Otis Kenyon Winery Introduces 2007 “Matchless” Red Wine
Bordeaux Blend a Perfect Match with Winery’s Colorful History

WALLA WALLA, Wash.—(October 15, 2009) — Award-winning Otis Kenyon Wine is all fired up about their latest release, the 2007 Matchless Red Wine. With a double entendre name, “Matchless” alludes not only to the quality of the wine but also pays homage to a colorful family history.

Arson, estrangement, seclusion, redemption—the saga reads like a mystery thriller. Almost a century ago, struggling Milton-Freewater, Oregon dentist James Otis Kenyon struck a match and set fire to a rival’s office, burning the business to the ground. His wife subsequently moved their two sons to Walla Walla. Years passed and James was presumed dead. The eldest son, Robert Otis Kenyon, never once mentioned his father to his own son, Stephen Otis Kenyon.

Yet, some 50 years after the fire, Stephen discovered his grandfather living on the Oregon Coast. At 85, James and his family were reunited; he passed away at the ripe old age of 101, having just met his great-granddaughter, Muriel Keeran Kenyon, but just missing the birth of his great-grandson Samuel Otis Kenyon.

Living in Chateuneuf-du-Pape (Provence, France) years ago ignited in Stephen Kenyon and his wife Deborah Dunbar a passion for winemaking. In 2004, the dedicated oenophiles teamed up with gifted winemaker Dave Stephenson, establishing their small family winery with a highly praised Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon; the 2005 Cabernet earned 91 points from Wine Spectator. Other current releases include Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Carmenere and Matchless Red Wine:

2007 Matchless Red Wine (Seven Hills Vineyard & Lodmell Vineyard) $23
70% Merlot / 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
797 cases produced
This wonderfully structured Bordeaux blend starts with light cedar notes, black pepper and Bing cherry on the nose. In the mouth, the dark fruit components brighten to raspberry and rhubarb pie and the long finish will leave you ready for a big plate of spaghetti with grandma’s meatballs.

The handsome and distinctive Otis Kenyon wine label design serves as a window to the past. Bearing the silhouette of namesake James Otis Kenyon, its “singed” edges allude to the crime that allowed the family to put down the deep roots that eventually brought Stephen and Deborah back to the Walla Walla area. As Otis Kenyon approaches its sixth year, they remain dedicated to producing structured, affordable wines made almost exclusively from Walla Walla Valley AVA fruit.

Says Stephen Kenyon, “Every family has a skeleton in the closet. Without glorifying my grandfather’s act, the heart of the story – the banishment and redemption of our family’s black sheep – rests in the Walla Walla Valley. It seems fitting to acknowledge what he did because it puts our family here today, doing what we love.”

Otis Kenyon is located at 23 E. Main St., Walla Walla, Wash., in the Walla Walla Valley AVA and is named in tribute to four generations of Otis Kenyons. Established in 2004, the winery is dedicated to producing delicately structured and affordable wines under the direction of Winemaker Dave Stephenson. The two vineyard sites are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Tasting room hours are Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call (509) 525-3505 or visit http://www.otiskenyonwine.com/.

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Editors Note: Winery owner Stephen Kenyon is available for interview to discuss Otis Kenyon wine and his intriguing family history just in time for Halloween.


Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757