2019 Desert Wind Ruah Red Blend, Wahluke Slope, WA
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
A crowd pleaser, the 2019 Ruah begins sweet and savory on the nose with raspberry jam, strawberry compote, anise, and tobacco leaf. Swirling brings fresh plums, red licorice, dried oregano, and hints of cassis. Very fresh and medium bodied, the mouthfeel showcases a combination of ripe red fruit and dried herb flavors, with notes of potpourri and rooibos tea. The mid-palate is round and creamy, with plenty of sweetness, but without losing its freshness. A beautiful red blend that can be enjoyed now or in the next 6 years.
The Vineyard
The Wahluke Slope AVA is located in south-central Washington and is considered one of the warmer regions in the state. Our 480-acre Desert Wind Estate Vineyard is south-facing, with a gradual two percent slope ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet in elevation. The deep, rocky soil allows for excellent drainage, stressing the vines and allowing focused energy on fruit production. The resulting wines are highly pigmented and have excellent tannin structure.
Winemaking
The 2019 growing season started off slow due to winter storms that lasted into February, but consistently warm and sunny days in the summer put growth back on track. The overall heat accumulation remained just above average for Washington. Overall, the 2019 vintage showcased a fairly typical vintage in the area, which is a good sign for the consistency and quality of the resulting wines. The 2019 Ruah is our proprietary red blend, comprised of varieties that were fermented separately, then blended and aged for 20 months in neutral French oak.
Desert Wind is an immersive wine, food, and entertainment destination in the heart of Washington Wine Country, dedicated to producing world-class wines that celebrate our estate vineyards in the Wahluke Slope AVA. Our southwest-inspired estate is perched on a bluff overlooking the Yakima River in Prosser, Washington, and boasts a large tasting room, overnight accommodations, light kitchen fare, spa services, and ample private event space. Desert Wind’s legacy and acclaimed wines are rooted in family and our sun soaked Wahluke Slope AVA estate vineyard. Our philosophy on winemaking is simple: Start with grapes that show terrific potential and craft smooth, friendly, world-class wines you can drink every day. We’ve grown a lot since our first vines were planted in 1993, but one thing remains the same - our commitment to creating experiences that bring people together.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2019 Desert Wind Ruah Red Blend - $30 = 23.07%
@Leatherchair Oh goodness…looking forward to the rats as well. I auto-purchased a case…then read the tasting notes later. Eeek…all this talk about sweetness is freaking me out! I didn’t find the 2018 as “Sweet” per se…definitely fruit, but finished medium bodied, smooth and well rounded with a bit of an oaky/tobacco/herb finish…but not “sweet”.
@Allieroon I had a case in the cart, ready to go, but at the last minute, went to check my last purchase to make sure it was the same vintage - which it turned out it was not. Yes, I definitely tooknote of the word “sweet” in the description also. It is surprising how different the blend is, but at the same time this has been one of my favorite casemate offerings
@Leatherchair Yes, same here, which is why I just went into “auto buy” mode. So far, this has been one of the best QPR offers on casemates in my opinion. Whether it’s pizza or a filet, always a hit when I pop a cork. Buuuut…I’m not a fan of “sweet” reds (or whites for that matter).
Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points
Damp earth and sweet raspberry aromas get things off to a good start. This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend then offers elevated acidity to accompany flavors of black cherries and a Mediterranean medley of olive oil, rosemary and thyme. A pleasant tipple for a good price. — Michael Alberty
Just a reflection on the 2018 offer that had 8 different varietals that made up the wine. The price point was crazy excellent! I was skeptical about all the varietals, in fact, I called it my “Kitchen Sink” wine purchase! I LOVED IT because all the varietals danced every-which-way on my pallet! It blew me away! The next day was even better! Some bottles from the case never survived Day 1.
So I’d jump on the 2019, but I am overloaded with full wine cases and have absolutely no room in the basement. If my inventory is up to date, I have 3 btls of the 2018 left which I’m going to hoard! I was also concern with the winery’s repetitive “SWEETNESS” in the description for the 2019 vintage. I can’t handle sweet wines! I wonder if they meant ?“Smoothness”? The 2018 was silky smooth and I don’t remember any sweetness with that vintage and the Wine Enthusiast didn’t mention any “taste sweetness” for the 2019 vintage blend, only “sweet aroma”!
