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KENNEWICK, Wash. — Our Platinum Judging, the 18-year-old beauty pageant of the Pacific Northwest wine industry, never has been more gorgeously delicious.
Each of these 660 entries was prescreened, a product of at least one respected wine competition somewhere around the globe where it merited a gold medal. So when the record number of 200 Platinum awards were revealed, there were many nods in agreement because of the track record of success from the winemaker, the house it came from or the grapes provenance.
For example, Maryhill Winery Wine Press Northwests 2015 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year amassed 12 Platinum awards. Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards, which began 2017 with news of this magazine having named it the regions top winery, provided year-end affirmation for Stephen Reustle by earning nine Platinums. A third of those were for the sublime Austrian white grape Grüner Veltliner, including the judgings top wine, Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Revelation & Sorek Bloc Estate Grüner Veltliner.
It was no upset that the competitions leading Cabernet Sauvignon came off Red Mountain, nor was it a surprise that second-generation vintner Scott Williams of Kiona Vineyards Winery not only grew the grapes and but also made the wine.
Throughout the three-day tasting at the Clover Island Inn overlooking the Columbia River in Kennewick, Wash., other trends emerged. Our regions exciting embrace of rosé resonated with judges, and the results show that consumers should continue to buy these wines year-round rather than be misled that theres an expiration date of Labor Day for serious pink wine. Indeed, any of these rosés deserve a spot on the dining table throughout the holidays.
A fascinating development was the high ranking of red wines made from grapes native to Frances Rhône Valley. Richard Batchelors work for Maryhill with Mourvèdre ranked as the Platinum Judgings No. 2 red wine, followed by Robert Smasne and Robert Delfs 2014 Mourvèdre for Northwest Cellars.
Smasnes name will show up nearly a dozen times within the list below as he earned eight of the judgings top awards for wines made under his eponymous brand based in Prosser, plus three for Delfs label in Kirkland, Wash.
Brian Carter Cellars, Wine Press Northwests 2015 Washington Winery of the Year, moved up on the Platinums all-time tote board with six awards and doing so in extraordinary fashion. Perhaps the regions most decorated when it comes to proprietary blends, Carter earned 2017 Platinums for two vintages of his Petit Verdot-based Trentenaire a 2007 and 2013. He also continued his stellar work with his Byzance. The 2013 vintage marked the fourth time in the past six years hes earned a Platinum for this GSM-style blend based on Grenache.
Another Washington winemaker with a Midas touch with Rhône varieties, Ron Bunnell, came through with six Platinum awards, five of them involving grapes native to Rhône. That list includes a GSM blend that the former Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker made for the brand belonging to his friend Todd Newhouse, the acclaimed Snipes Mountain grower.
Of course, theres the King of the Platinum, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery along the Golden Mile Bench in British Columbias Okanagan Valley. Gordon grows the grapes for Walter, who transformed them into six Platinums. Five of those wines retail for $15 or less in Canada.
About 50 kilometers to the north on the Naramata Bench, Jeff Martins La Frenz Winery produced five Platinum wines in a variety of styles, moving him into the top 10 all-time of Platinum awards.
If you count Mexican-born Victor Palencias work for Jones of Washington, he also cracked the all-time top 10 after earning three Platinums for his young namesake brand, two under his Vino la Monarcha label and another for the Jones family. His five personal Platinums medals will be showcased in his new production facility/tasting room thats a stones throw from Columbia River in downtown Kennewick.
Zerba Cellars in the Walla Walla Valley continues to rely on its own vineyards for much of its success, generating four Platinums for reds plus a sweet surprise in the ice wine category. Longtime winemaker Doug Nierman moved on this fall, but he left the Zerbas with a cellar full of award winners in Milton-Freewater, Ore.
Beyond the plaudits for Reustle, the Platinum Judging continues to showcase the talented leadership thats often overlooked in Southern Oregon. Earl Jones and Andrew Wenzl at Abacela south of Roseburg earned a fifth career Platinum just for Albariño. They also won their fourth career Platinum for Grenache rosé as part of this years four-Platinum performance. In total, Umpqua Valley producers hauled in 19 Platinums when combined with those won by Brandborg Vineyard & Winery (three) and Spangler Vineyards (three).
And while those prominent producers continue to impress in judgings across the country, Schmidt Family Vineyards in the historic Applegate Valley made a statement with four Platinums that again showcased Southern Oregon strengths Albariño, Tempranillo and Syrah.
Along the coast of Washington, Westport Winery Garden Resort again showed why it pays to spend more on quality grapes. Newlywed winemaker Dana Roberts used the Sauer familys venerable Red Willow Vineyard and Milo Mays gorgeous and youthful Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills to earn three Platinums. But Roberts also netted a Platinum using ocean-influenced fruit to make his perennially delicious sparkling cranberry wine.
Our judges this year were Kristine Bono, direct to consumer manager for Tertulia Cellars, Walla Walla, Wash.; Ilene Dudunake, owner of A New Vintage Wine Shop, Meridian, Idaho; Gary Hayes, president of Explorer Media Group and the Savor NW Wine Awards, Cannon Beach, Ore.; Ellen Landis, journalist/sommelier, Vancouver, Wash.; Gregg McConnell, publisher emeritus of Wine Press Northwest; Andy Perdue, wine columnist for The Seattle Times, Richland, Wash; April Reddout, wine program director for the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center, Prosser, Wash.; Barb Robertson, account manager for M.A. Silva and wine columnist for Foothills magazine, Wenatchee, Wash.; and Steven Sinkler, owner of The Wine Shack, Cannon Beach, Ore. Moderators were Eric Degerman of Great Northwest Wine; retired educator Hank Sauer, Kennewick, Wash; and Ken Robertson, Wine Press Northwest columnist, Kennewick, Wash.
Best of the Best
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Revelation & Sorek Bloc Estate Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley • $24 Stephen Reustle caps his reign as the Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by topping the 2017 Platinum Judging with his flagship bottling of Grüner Veltliner. His pioneering work with the noble white grape of Austria elicited an audible Wow! from panelists as irresistible aromatics jump from the glass. On the palate, well-defined flavors of green apple, fresh pea shoots, tropical fruit, a pinch of white pepper and a thread of minerality meld harmoniously. Its pure with lively acids and a forever finish. (680 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: American Fine Wine Invitational (gold).
Double Platinum
Rio Vista Wines 2016 Sunset on the River, Columbia Valley • $21 The Little familys unique and picturesque winery along the Columbia River is accessible by boat, and theyve blended Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer from their estate with Viognier from nearby Antoine Creek Vineyard for a beautifully made and fun blush-style wine. Its combination of raspberry, pink strawberry and Rainier cherry runs through the creamy midpalate of Viognier before it finishes with a pop of acidity. (258 cases, 12.8% alc.) Awards: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (best of class), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Kiona Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington • $25 While the listed AVA is Washington, all of the fruit for this giant killer Cab hails from Red Mountain, and nearly all of it from Williams family vineyards. Scott Williams tames the tannins so that consumers can easily appreciate the nuances of dark cherry, raspberry, cocoa and slate, backed by hints of baking spices such as anise and clove. Its crowd-pleasing, yet balanced, Cab thats priced for a case purchase. (2,000 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Elephant Mountain Mourvèdre, Rattlesnake Hills • $38 Richard Batchelor collaborates with grower Joel Hattrup to produce a marvelous expression of Mourvèdre grown in Washington. Scents of a bowl of fresh berries rise from the glass. Its juicy and pure with exacting balance as flavors of loganberry, cocoa, black currant and a subtle whiff of smoke lead to a long and clean finish of Mandarin orange. Ask about it at their new tasting room overlooking the Spokane River. (296 cases, 14.7% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Northwest Cellars 2013 Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley • $28 Yakima Valley native Robert Smasne and Kirkland, Wash., vintner Robert Delf pull from Dick Bousheys renowned vineyard for this perfumed and enticing example of Mourvèdre with plenty of power, yet this gem stays remarkably light on its feet. Deeply fruited with wild berry, Bing cherry and black raspberry, it is supported by a firm structure and well integrated tannins. (46 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Robert Ramsay Cellars 2014 Cinsault, Horse Heaven Hills • $32 The Woodinville winemaking duo of Casey Cobble and Robert Ramsay Harris show a real flair with this relatively obscure red Rhône Valley grape. Heavenly aromas from this lot of McKinley Springs Vineyard lead to layers of strawberry, Rainier cherry, red licorice, and tea spice filling the mouth. Theres purity, precision and balance with pleasing length. (253 cases, 15.4% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 Red Heaven Vineyard Petite Sirah, Red Mountain • $48 One of Washingtons hottest young vineyards shines in the hands of viticulturist Damon Lalonde and winemaker Robert Smasne. This powerful red grape native to the Rhône offers intense dark fruits on the nose as it moves to rich, concentrated tones of blackberry, semi-sweet chocolate, loganberry, Damson plum jam and black pepper notes on the palate. Its finish is energetic. (84 cases, 13.9% alc.) Awards: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (double gold).
Block Wines 2015 Stoney Vine Vineyard Ankleroller Block Syrah, Walla Walla Valley • $50 Seattle wine merchant and writing talent Paul Zitarelli works with a number of Washingtons top winemakers and growers to produce small lots of amazing wines for his Full Pull Wines club members. In this case, he teamed up with Morgan Lee of Covington Cellars/Two Vintners and bought fruit from one of Dusted Valley Vintners parcels in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. The result is deep, rich and dark black fruit notes with hints of cigar box and white pepper. It shows excellent balance and a long finish with lingering touches of exotic spices, savory herbs and black olive. (55 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational (gold).
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2014 Hundredth Valley Pinot Noir, Elkton, Oregon • $30 Young vineyards in the hands of an experienced vigneron often yield amazing fruit-forward wines, and Terry Brandborg works with fourth-leaf Pommard and Dijon 828 clone berries for this unanimous Platinum of Pinot Noir. The Umpqua River is known as the river of One Hundred Valleys, and this is beautifully silky drink. Dark cherry, white pepper and moist earth aromas carry into flavors of cherry pie, a nice touch of oak and finish of orange oil. Its integration is perfect. (162 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Competition (double gold).
Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Trentenaire Red Wine, Yakima Valley • $50 Few winemakers would attempt to create a Meritage-style red wine using Petit Verdot (62%) as the foundation, but master blender Brian Carter shows the way with this wine that references, in French, the Oregon natives three decades as a winemaker in Washington. StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope contributes much of the five-variety Bordeaux blend, which offers violets and dark fruit on the nose. The palate, rich in flavor with black raspberry, licorice and Montmorency cherry, includes a touch of herbs and a thread of minerality. Its complex and remarkably balanced through the cocoa-dusted finish. (218 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley • $9 A year ago, the 2015 vintage of this wine was voted as the Platinums Best of the Best. The latest bottling by Bob Bertheau and David Rosenthal repeated as the best example of Riesling in the judging. Mouthwatering aromas of orange peel, lavender and dried rose petals transition to flavors that blend tropical fruit and stone fruit. Brilliant acidity and touch of minerality create the perfect mouth feel for a Riesling. Fortunately, Ste. Michelle increased production of this by more than 50 percent from the 2015 vintage. (150,000 cases, 12.5% alc.) Awards: Washington State Wine Competition (double gold, best of class).
College Cellars of Walla Walla 2015 GSM Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $25 The storied winemaking program launched by Myles Anderson of Walla Walla Vintners fame is in great hands with Tim Donahue as its award-winning instructor. His students spun into Double Platinum this blend of Grenache (45%), Mourvèdre (37%) and Syrah from Inland Desert Vineyard near Red Mountain and the Zerba familys Cockburn Vineyard in the Walla Walla. Crushed ripe berries on the nose funnel into stunning flavors of Santa Rosa plum, raspberry,pomegranate and cranberry with savory spice. Its complex, lively, lush, elegant and lingering. (200 cases, 14.4 alc.) Award: San Francisco International Wine Competition (double gold).
Gravel Bar Winery 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $20 California behemoths continue to deepen their interests in Washington state, and this young brand belongs to the Franzia familys Bronco Wine Co. New York native Bob Stashak graduated from University of California-Davis in 1973 and made sparkling wine for 20 years prior to aligning himself with the folks behind Two Buck Chuck. His approach to Washington Cab, much of it from the Wahluke Slope, fits in with some of the years best examples, offering black cherry and huckleberry tones joined by smoked meat, baking spices, dried herbs and dark chocolate. (5,000 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge (gold), Washington Wine Awards (gold).
La Frenz Winery 2016 Naramata Bench Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley • $22 Dominic McCosker and Jeff Martin use three separate picks and stainless-steel fermentation along with a concrete egg to create a wow factor that excites the senses with this sassy Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet Meyer lemon, kiwi and firm, tart-fleshed white grapefruit flow onto the palate. Zippy acids carry the vivacious wine to a lemon grass-tinged finish. (1,092 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Dan Bergers International Competition in California (gold).
Madsen Family Cellars 2011 Lady Macbeth Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $32 A number of nicely aged red wines qualified for the 2017 Platinum, and South Puget Sound producer Dana Madsens blend inspired by the Right Bank in Bordeaux is showing beautifully. StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and Destiny Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills contribute a majority of the grapes, resulting in a wine thats focused, velvety and fruity with black plum, blueberries and strawberries, joined by notions of laurel leaf and a spicy finale. (90 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2016 Estate Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc, Umpqua Valley • $23 Considering his track record with Grüner, it makes sense that Stephen Reustle shines with Sauvignon Blanc, too. Engaging aromas are signs of brilliant varietal expression with gooseberry, lemon-lime soda and the perfect touch of herbs. Those descriptors also apply to the flavor profile as it simply dances on the palate with lively acidity and a finish thats vivid and everlasting. (385 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Revelation & Sorek Bloc Estate Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley • $24 This younger sister of the 2017 Platinums top wine proved its parentage. Scents of honeysuckle and citrus fruit engage the senses. Rich and mouth-filling with layers of chamomile, lemon-lime, hints of lychee and classic white pepper mix with a solid spine of acidity to keep it lively. (600 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (best of class, double gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold), Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Masada Bloc Estate Syrah, Umpqua Valley • $32 Yes, Stephen Reustles entries produced four Double Platinums, and his work with Syrah comes as no surprise in the wake of his 2015 Six Nations best-of-class honor in Australia. That honor no doubt inspired him to work on this Syrah, which features roasted coffee and dried fig in nose, followed by blackberries and blueberries. Its sultry and smooth, a siren of a Syrah, thats capped by Montmorency cherry acidity. (475 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Block #4 Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills • $44 One of Washingtons largest vineyards sets the table for Robert Smasne. Fruit dominates with raspberries on the nose, which brings a palate full of wild berries, charcuterie and savory spices. The meticulous balance makes for a memorable finish. In its youth now, theres the promise of a long life. (154 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Vino La Monarcha 2014 Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope • $20 Rosebud Vineyard, one of the states oldest and most overlooked plantings, has been the source of Victor Palencias own Sangiovese program, and this signals his best effort. Cherries and a hint of earth on the nose are enticing. Spiced cherry, black licorice and a sprinkling of herbs flow in harmony across the palate, and linger on the memorable finish. (150 cases, 14.8% alc.) Awards: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (best of class, gold).
Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2016 Destiny Ridge Vineyards Estate Steel Horse Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Heaven Hills • $23 Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the first planting at Destiny Ridge, and this white Bordeaux variety is one of the two dozen varieties established across the 267 acres. The alluring nose of grapefruit and lemon/lime portends juiciness, and theres some fleshy stone fruit on the entry with peach and apricot, yet it finishes with a wow like a slice of Key Lime pie. Suggested pairings include oysters, scallops, cumin-influenced vegetable pasta or chicken breast marinated with tomatoes and cilantro. (543 cases, 13.2%) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
14 Hands Winery 2013 The Reserve Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills • $30 The success of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates fastest-growing brand goes beyond its flagship Hot to Trot red blend as winemaker Keith Kenison saddles up one of the Platinums top Merlot entries. Notes of blueberry jam, President plum and Bing cherry carry the remarkable backbone of minerality thats a thumbprint of so many wines from the Horse Heaven Hills. Its substantial tannins will soften in the cellar, or enjoy in the meantime with a braised lamb shank. (622 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2015 Estate Fortunate Sun Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, Red Mountain • $35 Two historic blocks of Chenin Blanc on Red Mountain, the oldest planted in 1976, allowed the Williams family to experiment with a new sweet wine project. Theyve dubbed it Fortunate Sun because they managed the canopy to sun-dry the grapes into raisins and hang the berries to reach 36 Brix of sugar. Its not an ice wine by its nature, but the structure is remarkably similar. Poached peach, apricot glacée, nuts and whipped honey combine for a mouth-coating experience thats not syrupy. The pleasantly tart finish counteracts the 21% residual sugar and keeps you coming back. (670 cases, 9.5% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (double gold.)
Palencia Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley • $20 Victor Palencia, one of the Northwests magicians with aromatic white wines, follows up his 2016 Platinum-winning Sauvignon Blanc with this Double Platinum example. The proven formula of Frenchman Hills Vineyard and Hungarian oak puncheons makes for a bright, tart and perfect Sauv Blanc thats brimming with lemon, fresh-cut celery, a faint whiff of tomcat and a dusting of minerality. Its capped by ripe yet not sweet lime. (500 cases, 12.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold)
Page Cellars 2013 Lick My Lips Merlot, Red Mountain • $33 Woodinville pilot/winemaker Jim Page continues to win awards beyond the Northwest for his Merlot program. Spicy and alluring on the nose, this is sophisticated, multi-dimensional Merlot. Layers of black currant, blackberry, pink peppercorns, truffles, cedar, clove and semi-sweet chocolate grace the palate, where polished tannins extended its length. (239 cases, 14.2% alc.) Awards: Denver International Wine (gold), Finger Lakes Wine Competition (gold).
TERO Estates 2013 Petit Verdot, Walla Walla Valley • $38 Doug Roskelleys two-barrels of prized Petit Verdot from his Windrow Vineyard, the Walla Walla Valleys oldest commercial planting, reveal this lesser-known Bordeaux varietys character thats often blended into Meritage-style wines. Richly concentrated from the expressive aroma, it transitions through the lush blackberry and dark plum fruit that melds with toasty oak nuances on the midpalate. Complex and full-bodied with chalky tannins, its firm structure persists alongside the savory finish of black olive. (47 cases, 14.1% alc.) Awards: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold), Oregon Wine Awards (double gold).
Westport Winery 2015 Mermaid Merlot, Columbia Valley • $28 The Roberts family readily credits its association with grower Mike Sauer and his Red Willow Vineyard for helping this Washington coastal winery win awards for red wine, and for this plush, fruit-forward example. Theres creaminess to the sweet blue fruit profile of elderberry, black currant and black cherry. A dab of sweetness and fine-grained tannins make this an ideal pour for those who find Washington Merlot too bold. (88 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold.)
Block Wines NV Marchant Vineyard Farmhouse Block Extra Brut Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé, Yakima Valley • $28 Paul Zitarelli studied math at Harvard prior to moving out to the Northwest and launching Full Pull Wines in Seattle, soon earning a pair of retailer awards from the Washington State Wine Commission. Among his club offerings is this continuing collaboration with bubble producer Christian Grieb of Treveri Cellars. Their latest edition is filled with finesse, an effervescence of ripe raspberry, prickly pear and Asian pear. Its eminently approachable, bringing delicate yet mouth-filling mousse. (71 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational (gold).
DeLille Cellars 2014 D2 Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $48 Founding winemaker Chris Upchurch recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of DeLille Cellars, and Wine Press Northwests reigning Washington Winery of the Year continues to grow its flagship wine - a Right-Bank Bordeaux thats centered on Red Mountain since the 2001 harvest. The 18 months in 55% new French oak help account for its dark brambleberries and mocha-dusted cherries with lavender. Its tannin management is exquisitely sweet and fine-grained for a long glide. This came in as one of the judgings most-decorated wines and departed a Double Platinum. (11,750 cases, 14.3% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold), Sunset International Wine Competition (gold), TEXSOM International Wine Awards (gold), Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (double gold).
