You’d have to say that Jim and Kristine Russi have a knack for making the best of things.

If there’s any doubt about that, consider the latest release from their Piety Flats Winery in the heart of Wine Country on Donald-Wapato Road.

It’s called Junkyard Red.

The label features a pair of what appear to be wrecking-yard refugee autos superimposed on a backdrop of a historic hop kiln, which is little more than a stone’s throw from Piety Flats.

So is the newly-relocated wrecking yard that provided the impetus for the wine’s name.

The yard was moved from a location on an island in the Yakima River, and its new location has created considerable consternation among residents of the area, including some winery owners like the Russis.

But, so far at least, they’re the only ones who have done something to turn the negative into a positive.

Piety Flats announced the release of Junkyard Red with a whimsical press release that conveys their dismay, but lightheartedly.

The release said, in part, “This is a mix of five different wine grapes that will blend with any food group or road kill.

“Now I know what the wine writers mean when they say a wine has a touch of asphalt and a hint of rock with a barnyard nose.

“We could have gone into a rage over the new wrecking yard site, but Kris and I like to make lemonade from lemons.”

Kristine Russi said Junkyard Red has been a big success so far.

“It’s been rolling off the shelf,” she said. “People just love it.”

She believes that’s particularly true of men.

“It appeals to the macho man,” she said.

She said that part of the appeal is the story behind the wine’s creation.

“The story of the wine is an incentive to buy it,” she said.

She stressed that it’s not just winemakers in the area that are displeased over the relocation.

“It’s all our neighbors, too,” she said. “It’s the general population. It’s such a beautiful setting. It’s too bad.”

Junkyard Red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Chardonnay grapes, and was created by Joel Tefft, winemaker for Tefft Cellars, and one of the most experienced winemakers in the Yakima Valley, according to Jim Russi.

Tefft is one of two winemakers Piety Flats is associated with.

Asked if his winery plans any other new releases in connection with the wrecking yard relocation, Jim Russi said he’s considering one he’d like to call Jailhouse Red.