remind us why discovering value is such a core part of what we do. Finding a wine of this quality, complexity, and drinkability at this price makes it not just a great bottle—but a smart one.
April is a month of transition—longer days, warmer evenings, and meals that start to move outdoors. This Carménère fits that moment perfectly. Pair it with grilled meats, herb-marinated vegetables, or even a smoky barbecue dish, and it will shine.
At Peninsula Underground, we’re always looking to spotlight wines that overdeliver, tell a story, and reflect the passion of their makers. The 2021 Drink Washington State Carménère checks every box—and then some. That’s why it’s our April Wine of the Month.
Learn more about Eternal Wines, follow them, and purchase their wine here:
@EternalWines