Kiona Vineyards 2013 Estate Red Mountain Reserve, Red Mountain • $42 Cab is king on Red Mountain, which explains why it leads the Williams clans flagship blend of the six Bordeaux varieties they grow on their Heart of the Hill and Kiona Estate sites. Fragrant aromas lead to stunning flavors of plum, licorice, cherry and leather, joining accents of fresh flowers and leather. A nice thread of minerality and plenty of grip on the memorable finish. (1,600 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (double gold.)
La Frenz Winery 2016 Probyn-Eastman Vineyard Naramata Bench Viognier, Okanagan Valley • $24 A safe bet it was that a Viognier from British Columbias Okanagan Valley would make the best impression at the Platinum, and Aussie-born Dominic McCosker is money with this Rhône white that tends to be flabby and bitter in other regions. Intense, oak-free aromatics of Bosc pear, clementine and honey are matched on the palate. His 2-to-1 ratio of stainless steel vs. concrete egg fermentation provides a mouth-coating midpalate of orange Creamsicle thats refreshed by a charming touch of lemon. (878 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: InterVin International Wine Awards (gold).
Thurston Wolfe 2015 Dr. Wolfes Family Red, Horse Heaven Hills • $16 Ste. Michelle recruited Wade Wolfe to Washington in 1978 as a winemaking Ph.D. trained in California. During his four decades in the Columbia Valley, he developed into one of the states most talented mavericks and going beyond traditional formulas to make delightful blends. His Family Red is emblematic of that with its components of Zinfandel (48%), Petite Sirah (34%), Lemberger (11%) and Grenache. Its luscious and delicious, combining strawberry, blackberry, smoky milk chocolate and creamy vanilla, providing a full experience of juiciness alongside dusty tannins. (1,500 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Washington State Wine Competition (gold).
Westport Winery 2015 Charterboat Chick Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $28 Blackberry, black cherry; bit of apply character at the tip of the tongue, leading to fruity, juicy acidity, nutmeg, cocoa and supremely elegant tannins at the end. Second year in a row winning a Platinum. (126 cases, 14.4% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Abacela 2016 Estate Grenache Rosé, Umpqua Valley • $18 A year ago, Andrew Wenzls rosé for the Jones family finished as the No. 3 wine overall in the Platinum. This Double Platinum proves they have their program dialed in and may trick some into believing it to be a rosé from Tavel. The nose of Jolly Rancher watermelon candy and orange blossom spills into flavors of cherry pie filling and nectarine, framed by orangy spot-on acid. (656 cases, 13.2% alc.) Awards: Pacific Rim International Wine Competition (best of class, gold), San Francisco International Wine Competition (gold.)
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietors Reserve Grenache, Columbia Valley • $36 Right now, this juicy red Rhône grape might be the most coveted variety in Washington, and New Zealand native Richard Batchelor topped the field of eight qualifying Grenache bottlings. Art den Hoeds planting in the Yakima Valley was blended with Gunkel Vineyard near Batchelors winery, and its remarkably expressive. Wild berries and plums aromas are joined by smoky bacon fat and espresso. On the palate, its red and juicy as currants, dried Montmorency cherry and pomegranate bookend the midpalate of sweet spice cake. (681 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold.)
Upchurch Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain • $70 Its a lofty goal of Chris and Thea Upchurch for their Red Mountain estate project to be viewed as a First Growth of Washington state, but the consistent reception for their Cabs, starting with the debut 2010 vintage, is matching those aspirations. Storied viticulturist Dick Boushey sets the table for the DeLille winemaker, who presents a theme of cassis, strawberry-rhubarb compote and dark Chukar Cherry. Theres a hint of anise and rub of tarragon in the background, where charming blueberry skin tannins are nicely presented. (700 cases, 14.6% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational (best of class, gold).
Elevation Cellars 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley • $25 Stillwater Creek Vineyard, a cornerstone site within the proposed Royal Slope American Viticultural Area, shines in the hands of Woodinville winemaker Steven Stuart. A 22-month program of 50% new French oak sets the stage for fruit aromas to make their way to good depth and clear varietal correctness on the palate. Blueberry, cassis, black cherry, fresh tobacco and minerally notes are supported by nice, chalky tannins. Its pleasing from first sip to last and one of the top Washington Merlots. (300 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold.)
Best Buy!
Intrigue Wines 2016 Social White, Okanagan Valley • $15 British Columbia veteran winemaker Roger Wong is well-positioned in Lake Country north of Kelowna to produce some of the Northwests most alluring aromatic whites. His Riesling-based blend with Gewürztraminer (27%) begins with petrol on the nose, which makes it clear whats in the glass. Nectarines, lemon lime soda and peaches in the mouth are laced with wet stone minerality and a touch of herbs. The finish is both bright and lengthy. (3,025 cases, 11.2% alc.) Award: British Columbia Best of Varietal Awards (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
JoieFarm Winery 2015 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley • $26 This graceful Pinot Noir from Naramata Bench producer Heidi Noble with Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777 is reminiscent of a fine red Burgundy. Pure and precise with layers of red cherry, clove, cola, mushroom and earthy nuances, the subtle oak caps off a pristine package. (914 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold.)
Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc, Washington • $26 Al Mathews, a recently retired Alaska commercial fisherman, continues his emergence as one of the Cascade Valley Wine Countrys top winemakers with this stellar example of Cabernet Franc. The bouquet of elderberry and black Damson plums, brown sugar, violets and herbal tea is joined by on the palate with a pinch of herbaceousness and Van cherry notes. (90 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival (gold).
Skaha Vineyard 2016 Mystique White Wine, Okanagan Valley • $19 The folks behind Kraze Legz Winery, Gerry and Susan Thygesen, grew this blend of Pinot Blanc (70%) Chardonnay (30%) as part of the single-vineyard series from their site above Skaha Lake. Whats not to love here? Aromas of fresh-cut pineapple from Hawaii and pink grapefruit are matched on the palate with mango, honeydew melon and a touch of sugar cane. (218 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: 2017 All-Canadian Wine Awards (gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 Upland Vineyard Ancient RocksRed Wine, Snipes Mountain • $44 As a Yakima Valley farm boy, Robert Smasne grew up not far from Snipes Mountain, so its natural that hed choose to work with the Newhouse family on this Southern Rhône blend that includes a splash of Viognier. This signals just his third bottling on this project, and its very much in the footsteps of the award-winning 2011 vintage. Strawberry compote aromas lead you into the glass, and juicy strawberry is mirrored on the palate, joining red raspberry, loganberry, and white pepper accents. Bracing acidity helps to make it a beautiful food pairing wine. (200 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Avennia 2014 Sestina Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $65 Chris Peterson, a proud product of Walla Walla Community Colleges inaugural class of winemakers, pays homage to the Left Bank of Bordeaux with this Cab-based blend from old blocks at Red Willow and Sagemoor. His deft touch with 60% new French oak doesnt get in the way of the aromas that are reminiscent of Knotts Berry Farm boysenberry syrup and black currant with savory and smoky notes. Theres brightness to the purple fruits suave profile that includes touches of cinnamon, clove and moist earth. (486 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition
Basalt Cellars 2013 Barbera, Columbia Valley • $18 There are less than 4 acres of this Italian grape planted at venerable Sagemoor Vineyard near the Hanford Reach National Monument, and Lewis-Clark Valley vintner Rick Wasem doted on his four barrels-worth of Barbera. On the nose, youll find prominent aromas of blackberry pie, sweet tobacco, black licorice and a hint of lavender. Flavors of juicy plum are upfront on the palate, balanced by some earthy notes of wet stones and dark chocolate, trailing off to a finessed finish showing tart cherry, savory herbs and peppery spice (98 cases, 14.8% alc.) Awards: Savor Northwest (double gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Basalt Cellars 2014 Francine Cabernet Sauvignon,Columbia Valley • $48 Pharmacist/winemaker Rick Wasem continues his award-winning work with Bacchus Block 9 Cab from Sagemoor, and this bottling showcases the intriguing work with his Seguin Moreau French oak microvinificator, a 700-liter setup hes nicknamed Francine and rarely seen in the Pacific Northwest. It smells youthful with cherry taffy and a wisp of smoke, leading to raspberry jam and boysenberry flavors. Gravelly yet approachable tannins give it a full-bodied structure that will pair well with pulled pork. (72 cases, 15% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2014 Gewürztraminer, Elkton, Oregon • $18 Seven years ago, New York Times critic Eric Asimov lauded Terry Brandborg for his work with this aromatic white from Alsace. This bottling proves that the Umpqua Valley winemaker remains among the continents elite. Its rich and stylish from the heady perfumed aroma through the full-flavored palate. Layers of lychee nut, gardenia, mango, passion fruit and a touch of spice entwine with a hint of minerality. (937 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Byzance Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $38 Inspired by Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Brian Carters winning formula of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from Boushey, Lonesome Springs, Stillwater Creek and StoneTree also includes Counoise and Cinsault. Alluring signs of barrel influence include caramel and mocha that allow for a rush of cherry and raspberry thats finished by a pinch of sweet dill, toasted walnut and clove. (868 cases, 14.2% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold.)
Bunnell Family Cellar 2007 Boushey-McPherson Syrah, Yakima Valley • $46 Dick Boushey grew grapes that factored into more than a dozen Platinum qualifiers. Syrah is a speciality for both Boushey and Prosser, Wash., winemaker Ron Bunnell. This bottling has entered its second decade of life and the structure is predictably refined and balanced, allowing for enjoyment of the still-intense black fruits, savory notes, grilled meat and earthiness. (180 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Bunnell Family Cellar 2014 Upland Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Snipes Mountain • $54 While he ranks among the Northwests premier producers of Rhône-inspired wines, considering that he spent time working in Napa at Beringer and Charles Krug, it makes sense that Ron Bunnells skill also shows with Washington Cab. Lovely dark blue fruit, black spices, mint and dusty tannins leads to a crowd-pleaser of a Cab that gave one judge a case of the shivers. (73 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Camas Prairie Winery NV Raspberry Mead, Idaho • $14 Owner/winemaker Jeremy Ritter continues the award-winning work with mead in the Gem State. He ferments raspberries with wildflower honey, and those two aromas intrigue the senses. Red raspberries, a touch of maple syrup, cherries and wildflower honey create a burst of flavors on the palate. Its vibrant and expressive with precise offsetting acidity for the 4% residual sugar. (200 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Idaho Wine Competition (best sweet wine).
