September 30, 2024 / Ashland, OR — Resistance Wine Company is shaking things up in the wine world again, because, well, that’s what they do. Their 2021 Malbec scored a rebellious 92 points from Vinous, and their 2021 Syrah clocked in at 91 points.
“We always knew our wines were top-tier, but it’s nice to have someone else finally agree,” said Kirk Drake, Chief Extrovert at Resistance Wine Company. “We didn’t come here to make wines that just blend in on the shelf. We’re here to make wines that start a conversation—and maybe even finish it too.”
Kimberly Drake, Resistance Wine’s winemaker and Chief Introvert, may not be the loudest voice in the room, but her wines are doing all the talking. “I like making wines that reflect the land, the season, and, yeah, maybe a little bit of stubbornness (like my husband),” she said, clearly trying to keep the focus on the wine and not on the fact that she’s now an official rogue wine rockstar.
Kimberly’s 2021 Malbec, now basking in a 92-point Vinous glow, is turning heads with its complex profile. Expect to be hit with flavors of blood orange, sage, white pepper, and cedar. It’s like getting punched in the mouth by nature—but in the good way. “It’s a wine that invites you in and lingers—like a conversation you don’t want to end,” Kimberly added.
The 2021 Syrah, not to be outdone, earned 91 points and offers a more mysterious profile of crushed blackberries, dusty sage, and exotic spice. It’s the kind of wine you bring to a dinner party to impress your friends who pretend they know about wine, but secretly don’t. “Syrah’s got layers. It’s like peeling back an onion, but, you know, without the tears,” Kimberly noted.
Eric Peterson, the Drakes’ longtime, completely random good friend who somehow finds himself at every Resistance Wine event, weighed in: “Honestly, when they told me about these scores, I thought, ‘Finally, the wine world catches up.’ I mean, I’ve been drinking these for years. They’re not just wines—they’re like a metaphor for life. Or maybe a haiku. Either way, I don’t have time for anything under 90 points.”
Here’s the breakdown:
2021 Malbec – 92 Points (like an A- but for wine)
Taste notes: Blood orange, sage, white pepper, and cedar. The kind of wine that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about Malbec.
2021 Syrah – 91 Points (basically winning)
Taste notes: Crushed blackberries, dusty sage, and exotic spice. It’s smooth, it’s mysterious, and it’s probably sigma.
Kirk Drake, ever the enthusiast, added, “Honestly, we’re just getting started. I mean, if Kimberly’s wines are already in the 90s, imagine what she’s going to pull off next year. The bar is set, and we’re going to keep pushing it.”
Whether you’re a wine snob or just someone who wants to casually brag to your friends about “discovering” a 92-point Malbec, Resistance Wine Company is the place for you. You can taste these heavy hitters at their downtown Ashland tasting room—if you can get a seat.
About Resistance Wine Company: Resistance Wine Company is the small but mighty winery located in downtown Ashland, Oregon. Headed by winemaker Kimberly Drake, an award-winning wine whisperer who lets her reds do the talking, and her husband Kirk Drake, Chief Extrovert and full-time promoter of good vibes and great wine, Resistance is here to challenge the wine status quo and make sure no glass is left behind.
If you haven’t been to the tasting room, you’re missing out—but don’t worry, there’s still time to fix that. Just head to resistancewine.com and start your own wine rebellion.