Hopefully there’s some RATS out there or the Winery that can chime in concerning “SWEETNESS” before this offer ends!
Spectator had a go with this as well…
88 points. Juicy and easygoing, featuring bright cherry and spice flavors that zip along the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2029. 6,450 cases made. Tim Fish 9/30/24
So, I unexpectedly got this bottle of Desert Winds Ruah 2019 today and it took all I had not to open it before dinner. I was working and things would not have gone well.
First, I have to say that’s I’ve bought at least three cases of Desert Wind stuff from Casemates and the Ruah is my favorite though the last deal with the Merlot and Cabernet was nothing to sneeze at.
Here’s the bottom line:
Upon uncorking, I thought the nose was a little closed. However, after decanting (and I decant almost every bottle) it bloomed into some dark cherry, blueberry, a little spice and some faint herbaceous tinges.
On the palate, again the dark fruit was prominent but the herby quality (I’m guessing from the Merlot) was coming through. It’s still got some grip but this isn’t a bottle I would lay down for another five years. Maybe 2 or 3 but not 5.
If you smoke any meats, I would definitely pair this with a brisket with just salt, pepper, and garlic for a rub. The fruit and herbs would compliment it nicely. Come to think of it, if you do a good marinara with basil, this would match. Also think Thai basil chicken (gai pad krapow) or maybe lamb with rosemary. But the Thai chicken would be my pick; it would be doing it in your tastebuds.
Anyway, the price is nice and, like I said, I have at least two cases (of the 2018 and the Merlot and Cab) in my cellar so I will not buy any this time. But I encourage you all. Washington state is doing some good wine these days.
@lionel47 Thanks for the rattage. Would you describe any experience of tasting this wine “sweet”…i.e., nose, palate, finish? If so…would you say it is from residual sugars or fruit? How dry would you say this wine clocks in at…i.e., dry, off-dry, semi sweet?
@Allieroon I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s sweet. But I will say it’s more jammy than their 2018 do, in that way, I can see someone referring to it as “sweet”.
Intend to be very sensitive to herbs, especially rosemary, so that’s probably why the Merlot part is what jumped out at me.
It’s an inexpensive party wine that is a crowd pleaser like their other wines. I love to grill so I often entertain with BBQ during the summer. This is good straightforward drinking on a summer night.
If you’re looking for a more refined wine to contemplate and enjoy watching develop over an evening, this ain’t it.
I ordered a case based on loving my last Ruah, which I also gifted. Thought it was the same year, but I was wrong - should have checked the boards first. Hopefully I will like this one too.
Just want to say - my case arrived and I opened a bottle. Though there are maybe violets in the nose on this vintage, I do not find it sweet, or particularly sweeter than the previous vintage. Happy I did the case - will be gifting some to friends.
2019 Desert Wind Ruah Red Blend, Wahluke Slope, WA
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$270.00/Case for 12x 2019 Desert Wind Ruah Red Blend, Wahluke Slope, WA at Desert Wind Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Mar 31 - Tuesday, Apr 1
2019 Desert Wind Ruah Red Blend
6 bottles for $64.99 $10.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $99.99 $8.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous offers:
12/16/24 (2018)
4/10/24 (2018)
11/27/23 (2018)
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2019 Desert Wind Ruah Red Blend - $30 = 23.07%
$20/case more than the last 2018 offer.
Prices are a bit higher than the 2018, and an entirely different blend. Loved the 2018, and looking forward to the rats on this one
@Leatherchair Oh goodness…looking forward to the rats as well. I auto-purchased a case…then read the tasting notes later. Eeek…all this talk about sweetness is freaking me out!
I didn’t find the 2018 as “Sweet” per se…definitely fruit, but finished medium bodied, smooth and well rounded with a bit of an oaky/tobacco/herb finish…but not “sweet”. 
@Allieroon I had a case in the cart, ready to go, but at the last minute, went to check my last purchase to make sure it was the same vintage - which it turned out it was not. Yes, I definitely tooknote of the word “sweet” in the description also. It is surprising how different the blend is, but at the same time this has been one of my favorite casemate offerings
@Leatherchair Yes, same here, which is why I just went into “auto buy” mode. So far, this has been one of the best QPR offers on casemates in my opinion. Whether it’s pizza or a filet, always a hit when I pop a cork. Buuuut…I’m not a fan of “sweet” reds (or whites for that matter).