Cave B Estate Winery 2016 Cave B Vineyards Roussanne, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $25 The Bryans recently sold the resort and spa amid their vines to focus efforts on the grapes and award-winning wines made by their son-in-law Freddy Arredondo. Roussanne is a recent addition to the 100 acres they farm, and it rocks with minerality, nectarine and star fruit flavors that are sleek and balanced as fresh apple notes kick in on the finish. (200 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Claar Cellars 2013 White Bluffs Syrah, Columbia Valley • $22 Joe Hudon graduated from Washington State Universitys horticulture program and worked for industry giants such as Gallo, Columbia Crest and Hogue Cellars before joining the Claar team in 2010. Fruit from their salmon-safe, 130-acre vineyard allows Hudon to craft a dark blue-fruited Syrah thats bright with acidity and low on wood. An array of peppered bacon, allspice, toast and a lovely touch of violet in the finish mesh with the great mouth feel. (106 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle (double gold).
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Cocos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewis-Clark Valley • $42 Co-petitioners of the Lewis-Clark Valley appellation, Coco Umiker and her viticulturist husband Karl used only L-C Valley fruit for this heady Cab - Rock n J, Arnett and their estate vineyard. Distinctive and delicious, its approachable yet ageworthy as dusty dark fruit, mint, basil and lavender flow over beautifully textured tannins. (151 cases, 14.7% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
College Cellars 2016 RVM White Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $20 A year ago, a trio of students under the watchful eye of instructors Tim Donahue and Sabrina Lueck turned this class project into one of the Northwests best blends of white Rhône varieties. Roussanne (48%), Viognier (17%) and Marsanne spent five months in neutral oak, and the fresh white flower bridal bouquet aroma takes your breath away. Balanced and vivacious with snappy acidity, crisp pear, tarragon, jicama, peach schnapps, minerally notes and hints of vanilla delight the palate that finishes bright and long. (13.7% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold.)
Crayelle 2016 Spanish Castle Vineyard Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $23 Ivy League product Craig Mitrakul uses Grenache from this stunning young Milbrandt planting to produce an exquisitely done rosé. Rose petals, Rainier cherry and nectarine accents lead to a silky, full-bodied and dry pink thats capped by a squirt of tangerine. (75 cases, 13% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Michelle Loosen 2014 Eroica Riesling Ice Wine, Horse Heaven Hills • $60 Ste. Michelle has been making ice wine since 1978, and this 2014 harvest marks the 15th anniversary of its collaboration with German icon Ernst Loosen. Their pick off Horse Heaven Vineyard this year came Nov. 21, and its perfectly made with aromas of peach blossom, breeze-dried linen, tropical notes, baked pears with sweet spices, a hint of petrol and Meyer lemon acidity. (800 cases, 9% alc.) Award: American Fine Wine Invitational (gold).
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Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Dry Rock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley • $15 This marks the fifth time that Walter and Gordon Gehringer have earned a Platinum for their Sauv Blanc. Its predictably expressive and pure with a hint of grassiness on the nose before guava and gooseberry meet a thread of minerality on the palate. Lemon verbena adds depth, leading to the long and refreshing finish. (548 cases, 13.2% alc.) Award: B.C. Best of Varietal Wine Awards (double gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
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Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Ehrenfelser, Okanagan Valley • $14 Germans studying at Geisenheim developed Ehrenfelser by crossing Riesling and Silvaner, and the Rheingau school is where Walter studied, so perhaps its natural for these brothers to now have won six Platinums with this grape in the past eight years. Floral aromas make way for a lovely mouthful of peaches, pears, citrus blossom and apricots with a hint of almond extract. The nice level of sweetness is offset by crisp acidity and a touch of tannin, keeping the wine vibrant. (2,800 cases, 12.9% alc.) Award: Los Angeles International Wine Awards (gold), Indy International Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Private Reserve Dry Riesling, Okanagan Valley • $13 Based on recent history, perhaps the only dry Riesling in the region thats showier is from Chateau Ste. Michelle because this marks the third straight vintage to have earned a Platinum. Classic notes of Granny Smith apple, petrol and lingering minerality set up remarkable balance. (2,000 cases, 13.1% alc.) Awards: Los Angeles International Wine Awards (gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Harbinger Winery 2013 Malbec, Wahluke Slope • $28 Olympic Peninsula winemaker Sara Gagnon continues her success with Malbec from Weinbau, one of Washingtons first vineyards on the Wahluke Slope. Varietal purity abounds as the deep, dark core of blueberry and plum carries hints of earthiness, coffee and smokiness. Chalky tannins, skilled oak management and savory black olive notes give it plenty of length. (248 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold).
Best Buy!
Hedges Family Estate 2014 C.M.S. Columbia Valley • $15 Red Mountain winemaker Sarah Hedges Goedhart oversees this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah thats priced for everyday enjoyment. Damsom plums dusted in cocoa along with cherry juice, elderberry and a pinch of Herbs de Provence. Montmorency cherry and purple Marionberry flavors keep the emphasis on food-friendly acidity as the dusty tannins combine for a balanced structure. (30,000 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Hedges Family Estate 2014 Grand Class Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain • $60 The Hedges manage 120 acres across Red Mountain and continue to transition them to certified Demeter Biodynamic farming. Four of those sites factor into this selection from Jolet (40%) Bel Villa (38%), the historic estate vineyard and Magdalena (9%). Its youthful, gorgeous, and classy from sendoff to finish as cassis, Craisins and Chukar Cherries dusted with cocoa powder include hints of forest floor as well as minerality. Based on the track record of Cab from this family, this is only just beginning to settle in for two decades of enjoyment. (635 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Kana Winery 2012 Dark Star Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $22 In the 18th Platinum, there were 17 red blends devoted to Rhône varieties, and this Syrah-based wine by Yakima vintner Tony Lombardo using StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope ranked among the best. Its redolent of savory meats and bacon, backed by chocolate-covered cherries, leather and cigar box notes. Juicy acidity from the Grenache leaves the Mourvèdre-laced tannin structure in the background. (300 cases, 15% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
La Frenz Winery 2015 Naramata Bench Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley • $35 A pair of Aussies - young Dominic McCosker and founder Jeff Martin - hand-sorted through lots of clones 115, 777, 828 and 667 on their way to 15 months in 30% new French oak. Engaging forest floor scents clearly scream Pinot Noir, and palate offers a continuation as its earth-driven, with dried cherry, cranberry, wet stone and truffle accents. Its unfined, unfiltered, stylish, immaculately balanced and serves as an example of why La Frenz was invited to pour at the 2017 International Pinot Noir Conference in Oregon. (403 cases, 13.7% alc.) Awards: Six Nations Wine Challenge (double gold), InterVin International Wine Awards (gold).
Best Buy!
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2016 Rosé of Malbec, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $13 Second-generation winemaker Natalie Conway-Barnes uses Malbec from Familigia Vineyard near the Gorge Amphitheater for this blush-style rosé. Its brilliantly hued with alluring tones of strawberry, red cherry and currant that get carried by racy acidity. Its refreshing and bright from first to vibrant last sip. (496 cases, 12.5% alc.) Award: Savor NW Wine Awards (gold).
Le Chateau 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $30 The Claar-Whitelatch family took over this brand several years ago, and their White Bluffs Vineyard fruit combined with the winemaking talents of Joe Hudon have produced an elegant and pure expression of Washington Cab. Its floral and subtle nature provides hints of black cherry and cassis with pipe tobacco and roasted bell pepper with firm tannins and a finish of cocoa and savory spices. (113 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietors Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $40 A vineyard in the northeastern Oregon town of Echo, Eagle Ranch, was selected by winemaker Richard Batchelor to serve as the core of this Cab that spent 20 months in 50% new French oak. Beautiful varietal correctness with cassis lifts from the glass. Bing cherry, blackberry, and earthiness entwine on the palate, where firm tannins achieve a precise balance with an energetic finish. (478 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold)
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietors Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley • $38 Les Collines Vineyard, a breadbasket for the Walla Walla Valley, leads this fresh and pure expression of Syrah. Forest berries, cured meats and plum entwine with subtle oak nuances and blackberry syrup accents. Lively acids pull it all together. (289 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Washington State Wine Competition (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley • $24 A decade ago, the Leutholds helped put Zinfandel on the map in the Northwest with a strong showing at a California judging, and the Columbia Gorge producer continues to excel with three Platinums in the past two years. Baked cherry, dusty prune and meaty notes are matched on the palate with blackberry, a chocolaty mouthfeel and the enjoyable Zin burn. (2,471 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Washington State Wine Competition (gold).
Northwest Cellars 2013 Petit Verdot, Red Mountain • $48 Scooteney Flats is the Bordeaux-focused parcel of the decade-old Vinagium project on Red Mountain, and in the hands of Robert Smasne these grapes often turn gold. Intensely aromatic with floral and spicy notes, it is deep and penetrating with blackberry, licorice, black tea and tapenade flavors. (70 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Best Buy!
Pacific Oasis Winery 2013 Riesling, Columbia Valley • $12 This Washington-themed brand within the Bronco Wine Co. portfolio scores highly with this classic example of Riesling. Tropical notes of guava, pineapple and orange blossom include honeycomb, sweet grapefruit and a faint whiff of petrol. The last impression is stimulating and overall well-balanced. (5,000 cases, 10.8% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Timnah Block Estate Côt et Merlau, Umpqua Valley • $31 Hes not known for his work with Bordeaux reds, and Stephen Reustle produces few blended wines, so this 50-50 offering of Malbec and Merlot is a tasty exception. Uber-expressive, it is layered and skillfully balanced as wild berries, black cherries, savory spice and subtle mint flow elegantly. On top of that, the restrained alcohol makes it clearly cellar worthy. (300 cases, 13.1% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Estate Winemakers Reserve Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley • $29 Stephen Reustle viewed the 2009 vintage as his first bottling worthy of a reserve Grüner. It earned a Platinum in 2010, and his latest is on par with that effort. Lime and stone fruit on the nose lead to a luscious entry. Citrus blossom, white peach, creamy pear, lime zest, minerality, and fresh crushed herbs enliven the palate. (200 cases, 13.1% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (best of class).
