Address: 5201 Highland Drive, Zillah, WA 98953
Phone: 509-829-6970
Website: www.portteus.com
Open 10:00am to 5:00pm, 7 days a week

Paul learned something about making wines from Uncle Howard. His dad also made wine. Paul watched, and checked out Europe for more clues. While still in training Paul met me (Marilyn) after I fell off a passing comet. Paul was slow and our romance languished for 20 years until 1973 after which we had 3 boys and nearly located in California, but went to Central Washington State instead.

In 1981 our first 8 acres were planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. Then we planted all the other varieties which weren’t supposed to have succeeded either. There are now 74 acres invested in wine grapes.

In 1981 Washington State had 13 wineries. Only 2 or 3 of those were in the Yakima Valley. In 2005 there are over 350. Our advice to approximately the last 300 of them is to find something else to spend their money on. Of course this is what they told us in 1980. Who listens?

When the economy is booming, we have lovely, chic wines. When the economy is not, we have lovely cheap wines. We are always planting something new, acquiring stray dogs, cats and people, creating voluptuous blends, enjoying life and welcoming each gorgeous day in paradise. We are grateful to God for each vintage. Life is a gift. We’ll drink to that.

Here are a few of the fine wines produced by Porteus:
2005 Bistro Red     
The 2005 Bistro Red is a blend of 45% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black huckleberry, vanilla and strawberry or passion fruit, depending on your point of view.

2006 Cabernet Franc
One acre planted in 1988 produced this very special Franc. At the winery tasters often say they don’t like Cab Franc but they love this one! Fruit flavors of pomegranate framed by very soft tannins with a spicy clove and cinnamon finish.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Produced from 20 + year old vines, aged in American Oak barrels for 22 months. Impeccably balanced with hints of dark chocolate, black currant, licorice and mint. Recently released, but running out quickly.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vine
Our Cabernet vines were first planted in February of 1982 and are within the first 2 or 3 percent planted in Washington. With the 2003 vintage we introduced the term “Old Vine” to our reserve lineup! After fermentation this wine goes into new small French Oak barrels for 34 months before bottling. If you love Cabernet you will love the structure of the soft tannins, blackberry to black currant fruit character in this wine.

2006 Chardonnay
Our Chardonnays are made in the classic “white Burgundy” style, barrel fermented, montrachet yeast, sur lees until bottling. Flavors include ripe pear and peach, creamy vanilla, and toasted meringue on a lemon chiffon pie.

2004 Estate Bottled Reserve Red Wine
This Reserve Red Wine is a blend of: Cabernet Sauvignon 52% / Malbec 16% / Merlot 16% & Petite Sirah 16%

2003 Port
We use only our own estate grown fruit in every bottle. This 2003 Port is a blend of our Cabernet (85%) and Syrah (15%). Flavors of dark chocolate-covered black cherries.

2006 Rattlesnake Red
Fruity and spicy blend in the Super Tuscan or Northern Italian style. Featuring a Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Zinfandel blend with this bottling. Very smooth with hints of milk chocolate and black currant.