@Leatherchair fwiw…
Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points
Damp earth and sweet raspberry aromas get things off to a good start. This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend then offers elevated acidity to accompany flavors of black cherries and a Mediterranean medley of olive oil, rosemary and thyme. A pleasant tipple for a good price. — Michael Alberty
Just a reflection on the 2018 offer that had 8 different varietals that made up the wine. The price point was crazy excellent! I was skeptical about all the varietals, in fact, I called it my “Kitchen Sink” wine purchase! I LOVED IT because all the varietals danced every-which-way on my pallet! It blew me away! The next day was even better! Some bottles from the case never survived Day 1.
So I’d jump on the 2019, but I am overloaded with full wine cases and have absolutely no room in the basement. If my inventory is up to date, I have 3 btls of the 2018 left which I’m going to hoard! I was also concern with the winery’s repetitive “SWEETNESS” in the description for the 2019 vintage. I can’t handle sweet wines! I wonder if they meant ?“Smoothness”? The 2018 was silky smooth and I don’t remember any sweetness with that vintage and the Wine Enthusiast didn’t mention any “taste sweetness” for the 2019 vintage blend, only “sweet aroma”!
Hopefully there’s some RATS out there or the Winery that can chime in concerning “SWEETNESS” before this offer ends!
Spectator had a go with this as well…
88 points. Juicy and easygoing, featuring bright cherry and spice flavors that zip along the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2029. 6,450 cases made. Tim Fish 9/30/24
as always…
…fwiw
So, I unexpectedly got this bottle of Desert Winds Ruah 2019 today and it took all I had not to open it before dinner. I was working and things would not have gone well.
First, I have to say that’s I’ve bought at least three cases of Desert Wind stuff from Casemates and the Ruah is my favorite though the last deal with the Merlot and Cabernet was nothing to sneeze at.
Here’s the bottom line:
Upon uncorking, I thought the nose was a little closed. However, after decanting (and I decant almost every bottle) it bloomed into some dark cherry, blueberry, a little spice and some faint herbaceous tinges.
On the palate, again the dark fruit was prominent but the herby quality (I’m guessing from the Merlot) was coming through. It’s still got some grip but this isn’t a bottle I would lay down for another five years. Maybe 2 or 3 but not 5.
If you smoke any meats, I would definitely pair this with a brisket with just salt, pepper, and garlic for a rub. The fruit and herbs would compliment it nicely. Come to think of it, if you do a good marinara with basil, this would match. Also think Thai basil chicken (gai pad krapow) or maybe lamb with rosemary. But the Thai chicken would be my pick; it would be doing it in your tastebuds.
Anyway, the price is nice and, like I said, I have at least two cases (of the 2018 and the Merlot and Cab) in my cellar so I will not buy any this time. But I encourage you all. Washington state is doing some good wine these days.
@lionel47 Thanks for the rattage.
Would you describe any experience of tasting this wine “sweet”…i.e., nose, palate, finish? If so…would you say it is from residual sugars or fruit? How dry would you say this wine clocks in at…i.e., dry, off-dry, semi sweet?
@Allieroon I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s sweet. But I will say it’s more jammy than their 2018 do, in that way, I can see someone referring to it as “sweet”.
Intend to be very sensitive to herbs, especially rosemary, so that’s probably why the Merlot part is what jumped out at me.
It’s an inexpensive party wine that is a crowd pleaser like their other wines. I love to grill so I often entertain with BBQ during the summer. This is good straightforward drinking on a summer night.
If you’re looking for a more refined wine to contemplate and enjoy watching develop over an evening, this ain’t it.
Hope this helps.
@lionel47 Thank you, that was helpful. I feel a little better now. BBQ on!
I ordered a case based on loving my last Ruah, which I also gifted. Thought it was the same year, but I was wrong - should have checked the boards first. Hopefully I will like this one too.
Just want to say - my case arrived and I opened a bottle. Though there are maybe violets in the nose on this vintage, I do not find it sweet, or particularly sweeter than the previous vintage. Happy I did the case - will be gifting some to friends.