Robert Ramsay Cellars 2014 Counoise, Red Mountain • $35 Casey Cobble, who swam varsity for the University of Washington, is now a Northwest Wine Academy alum producing some of the Northwests best performances with Rhône varieties. Here it is with Counoise from Rhône-centric Red Heaven Vineyard. Wildly aromatic and packed with flavor, its flavors include red raspberries, cherries and pomegranate seeds with savory spices amid an elegant finish. (136 cases, 16.1% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Best Buy!
Ryan Patrick Wines 2016 Olsen Brothers Vineyard Riesling, Yakima Valley • $12 The Olsen family has been selling its award-winning grapes since closing their winery in Prosser, Wash., which is where Jeremy Santo, the winemaker for this Leavenworth brand, grew up. His dry Riesling is invigorating and minerally as nectarine, white peach and lime peel lead to a racy finish. (2,000 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival (best of class).
Seven Falls Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope • $23 Selections from four vineyards across the Wahluke Slope - including renowned StoneTree - factor into Doug Gores Cab for this young and growing Ste. Michelle brand. Earthy aromas lead to a bright entry of wild blackberries, dark chocolate, cedar and Black Splendor plums with beautiful oak integration. Its firm in structure with nicely integrated tannins. (53,000 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Skaha Vineyard 2016 Unoaked Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley • $19 The folks at Kraze Legs Winery south of Penticton, BC, named this label after the aboriginal term for horse, and theres no oak to get in the way. Nice florals of orchard fruit and citrus include a whiff of baking spice. Inside, theres a real purity of fruit as racy lemon, Rangpur lime and Granny Smith apple flavors create a mouthwatering finish. (156 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: All-Canadian Wine Awards (gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 Upland Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Snipes Mountain • $46 The Newhouse family provides Yakima Valley native Robert Smasne with the grapes that allow him to make a deep and complex Cab Franc. Lush aromas and flavors of boysenberry, Bing cherry and blueberry include crushed violet that leads to a dried fig finish. (47 cases, 13.9% alc.) Awards: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (best of class, double gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 Konner Ray Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $50 Named after his young son, Robert Smasne takes this Meritage-style red down a path thats heavy on Malbec. The dense dark fruit on the nose, leading with concentrated blackberry and black plum, is mirrored on the palate with earthiness, licorice and hints of grilled meat. Its complex and powerful through the enduring finish. (106 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 Three Vineyard Reserve Malbec, Columbia Valley • $50 The Prosser-based winemaker first made a Malbec in 1998, and these two barrels of the Bordeaux grape are selections from Roskamp, Scooteney and Verhey vineyards. Rich blueberry, plum, vanilla, spice and candied violets emerge from the pretty nose. Layers of flavors of cherry and currant swirl into hints of blueberry pie on finish. (55 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest Malbec judging (best of class, Outstanding!)
Smasne Cellars 2012 Three Vineyard Reserve Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley • $38 Fragrant violets on the nose open to a palate full of Bing cherries, dark chocolate, a whiff of smoke, black plums and olive. Its deep and powerful, yet velvety smooth with a solid backbone of tannins. (97 cases, 13.9% alc.) Awards: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (best of class, double gold).
Succession Wines 2015 Cabernet Franc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $39 The Lindsays lost their home to the 2014 Carlton Complex Fire, the largest wildfire in Washington state history, and this Cab Franc from Famiglia Vineyards near the Gorge Amphitheater marks the beginning of the Platinum chapter in their success story along the north shore of Lake Chelan. Black cherry, sweet herbs and cola notes lead to a wonderful finish of fine-grained, black cherry skins tannins. (97 cases, 14.7% alc.). Award: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (gold).
Thurston Wolfe 2015 Touriga Naçional Port, Yakima Valley • $16 One of the Northwests most experienced producers of Port-style wines is back, using a traditional Portuguese grape grown at Lonesome Springs Ranch and aged in neutral oak for 18 months. Brooding and spicy on the nose, its intensely flavorful with candied cherries, blackberries, raisin pie, orange peel and espresso to fill the mouth. The long finish comes with a kick of nutmeg. (130 cases, 18% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Competition (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Seven Bridges Winery 2013 Kolibri Vineyard Reserve Malbec, Columbia Valley • $32 Portland winemaker Bob Switzer pulls from Kolibri Vineyard, a 7-acre planting just south of historic Cold Creek Vineyard in the northwestern foothills of Washingtons Rattlesnake Mountain for this four barrels of Malbec. Its juicy and fully-flavored yet light on its feet as black fruits, sarsaparilla, flint and cinnamon coat the palate with immaculate balance. (100 cases, 13.2% alc.) Award: Savor NW Wine Awards (gold).
Spangler Vineyards 2013 Petite Sirah, Southern Oregon • $35 Patrick Spangler used this bold Rhône grape to earn his 10th career Platinum. Aromas and flavors of roasted coffee bean, boysenberry and blueberry come packed within well-integrated Earl Grey tea tannins that offer a long finish with black licorice. (217 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).
Spangler Vineyards 2013 Zinfandel, Southern Oregon • $27 After making Zinfandel using Sonoma fruit, this Umpqua Valley vintner stayed close to home for this Platinum winner. Dried strawberry, blackberry and smoked pink peppercorns combine for a tangy Zin thats far from cloying. (165 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: WPNW Italian Red Judging (Outstanding!).
Spoiled Dog Winery 2014 Penn Cove Red, Red Mountain • $30 Whidbey Island grower/winemaker Karen Krug has a passion for estate Pinot Noir, but her talents extend to Bordeaux-inspired blends with this Right Bank tribute using Cab from Klipsun Vineyard. Cherry taffy, plump blueberry and tobacco notes lead to integrated tannins and a mellow finish of chocolate, black currant and clove. (120 cases, 14.2% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Viscon Cellars 2013 Heart Box Red Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills • $26 West Seattle winemaker Ben Viscon goes across the state into Alder Ridge Vineyard for a smooth example of Washington Merlot. Aromas of candied cherries and hints of earth remain consistent on the palate. Bakers cocoa powder, dusty berries and plum preserves and savory notes join in, and a smooth texture carries into an herb-accented finish. (150 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Westport Winery NV Dawn Patrol, Yakima Valley • $27 The Roberts family has scaled back its lineup of wines involving non-grape wines, yet continues to excel with them. And the process continues to rely on stellar fruit, starting in this case with Riesling from venerable Red Willow Vineyard. Theres a big boost of raspberry (5%), which provides more than just color. It is dense and pure with ample acidity to balance the residual sugar (11%). Serve it with vanilla ice cream. (182 cases, 12.3% alc.) Award: Washington State Wine Competition (best of class, gold).
Whidbey Island Winery 2015 Siegerrebe, Puget Sound • $18 Greg Osenbach continues to earn praise for the work on his 7-acre estate with Siegerrebe a German cross of Gewürztraminer and Madeleine Angevine. It opens with fresh summer fruits and a subtle honey note on the nose. Grapefruit, spiced apricot preserves, sweet melon and honey-drizzled peaches unravel onto the graceful palate. (420 cases, 11% alc.) Awards: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold.)
Zerba Cellars 2013 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley • $36 The Zerbas Cockburn and Winesap vineyards combine to offer lots of Merlot that contribute to some of the Walla Walla Valleys most decorated wines, and this marks the fourth time in 12 years for their Merlot to wear a Platinum medal. Its complex nose of rose petals, strawberries, sweet cedar and Graber olive leads to huckleberry, blueberry and nutmeg, setting up a finish of pleasure. (188 cases, 14.7% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (best of class, gold).
Zerba Cellars 2013 Wild Z Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $24 Four vineyards in the southeast corner of the Walla Walla Valley, all in the state of Oregon, contribute to one of the regions most popular proprietary red wines. Theres a foundation of Merlot, but supporting players include Syrah and Petite Sirah. Chocolate-covered black cherry, violets and mint lead to boysenberry jam and raspberry tea amid a supple finish with blueberry. (799 cases, 14.6% alc.) Awards: 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (best of class, gold).
Abacela 2014 Estate Barrel Select Garnacha, Umpqua Valley • $29 Earl Jones first earned a Platinum for his Grenache with the 2004 vintage, and the 5 acres hes established continue to show versatility. Theres purple fruit and sweet chocolate on the nose, followed by chocolate-covered cherries, red currants and pomegranate. The structure is smooth, yet juicy. (428 cases, 14.2% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Judgment of Geyserville IV (gold).
Basalt Cellars 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley • $30 This Clarkston, Wash., winery blends Merlot from Dwelley Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and Willard Farms in the Yakima Valley that spent 18 months in 60% new French oak. Its hedonistic as caramel and coffee notes lead into mountain huckleberry and blackberry, backed by Earl Grey tea and slate. (148 cases, 14.9% alc.) Awards: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold), Savor Northwest Wine Awards (double gold).
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2014 Love Puppets Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley • $32 A mutual appreciation for wine drew Terry and Sue Brandborg together, and an early memento of their courtship became a refrigerator magnet described as Love Puppets on a Ferris Wheel. They produce prized Pinot Noir bottlings named for each half, including the dry-farmed Love Puppets. It shows a bit more ripeness than most Willamette Valley examples, featuring red currant and Craisins with cola and basil notes. Supple balance with fruit and oak showcases the rich and creamy structure thats finished by orange oil and Montmorency cherry. (232 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (double gold).
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley • $25 Master blender Brian Carter takes a winning, albeit unusual, approach by weaving five varieties that do well on their own as rosé - Sangiovese, Grenache, Syrah, Malbec, Cinsault. He used it to top a field of 122 entries for our spring rosé tasting, and it continues to sing using a crisp approach with cranberry, Rainier cherry, melon and orange slices. (555 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest rosé judging (Best of class, Outstanding!)
