I find many of the Columbia Gorge wines have the taste of tar. What gives the grapes from this region that flavor profile?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
My tasting experience with wines from the Columbia Gorge appellation, which is relatively new as an official AVA, is rather limited. Given the many grape varieties which are grown, and the resulting wine styles, I wonder how many wines you have found which have the taste of tar. Does this apply to certain grape types or wineries? I assume you mean red wine only, so does it seem to be associated with Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir (some of the red varieties grown in this AVA)? Historically, a tarry taste was found in certain Italian red wines, but a strong and obvious taste of "tar" is considered a flaw today. I would be interested in hearing from Columbia Gorge wineries and other tasters on this question.
