Named after Royal City, Washington.
It's ironic that such a small town has such a big name.
Big name for big wine.
Made in small batches and with a distinctive aromatic character, Royal City is Charles Smith's most popular wine and the first to receive a perfect 100 point rating.
Tasting notes by Charles Smith Where do I start? Aromas of wildflowers, bark, Dr Pepper, pottery studio, cherry compote, undergrowth and forest floor.
On the palate, a range of flavours emerge, from nuts, plums and cherries to herbs and spices.
Long, silky and mysterious taste.
It's like a dream.
Vineyard: Stone Ridge Vineyard This vineyard is located near the town of Royal City.
The vineyards are located on gravelly alluvial fan soils on the floodplain of the Columbia River.
Beneath the topsoil is a layer of caliche and basalt 15-30cm deep, which creates a soil rich in calcium and iron that makes it difficult for roots to grow.
The 2019 vintage started slowly with later than average budbreak and fairly mild conditions throughout the year, making it a cooler year.
While some fields had freeze issues in October, a little earlier than normal, our high altitude fields have excellent air movement, which allowed us to extend the growing season into late October without any freezes.
The result is fantastic ripeness, resulting in beautiful wines with incredible balance and character.
Overall, the 2019 wines, regardless of varietal, are beautifully balanced, with exceptional flavor and balance.
Charles Smith’s arrival on the world wine stage has been nothing short of amazing.
Owner/winemaker Charles Smith managed rock and roll bands in Europe for 11 years before moving to Walla Walla and starting K Vintners with a shoestring budget.
Charles' wines exude the excitement of his rock and roll roots, but honest quality and values are the foundation of his winemaking.
Charles produces several brands under different labels: Charles Smith Wines, most of which are made to be drunk the same day they are purchased, and they combine easy drinking, affordable and high quality.
Charles also produces some of America's most fascinating and highly acclaimed Syrah under his original K Vintners label.
K Vintners' wines are made in extremely small quantities to appeal to discerning connoisseurs.
Over the past decade, Charles Smith Wines and K Vintners wines have received 66 scores of 95 or above and more than 300 scores of 90 or above from America's leading wineries, Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.