Brian Carter Cellars 2012 Solesce Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $60 It is fitting that Brian Carters Left Bank-inspired blend, which he names for a Latin reference to sun and essence features Cabernet Sauvignon from Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. Berries and spice on the nose turn juicy with cassis and dark plum flavors as tobacco walks among nicely understated oak and subtle tannins. (292 cases, 14.3% alc.) Awards: Jefferson Cup Invitational (gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold).
Bunnell Family Cellar 2012 ALX Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $42 Ron Bunnell named for this Syrah-based blend for his son and essentially guaranteed this wine to be a Platinum qualifier when he brought in the fruit from rising star Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. Gorgeous fruitiness akin to Marionberry and plums includes earthiness and smoked meat alongside the nice integration of oak, which adds another dimension. It finishes long and strong with cranberry acidity and allspice. (218 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Bunnell Family Cellar 2011 Lia Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $36 Syrah and Mourvèdre from Milbrandt-owned Clifton Hill and Northridge vineyards includes a great injection of acid-laced Cinsault and Grenache off Boushey Vineyard, making for a remarkably complex Rhône blend. Alluring hints of bacon include complex notes of clove and white pepper, joined by dusty cherries, dark chocolate and a finish of Red Vines licorice. (132 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (double gold).
Bunnell Family Cellar 2015 Viognier, Yakima Valley • $24 If the wine is made using grapes native to the Rhône Valley, then it would seem as if its only a matter of time before Ron Bunnell will earn at least one gold medal with it. Another recent example is this 2015 Viognier from Art den Hoed Vineyard. Classic notes of orange Creamsicle, pear and peach blossoms are allowed to emerge thanks to the neutral oak program. Theres pleasing weight to the midpalate and touch of caramel to the finish. (163 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Indian Wells Merlot, Columbia Valley • $18 Merlot made in Washington tends to be tannic, but Bob Bertheau and his team rely on fruit from the sultry Wahluke Slope and blend in some jammy Syrah (15%) to create a delectable drink. Rich and ripe berries are showcased from first whiff. Fig compote, blueberry cobbler, sweet wood spice, boysenberry jam and black raspberries converge, coating the mouth deliciously. (50,000 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: Rodeo Uncorked! Houston International Wine Competition (best of class, double gold).
Coyote Canyon Winery 2016 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Life is a Rosé of Barbera, Horse Heaven Hills • $18 A qualifier for the second straight year, Justin Michauds rosé breaks through in gorgeous fashion as strawberry pie, Rainier cherry and baking spice notes combine in zingy fashion with a touch of Horse Heaven Hills dust. And at 0.7% residual sugar, the sweetness is practically imperceptible. (180 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
DANCIN Vineyards 2016 Chassé Chardonnay, Oregon • $32 Wine Press Northwests 2017 Oregon Winery of the Year continues its association with Durant Vineyards in the Dundee Hills for this Chardonnay. Neutral oak allows for honeysuckle on the nose thats followed by flavors of maple baked apple, Crenshaw melon, anise and pineapple. Vivacious and balanced, a kick of lemon zest adds lift to the long finish. (80 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: San Francisco International Wine Competition (gold).
1st R.O.W. Estate Winery • $22 Actually, this Right Bank-style blend could be labeled Merlot in the U.S. because it constitutes 75 percent of the blend. Layers from Eagles Nest Vineyard near Oliver, B.C., gather up olive tapenade, cherry, olallieberry, huckleberry and touches of dill, capped a sprinkling of crushed mint. (232 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold)
Best Buy!
14 Hands Winery NV Sparkling Rosé, Columbia Valley • $12 Keith Kenison headed up the white wine program at Columbia Crest prior to his appointment to 14 Hands so its no surprise that he has fun with this sparkling rosé. Its delicate nose of raspberry and sugared cherry skins spills over into the consumer-friendly bubbles and structure of prickly pear, white peach and lavender. (15,000 cases, 11% alc.) Award: 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc Rosé, Golden Mile Bench • $15 Intense with its theme of strawberry Starburst and cherry-rhubarb compote, the beautiful acid profile and lovely finish combine for a simply amazing complex rosé. (450 cases, 12.8% alc.) Awards: Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Signature Series Cabernet Franc Icewine, Golden Mile Bench • $42 Its amazing but not surprising, in the case of the Gehringer brothers, to see a winery reap top awards in the same judging for work with Cabernet Franc as a dry rosé and also a sticky. Complex aromas of raspberry, watermelon, cotton candy and a Graham cracker with strawberry jam are joined by cherry punch flavors, backed by strawberry leaf bitterness for balance. (450 cases, 13.04% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Girardet Wine Cellars 2013 Bush Vine Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley • $48 Second-generation winemaker Marc Girardet transitioned his familys planting to bush-trained trellising across the dry-farmed Shale Rock Vineyard. This effort with Tempranillo again shows the promise of the Spanish grape in Southern Oregon, making for a consumer-friendly expressions thats jammy with blackberries and plum backed by mulling spices and racy acidity. (73 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: San Francisco International Wine Competition (gold).
Gravel Bar Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley • $18 Bronco winemaker Bob Stashak oversees this new Washington wine program thats mined gold medals in large competitions across the country, and he hit on the perfect autumn-themed Chardonnay. Its deliciously balanced and redolent with pear butter, caramel apple and butterscotch with lingering lemony acidity. (5,000 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Ultimate Wine Challenge (gold).
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2014 Primitivo, Wahluke Slope • $49 Lake Chelan winemaker Judy Phelps works with tiny Doebler Vineyard, a site in the shadow of Sentinel Gap near Mattawa, Wash., for the fourth vintage her Primitivo program. Persistent fruitiness of raspberry, strawberry and cherry include notes of tobacco, cocoa and bonus finish of spice. (300 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Savor NW Wine Awards (gold).
Henry Earl Estates 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain • $48 The Wine Boss team of Mitch Venohr and Charlie Hoppes in Richland captured the essence of Quintessence Vineyard for owners Dick and Wendy Shaw in Walla Walla. Its charming nose of blackberry and black currant with herbal tones doesnt disappoint as the dark blue fruit fills up the tannin structure for a firm, yet nicely balanced Red Mountain Cab. (180 cases, 14.2% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Kana Winery 2013 Champoux Vineyard Old Vines Lemberger, Horse Heaven Hills • $20 Attorney-turned-winemaker Tony Lombardo shows how fruity and fun Lemberger can be. Dried cranberry and pomegranate aromas led to flavors that combine huckleberry and blackberry with nice spice and good acidity making it a perfect wine for Thanksgiving dinner. Sadly, despite this variety being prized by Paul Champoux and beloved by the late Walter Clore, this block has been removed by the Golitizen family of Quilceda Creek fame, who now control Champoux Vineyard. (410 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Best Buy!
Kana Winery 2011 Workingmans Red, Columbia Valley • $15 This downtown Yakima tenant is producing some of the regions most delicious wines, regardless of the price, and winemaker Tony Lombardo, a graduate of Walla Walla Community Colleges program is at the heart of it. A Tempranillo-based blend, its filled with red licorice, blackberry and cola, framed by tamed tannins and capped by a steady pulse of cherry-rhubarb compote. (520 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
La Frenz Winery NV Naramata Bench Tawny Port, Okanagan Valley • $22 The Martin family remains among the Northwests leaders in fortified wines with this delectable after-dinner offering thats full-bodied yet sleek. A product of a solera system, Its multi-layered with dried apricot, butterscotch, sweet greengage plums, brown sugar, a trace of coffee bean and caramelized pecans. Date spice cake adds to the tantalization, and nice acidity keeps it lively. (175 cases, 18.3% alc.) Award: Dan Bergers International Competition (gold).
Malaga Springs Winery 2016 Blanc de Noir, Columbia Valley • $17 Wenatchee Valley winegrower Al Mathews earned a microbiology degree at Oregon State University, and his work here with estate Pinot Noir seems inspired by the Willamette Valley. This elegant dry rosé is feminine with an uber light hue as a result of pressing right after crushing. Sweet Rainier cherries, watermelon and apple blossom aromas converge on the palate, uplifted and bright, with a citrus tinged finish. (85 cases, 14.1% alc.) Awards: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (gold), Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival (gold).
Market Vineyards 2006 Basis Points Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $35 Acclaimed winemaker Charlie Hoppes developed this Cab-based blend for this group of businessmen with a background in international financial markets. This first such bottling for the Richland, Wash., brand earned its way into the Platinum via the Seattle Wine Awards Diamonds of the Decade judging, and the beautiful opening features a faint whiff of bottle bousquet amid the notes of boysenberry, blackberry tea and basil. The suave structure includes anise, cocoa powder and zippy acidity. (125 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Martin-Scott Winery 2014 Raven Ridge Red, Columbia Valley • $28 Mike and Judi Scott sleep within one of the Columbia Rivers most picturesque plantings, but they pulled from two of Washington states best sites for this wine Cabernet Sauvignon (61%) from Shaw Vineyard on Red Mountain and Syrah (39%) off Jones Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. It comes with a wide spectrum of remarkable notes that hint at lavender, cherry, currant and mint chocolate chip, which flow into a smooth, balanced and earthy finish. (80 cases, 15.8% alc.) Award: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (double gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Elephant Mountain Sangiovese, Rattlesnake Hills • $34 New Zealand-born winemaker Richard Batchelor is among the growing number of Washington winemakers who extol the virtues of Joel Hattrups site in the northern hills of the Yakima Valley. This is among the handful of Elephant Mountain bottlings to earn a spot in Maryhills Vineyard Series program, and the Sangio displays wild cherry cough drops and floral notes to engage the senses. Then cranberry chutney, tea leaves, allspice and moist earth join juicy cherry fruit at the core, which spotlights delicious acidity. (235 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Syrah, Columbia Valley • $26 Horse Heaven Hills fruit off Alder Ridge and McKinley Springs vineyards and 20 months in 50% new French oak make this a quaffable, fruity Syrah thats reminiscent of a boysenberry pie. Violets, sweet pipe tobacco, slatey tannins and pomegranate acidity allow for final notes of smoked pepper and orange oil. (382 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietors Reserve Zinfandel, Columbia Valley • $44 Yakima Valley grower Art den Hoed, whose Rattlesnake Hills site ripens Rhône varietes, shows the potential of Zinfandel with his contribution to this reserve program. This edges closer to the California style of strawberry jam, but the raspberry acidity, bramble and earthiness give it balance. Enjoy with Cypress Groves Truffle Tremor chèvre. (1,473 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Oliver Twist Estate Winery 2016 Nostalgia Rockabilly Red, Okanagan Valley • $28 Gina Harfmans passion for winemaking, which includes work with respected consultant Christine Leroux, led her to buy this estate project on the Black Sage Bench near Oliver. She continues to share the credit for her twist-off bottlings with founder Denice Hagerman, and their Merlot-based blend is a luxurious drink of blueberry pie and vanilla joined with dried herbs and violets. (486 cases, 14% alc.) Award: InterVin International Wine Competition (gold).
