theCompass mobile application is a winery, brewery, and distillery locator for North America.

We first became acquainted with Rick Ensminger, the Vineyard Manager for Celilo Vineyard in 1997. We were well aware of the reputation of both the Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer produced from this vineyard, however we had never known that there was also Pinot noir planted on the western edge of the vineyard. We acquired Pinot noir from Rick in 1999 for the first time. This wine shows the beautiful perfume for which Celilo Vineyard has become justifiably famous. The nose opens with a burst of cherry and hints of forest floor and mushrooms. Flavors lead staight into cherries strawberries and finish with a silky texture. A suprising wine, bequiling, and introspective. But shoot, that's Pinot.

Jarrod Boyle manages an exciting vineyard project located in the Horse Heaven Hills between Canoe Ridge Vineyard and Alder Ridge Vineyard. With an eastern and northern aspect, this vineyard warms early in the spring, but ripens early to mid october. The resulting long growing season with the fall that "lasts practically forever" gives intense grapes. The northern slope leaves acidity in the grapes and gives that extra "hang time." A cofermented blend of Roussanne, Viognier, and Marsanne, this wine shows the classic characteristics of each grape. Roussanne contributes pear and almond, viognier adds peach and fig, while marsanne gives the wine sweet nut characteristics. An incredible food wine.

Grenache happens to be one of our favorite grapes. One of the most widely planted grapes throughout France and Spain, it produces wines that range from light pink quaffers to substantial age-worthy reds. Grenache can be quite "generous" to the grower, setting huge crops and easily attaining 13% potential alcohol, however the wines lack character and body. When crop levels are controlled and the fruit is allowed to reach full maturity the wines are stunning: Rich, spicy red fruits with substantial warmth. The Milbrandt Brothers, Butch and Jerry, have chosen a special spot and decided to intensely manage two small blocks of Grenache. While the vines are young, the results have been nothing short of stunning. The long hot growing season of the Wahluke Slope easily ripens the grapes, while controlled irrigation limits crop and berry size. Those who know and love Grenache, know the vineyards of Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. This wine, black as syrah, is exceptionally rich. Strawberry, cherry and spice dominate with the classic white pepper of Grenache evident. This wine is a huge wine, showing great balance and elegance.

The Andrews family has been farming the Horse Heaven Hill since they homesteaded the area. The family farm, Andrews Horse Heaven Ranch, farms a diversity of crops with different family members managing different crops. Rob Andrews has been managing the winegrape sector of the family farm and has proven that their farm may be one of the most interesting places to grow ultra-premium winegrapes. Originally planted in 1980 to Cabernet Sauvignon, expansion happened quickly. The Chenin Blanc was planted in 1981, making it some of the first Chenin blanc planted in the northwest. Located on ancient soils overlaying solid basalt, their vineyards have an uncommon mix of intensity and finesse and balance. Harvested November 22 with temperatures hovering in the low 20's F this is a true late harvest wine. With loads of good botrytis and frozen grapes these grapes were a true treasure.

Katherine Leone vineyard lies on the western edge of the Wahluke Slope in the Columbia Valley. Adjacent to the famous Indian Wells Vineyard, Katherine Leone shows many of the same characteristics. Ripening early, the vineyard ensures great wines even on cooler vintages. With soils composed of sandy loam overlaying river rock the vines are forced to dig deep for nutrients and water resulting in vines that are naturally balanced. Exhibiting classic characteristics which Washington Merlot has become synonymous: This Merlot is ripe and concentrated with intense aromas of raspberries, currants and coffee. This complex wine is complemented with hints of chocolate, vanilla and toasted oak. Smooth tannins make this tasty wine suitable for early consumption, however it will reward those with the patience to cellar it for 3-5 years

The Milbrandt Brothers, Butch and Jerry, manage a collection of vineyards on the warm Wahluke Slope in Eastern Washington. This wine is a blend of syrah from a very warm site, Clifton Vineyard, and a cooler site, Sundance Vineyard. Situated a few miles east of the town of Mattawa, Sundance vineyard crests a small plateau. This site is one of the cooler vineyards in an otherwise very warm region. The result is a site that receives large amounts of heat during the growing season, but finishes in the fall with large daily temperature differences. Harvest here is mid to late October, which gives an extremely long growing season. The incredible amount of "hang-time" coupled with the mid-season heat and impeccable vineyard management yields grapes of incredible intensity and ripeness. Clifton Vineyard is located northwest of the town of Mattawa on a slight southwest slope. Bud break, bloom and consequently harvest is very early. This creates jammy blackberry flavors and aromas mixed with white pepper. Wow! This wine evokes images of the northern Rhone Valley. Here is a blend with all the cool climate characteristics for which Hermitage and Cote Rotie are famous, white pepper, blueberries, sauvage and violets. For a wine that is dark as this wine is, it displays a surprising amount of finesse. Careful blending yielded a wine with intense color and flavors, but also incredible balance. Loaded with the blueberry and anise character for which Sundance Vineyard is known coupled with jammy bramble fruits from Clifton.

Following the success of last year's whimsy, we again decided to continue to produce more of that flight of fancy. This year we increased production as the block of Grenache continues to mature, while maintaining the same style. Yes, it is pink. No, it ain't sweet. Fruity, fun and the perfect wine for those hot summer days. Well, here it is. Very fruity, lively acidity, and something unique for Washington.

This rare white wine comes from one of the state's most well known vineyards, Alder Ridge. Located directly above the Columbia River with southeast exposure, Alder Ridge Vineyard enjoys extremely warm summer days, and moderated winter lows. Roussanne is the primary grape of white Chateauneuf du Pape where it reaches its pinnacle of expression at Chateau de Beaucastel. The vines at Alder Ridge trace their history directly to the great vineyards of Chateau de Beaucastel. Harvest occurs in early October for this late ripening white grape. This Roussanne is ripe, with aromas of tea, minerals and almonds. Barrel fermentation and lees stirring soften the wine and add complexity and fatness.and opulent. Best described as rich as a chardonnay with none of the clumsiness of domestic chardonnays. A unique and rare wine that is sure to find a solid home in Washington state.

Subduction Red is a blended wine inspired by southern France. Roughly thirds, Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet, this is our unique regional wine. The Grenache; providing warmth and spice, was sourced from Clifton Vineyard. This warm site with sandy soils, is one of the few places in Washington that can reliably ripen Grenache. The vineyard is located on the Wahluke Slope, a region quickly gaining popularity with winemakers across the state. The Syrah, sourced from the slightly cooler Sundance Vineyard, provides rich berry flavors, color and backbone for the wine. Cabernet, also from Clifton Vineyard, adds elements of cocoa, chocolate, and dried fruit. Darker in color than the previous year, the wine is an intense glassful of fruit. Great structure, acidity and intensity are the calling cards of the Subduction Red. Simply put, this wine offers tremendous flavor for the price.

This stylish white wine comes from one of the state's most exciting vineyards. Clifton Vineyard is located towards the northeast end of the Wahluke Slope with an unobstructed southwest exposure. Backed by black basalt cliffs and facing directly towards the Columbia River, this is a warm site. Harvest occurs in early September from this mainly sandy site. This viognier is ripe, rich and opulent. Those warm days have resulted in a wine packed with peach, honeysuckle and fig aromas. Flavors mimic the aromas with additional vanilla and hazelnut nuances. An incredible blend of perfume and power, this memorable wine is sure to impress. Did I fail to mention that I feel that it is superior to last year's wine?