Way back when, shortly after starting this website, the indefatigable Amy Johnson, half of the power duo that makes up Purple Star/Muret-Gaston Wines, contacted me and asked if she could send me samples. At the time, I had only received samples from, well, fringe wineries (one memorable bottle actually glowed in the dark so that it would be “easier to find in late-night hot-tub session”–I really wish I was joking).

Back then, it was still somewhat shocking to me that someone, anyone, would want to send me wine to review. I said “yes,” of course, and we have remained in touch ever since. I have been out to visit a couple of times and sampled their wines off and on for years. One thing is clear: it was evident from those first samples that Kyle was a talented winemaker, but he has only gotten better. The relatively new Muret-Gaston line (named after their respective ancestors who lived in neighboring villages in France) underscores that assertion. Much of the fruit comes from the Boushey Vineyard, planted and managed by Dick Boushey, as close as it comes to a living legend in Washington viticulture.

Amy and Kyle are on the verge of being a disgustingly adorable couple, and Kyle has a gorgeous head of hair (although this must be right after a trim). Amy and Kyle recently sent me a case of wine for review. Here are the two reds and a sweet white. [On another note, all of these photos come from the Muret-Gaston and Purple Star Instagram accounts as the art available on the actual winery websites is, well, woeful, which I will tell Amy, but she is already the hardest working person I know, so she gets a pass.]

2022 Muret-Gaston Grenache Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley, WA: Retail $50(?). Very Responsible Bottle (475g; 16.8oz). Under cork. 100% Grenache. For whatever reason, and I really don’t understand it at all, there is not a ton of 100% Grenache to be found. Sure, it *exists* but in the grand scheme? There ain’t much (excluding large swaths of Spain, I guess). And that is a shame since I have yet to try a 100% Grenache that wasn’t absolutely fantastic (excluding a few bottles from Spain, I guess). Case in point. I have no idea if this is Kyle and Amy Johnson’s first 100% Grenache, but based on this bottle? They should be making a sheet-ton more of it. Whoa. Medium-ruby and translucent, this wine is gorgeous from the first pour with a bushel of red, blue, and black berry fruit, a touch of spice, fresh cut roses, and the slightest hint of anise on the nose. Whoa. The palate is even better, amazingly, with wave after wave of juicy fruit, a smidge of earth, spice, and plenty of lip-smacking tartness. I have not talked to Kyle about this wine (yet?), but like the Blanc I tasted right before this beauty, this has to be among his top efforts thus far. And he’s still a young(ish) guy with a gorgeous full head of hair; I imagine there will be a few more “his best wine yet” kind of proclamations in the near future. Outstanding. 96 Points.

2022 Muret-Gaston Rouge Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley, WA: Retail $50. Very Responsible Bottle (475g; 16.8oz). Under cork. 63% Syrah 27% Cinsault. Medium to dark in color in the glass with oodles of red and black fruit: raspberry, blackberry, plum, cassis, and I could go on. As one would expect with a majority-Syrah blend, there is plenty of spice, too, and even a touch of anise. The palate is fruity, layered, and a bit spicy with plenty of tartness and loads of intrigue and character, with a touch of mocha on an incredibly long finish. I am not sure if it was Kyle’s goal, but this certainly has a Northern Rhône vibe to it, and that is just fine by me. Outstanding. 94 Points.

2021 Muret-Gaston Jean, Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley, WA: From a 375ml bottle. Retail? Heavy Bottle. Under cork. 65% Sémillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc. I could find exactly zero on the interwebs about this wine. Zilch. Nada. But I assume that this is Kyle and Amy Johnson’s take on the classic Sauternes-style dessert wine. Before I opened it, I was hesitant, as many have tried to emulate perhaps the greatest dessert wines in the world, and few have succeeded. Until now? OK, few would confuse this with a Sauternes, but this is damned good. Light straw in the glass with apricot, peach, and bosc pear on the nose with hints of honey and even lime. The palate is sweet, but closer to off-dry than cloying, and the ample acidity is a brilliant counter-balance. I do not drink much off-dry/sweet/dessert wines these days, but this is certainly delightful. Outstanding. 94 Points.

I have yet to be invited to the Wine Bar. Just saying…