Pleasant Hill Cellars 2014 La Grande Affaire, Columbia Valley • $38 While Cab from Elephant Mountain Vineyard dominates Larry Lindvigs blend, the Boeing Wine Club product made room for Tannat off the Wahluke Slope to play a key role. Sweet blackberry pie, violet and humidor aromas funnel into dark cherry and blueberry flavors, where the tannins are nicely integrated and dusty. (119 cases, 15.2% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (best of class, gold).
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Syrah, Applegate Valley • $40 Cal Schmidt grew up in the wheat fields of Kansas, but he became an entrepreneur on the West Coast and Syrah was among the first varieties he used to establish his Southern Oregon vineyard in 2001. Roasted meat, blackberry, olallieberry, savory spice and nice acidity make for a layered and energetic mouth feel. (238 cases, 13.2% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Experience (gold).
Spoiled Dog Winery 2013 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Puget Sound • $36 Retired attorney Karen Krug and her husband grow six clones of Pinot Noir and the German variety Pinot Noir Précoce, and all seven come together in this bright wine that bursts with delicious red fruit. Envision dusty raspberry, Craisins and Jolly Rancher cherry flavors with white pepper and suave tannins that finish with a bite of Montmorency cherry. (116 cases, 13.2% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Succession Wines 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $39 Lake Chelan winemaker Brock Lindsay pulls from nearby Antoine Creek Vineyard for this beautiful expression of Cab. Bing cherries, violets and moist earth all are in harmony for this fruity and bold drink that brings tingly acidity. (100 cases, 15.1% alc.) Award: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (gold).
Territorial Vineyards & Wine Co. 2014 Capital T Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley • $46 Eugene winemaker Ray Walsh, formerly at King Estate, works with estate plantings at Equinox and Bellpine vineyards that include the rare Jackson clone of Pinot Noir, reportedly first established by the University of California near the Sierra Foothills town of Jackson during the 1880s. It plays a part in this superb drink thats filled with Rainier cherry, strawberry taffy and cranberry tea with white pepper and caramel. (75 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold).
Thurston Wolfe 2015 Zephyr Ridge Vineyard Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills • $25 Wade Wolfe helped blaze the trail in Washington for this Italian clone of Zinfandel both in terms of planting it and bottling it. Theres a persistent sense of jamminess among the dark, rich and concentrated notes of plum and raisin, plum and baking spices. (50 cases, 15.5% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Winemaker Select Malbec, Lake Chelan • $36 Dr. Bob Jankelsons site selection on the south shore of Lake Chelan serves as a master stroke, and the lesser-known red Bordeaux variety Malbec is proving to be a remarkable fit. Dusty black cherry and plump blueberry notes include pepper, savory porcini mushroom and juicy finish. (190 cases, 15.2% alc.) Awards: New World International Wine Competition (best of class, double gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Vino la Monarcha 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $22 Victor Palencia produces more than a million cases of wine on the Wahluke Slope for clients of the Jones and Shaw families, but he carves out time for his own two brands. Two Gun Vineyard near Quincy, Wash., owned by the Joneses, is the birthplace of this exquisite rosé. Honeydew melon, cantaloupe and rose petal aromas lead to creamy flavors of raspberry and cherry that carry a dab of sweetness behind the ear then a broad lick of acidity. (500 cases, 13% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley • $35 William vonMetzgers classwork for Myles Anderson at College Cellars made him a natural choice to take over the cellar at Walla Walla Vintners. Validation includes Wine Press Northwests 2016 award as Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year. Their Merlot is an easy drinker thats lighter on its feet than most, offering Van cherry and blueberry-pomegranate cocktail notes among secondary hints of juniper, clove and cocoa. (761 cases, 14.2% alc.) Awards: Jefferson Cup (gold), San Francisco International Wine Competition (gold.)
Zerba Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley • $36 Wenatchee Valley native Doug Nierman, a University of California-Davis grad, solidifies Zerba Cellars tradition with Cabernet Franc as this the fourth Platinum winner since the 2008 vintage. Its peppery with notes of cigar box and cured meat alongside lush fruit of blackberry pie. Beautiful blueberry acidity still leaves room for an elegant finish with a touch of graphite. (185 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold.)
Amelia Wynn Winery 2013 The Dwelley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley • $32 Bainbridge Island winemaker Paul Bianchi founded his brand a decade ago, and hes focused his Cab program on this site in the Blue Mountain foothills. Classic notes of cherry, vanilla, eucalyptus and baking spices are wrapped within smooth tannins and carried along by Chukar Cherries and caramel. (96 cases, 14.2% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Indian Creek Winery 2016 White Iris Sweet Gewürztraminer, Snake River Valley • $15 Mike McClure continues the consumer-minded tradition of his father-in-law - founding winemaker Bill Stowe - with this expressive and pleasing Gewürz from Skyline Vineyard, the Idahos wine industrys largest planting. Pear chutney, rosewater, jasmine tea, spice and underlying honey persist through the finish that uses grapefruit pith to play off the 3% residual sugar. (250 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Idaho Wine Competition (gold).
Irvine & Roberts Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley • $35 A trio of Oregons top winemakers - Robert Brittan in the Willamette Valley along with Herb Quady and Brian Gruber in the Rogue Valley - collaborate on this Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noir for this rising brand near Ashland. Estate fruit grown at 2,100 feet elevation elicits thoughts of smoked black cherry, forest floor and mushroom that are finished in black currant and brown sugar. (900 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2016 Estate Chenin Blanc Ice Wine, Red Mountain • $35 Scott Williams and Tristan Butterfield may devote more time, energy and talent to Chenin Blanc in its various styles than anyone else, and particularly stunning is their work with desserts. Fanciful notes of apple and cinnamon come with the juice and pith of Meyer lemon acidity, marking an achievement to balance the 19% residual sugar. The Williamses suggest serving it with ham or salmon thats been glazed with honey. (1,063 cases, 9.2% alc.) Awards: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold), Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Clifton Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope • $40 The Milbrandt familys Clifton Hill Vineyard ranks among the warmest sites in Washington, and its work with Cab is exemplary. Its richly fruited aroma includes moist earth, leading to a round and viscous structure that creates thoughts of berry cobbler, joined by cocoa. A note of anise adds lift to the finish. (324 cases, 15.3% alc.) Awards: Washington Wine Awards (best of class, gold).
Moraine Estate Winery 2016 Riesling, Okanagan Valley • $22 New Zealand-trained Jacqueline Jacq Kemp set her sights on British Columbias Naramata Bench to work with Burgundy varieties. Along her way, shes also shown a flair for Riesling, producing one of Canadas most decorated releases in 2017. Pineapple, honeysuckle and tart apple come with classic undertones of petrol, slate and sea salt brininess that sip nearly all of the 1.3% residual sugar from the finish. (400 cases, 12.5% alc.) Award: All-Canadian Wine Championships (gold) British Columbia Best of Varietal (gold), British Columbia Wine Awards (gold).
Page Cellars 2016 Sentimental Blonde, Columbia Valley • $20 Jim Page changed up his tradition of bottling this blend with white Bordeaux grapes, and he could have labeled this as Conner Lee Vineyard Viognier, however his use of Riesling (10%) moves this beyond gold and into the realm of yummy. Mango, guava and orange Creamsicle aromas are mirrored on the palate, where it is joined by papaya and orange peel. (112 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Puffin Wines 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Oregon • $20 Oregon Coast wine merchant Steven Sinkler works with winemaker Sean Driggers of Pudding River Wine Cellars in Salem on his rosé. They take a dry approach and its filled with apricot, orange and rose petals while offering juicy acidity. (100 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2013 Estate Winemakers Reserve Syrah, Umpqua Valley • $42 Stephen Reustle earned his first Platinum in 2009 with a Syrah. This signals the 10th Platinum hes merited for work with the Rhône grape. Sweet plum and barrel influences of cinnamon and allspice lead to a palate where the fluid hits all the notes. Dark purple fruit is joined by blackberry tea flavors with flecks of minerality and a pinch of pepper. The finish is long and silky. (475 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: American Fine Wine Invitational (gold).
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Reserve Chardonnay, Applegate Valley • $28 Jesse Brons, a product of Umpqua Community Colleges winemaking program, and his mother, Rene Brons, team up with patriarch/founding winemaker Cal Schmidt on the 6,000-case program, which made room for these three barrels of reserve Chardonnay. Fascinating aromas of Bazooka bubble gum and toasty oak lead to a skillful balance of creaminess and apple thats capped by toast and butter. (71 cases, 14.6% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold).
Spangler Vineyards 2015 Khayams Block Estate Dolcetto, Umpqua Valley • $29 Pat Spangler grafted a portion of his vineyard over to Dolcetto in 2013, and the results have been remarkable. Named for a beloved cheetah who lived out her days at the nearby wildlife park, theres smokey red cherry, raspberry and green tea notes with first tannins and a persistent peppery finish. (215 cases, 15.1% alc.) Awards: Indy International Wine Competition (best of class, double gold).
Succession Wines 2016 Evolution White Wine, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $24 The Lindsay family blends Sèmillon (64%) and Roussanne (12%) from Cave Bs Famiglia Vineyard with award-winning Viognier from Antoine Creek Vineyard to create rich aromas of fresh pineapple and melon and facial powder and orange pith. Juiciness awaits as flavors of kiwi fruit and Bosc pear lead to lemongrass and lime. (186 cases, 13.8% alc.) Gold: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival Wine Competition (gold).
Talent Cellars 2014 Nuf Sed Red, Oregon • $24 Matt Newbry learned winemaking at College Cellars and Tamarack Cellars in Walla Walla prior to moving his family to a heritage farm near Talent, Ore., and hes definitely a talent on the rise. Super-charged by fruit from Windrow and Monettes vineyards on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley, his entry-level Cab-based blend is packed with blackberry jam, blueberry and clove, backed by coffee and vanilla within an approachable structure. (182 cases, 14.2% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).
Valcan Cellars 2014 Syrah, Rogue Valley • $28 Argentine native Juan Pablo Valot, who heads up the winemaking for Silvan Ridge and serves on the Oregon Wine Board, recently created his own brand. This beauty from Belmont Vineyard captures the elegant side of Syrah. Blackberry pie, cured meats, olive tapenade and underlying oak meld deliciously. Soft tannins make it oh-so-easy to quaff. (64 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Competition (gold).
Abacela 2016 Estate Albariño, Umpqua Valley • $21 This award marks five Platinums just for Albariño for the Jones family. Myriad aromas and complex flavors of apricot, grapefruit, lemongrass and lemon zest are nearly pushed aside by the spoonful of gooseberry pie in the finish. (1,444 cases, 13.2% alc.) Awards: Los Angeles International Wine Competition (gold), Oregon Wine Awards (gold).
Abacela 2016 Estate Muscat, Umpqua Valley • $18 Initially, this storied Southern Oregon producer developed this program merely to provide an off-dry white escape for tasting room visitors. Now, their blend of Early Muscat and historic Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains continues to garner praise beyond Lookingglass Road. Its wildly aromatic and the range of orange blossom, clementine, guava, honeysuckle and exotic spices intertwine across the palate. Despite its 3% residual sugar, it stays focused, finishing with a touch of gingerbread. (218 cases, 11.4% alc.) Award: Pacific Rim International Wine Competition (gold).
Adamant Cellars 2016 Gateshead Vineyard Albariño, Walla Walla Valley • $25 Devin Stinger relied on Albariño from Spain to slake his summer thirst in Colorado before moving to Walla Walla. Those bottles helped him gameplan for this scintillating work with young Gateshead Vineyard. Aromas of honeyed Granny Smith apple, jasmine and gooseberry turn brisk as Asian pear and lemon take over as flavors. (110 cases, 13.6% alc.) Awards: Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (best white), Washington State Wine Competition (gold), Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2014 a squared Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley • $25 At last years Platinum, the ANC team used the 2013 vintage of its a squared their entry-level Cab to essentially win the Platinums best of class. The 2014 version has been judged to be just as approachable upon release. Lovely black fruit tones akin to black cherry, black currant and blueberry include a rewarding mix of barbecue spices. Its structure is balanced and smooth with a finish that doesnt let go. (635 cases, 14.4% alc.) Awards: Washington Wine Awards (double gold).
Brian Carter Cellars 2007 LeCoursier Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $80 It was two years in barrel and two more in the bottle before Brian Carter first released this Meritage-style blend that leads with Merlot from Solstice (planted in 1980) and StoneTree vineyards. The blue and black fruit aroma leads to a spice-enhanced entry. Flavors of dusty dark plum, sweet tobacco, blueberry compote and sweet and savory notes are carried by a silky texture to a long, oak-kissed finish. (1,070 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Brian Carter Cellars 2007 Trentenaire Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $80 A decade beyond its birth, Brian Carters blend of Petit Verdot continues to mature majestically. Brooding aromas open to a powerhouse of flavors blackberry, plum, black cherry and focused graphite elements then meld with a touch of herbs. Its muscular and rich from first whiff to final drop. (273 cases, 14.4% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).
Cave B Estate Winery 2014 Cave B Vineyards Tempranillo, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $33 College Cellars graduate Freddy Arredondo took over the winemaking program at Cave B for his family in 2007, and his background as a trained chef shows up in this approach with Tempranillo. Fresh strawberry and cherry notes come on through the glossy palate, which is nicely nuanced, clean and lean. (225 cases, 14.1% alc.) Awards: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Cerebella 2014 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley • $25 Zimmel Unruh Cellars marks the second career for Robb Zimmel, a former Army medic who served nearly a decade in Afghanistan and Iraq. The recent product of Washington State Universitys winemaking program worked with Firethorn Vineyard for his Syrah thats made entirely with whole-berry, in-barrel fermentation. The long list of aromas include savory herbs, purple fruit and smoked meat. Its a sultry and captivating Syrah as refined tannins allow for full enjoyment of the chalk and chocolate, blackberry and plum flavors. (75 cases, 15.5% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).
Best Buy!
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $15 A look at some of the components, fruit from some of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates top sites Canoe Ridge Estate, Cold Creek and Indian Wells, helps explain why this has become one of Washington states biggest ambassador for Cabernet Sauvignon. Theres lilac, dark cherry and cedar on nose, followed by warm vanilla spice, black cherry and blackberry flavors. Lush and layered, a sense of earthiness plays out in the lingering finish of caramel. (507,500 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Rodeo Uncorked! Houston International Wine Competition (gold).
Church & State Wines 2016 Pinot Gris, Vancouver Island • $20 John Pullen operates Church & State tasting rooms and manages vineyards on opposite sides of British Columbia, and Barbara Halls winemaking on Vancouver Island reflects the realized potential of their Brentwood Bay estate planting. Hints of banana cream pie and pear transition to crisp lemon-lime acidity for a showy finish that melds minerality with Bosc pear. (600 cases, 13.4% alc.) Awards: Los Angeles International Wine Competition (gold), InterVin International Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Convergence Zone Cellars 2014 Bacchus Vineyard Dewpoint Riesling, Columbia Valley • $15 The Columbia River flows past Sagemoor Vineyard, one of the Northwests oldest commercial plantings, and Scott Greenberg casts the spotlight on it for a cool and refreshing expression of Riesling. Crisp green apple with classic notes of petrol and minerality join a lime-splashed nectarine for spot-on acidity and a vivacious finish. (180 cases, 12.7% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Dumas Station Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley • $38 Fourth-generation Walla Walla farmer Jay DeWitt works with Minnick Hills and Birch Creek vineyards to create a wildly aromatic Cab that features black plum, black currant, spearmint and anise. Theres definition, precision and depth as the skillful use of oak lays out a memorable finale. (450 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Eleganté Cellars 2016 Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley • $36 Retired chemistry teacher Doug Simmons continues to burnish his reputation with age-worthy reds, particularly Sangiovese, yet here he is with an amazing young Tempranillo off Les Collines Vineyard. There are hints of earth and red berry and black fruit up front with spicy, fruit-driven flavor that build on the palate with good balance. (103 cases, 12.5% alc.) Award: Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (gold).
Eternal Wines 2016 Perspective Grenache Blanc, Columbia Valley • $42 Somm-turned-winemaker Brad Binko has quickly made headlines and received gold medals since graduating from College Cellars in Walla Walla. Hes also helping to advance the cause of Grenache Blanc in Washington via this bottling from Painted Hills Vineyard. Theres remarkable complexity with green apple and honeysuckle as the slice of warm spice cake on the midpalate receives a final kick of refreshing acidity. (50 cases, 13.5% alc.) Awards: Washington State Wine Competition (gold), Washington Wine Awards (double gold).
14 Hands Winery 2013 The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills • $30 Ste. Michelle Wine Estates created 14 Hands in 2005 as a restaurant-only brand, but the winemaking talents of Keith Kenison have helped it become the states second-largest winery. His use of 74% new barrels and fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills elicits aromas of blackberry pie, baking spice, tobacco and smoke, followed by flavors of black cherry and blackberry. Chocolaty tannins and blueberry acidity add up to a silky mouth feel and juicy finish. (630 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Best Buy!
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Gewürztraminer-Schönburger, Golden Mile Bench • $15 Each year, Walter Gehringer makes it almost impossible for any judging panel to deny this wine, choosing to combine the already-aromatic Gewürztraminer with this German grape thats parentage is tied to Black Muscat, Chasselas and Pinot Noir. Lychee, rosewater and spiced caramel apple notes are made complex with mouth-coating cantaloupe and a lasting tightness from lemon zest. (653 cases, 11.7% alc.) Awards: Los Angeles International Wine Competition (gold), Indy International Wine Competition (gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Best Buy!
Jones of Washington 2015 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $10 Its remarkable, but not unprecedented, for a bottling to repeat as a Platinum winner - which this has. Aromas of river rocks make way for peaches and cream, pear, dried pineapple and sweet nectarine. Brisk acidity allows it to stay true from start to its beautifully lifted finish. (1,787 cases, 12.7% alc.) Awards: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Washington Wine Awards (gold).
La Frenz Winery 2016 Rattlesnake Vineyard Naramata Bench Sèmillon, Okanagan Valley • $22 Beautiful, crisp white wines from British Columbia tend to rise to the top at the Platinum, and this Naramata Bench winery ranks among the elite. Many of the best Sémillons focus on lemony notes, and thats the theme here from start to finish. Six months on the lees provides the caramel creaminess that yields to a finish of lemon meringue pie filling. (523 cases, 12.6% alc.) Award: WineAlign National Awards of Canada (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2016 Tudor Hills Vineyard Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley • $16 The Leutholds continue to deepen their relationship with the Tudor family, and their collaboration produced Washingtons top-scoring Pinot Gris at the Platinum. Lively, bright and perfumy aromas lead to crisp flavors of pear and apple skin, a subtle hint of crushed herbs and kick of lemon zest on the lingering finish. (4,846 cases, 13% alc.) Awards: Washington State Wine Competition (best white).
Maryhill Winery 2013 Proprietors Reserve Vintage Port, Columbia Valley • $20 One of the prime bargains from Northwest producers of fortified wine is this aged vintage Port-style from Maryhill. The blend of traditional Portuguese varieties Souzão, Tempranillo, Tinta Cão and Touriga Naçional grown from the estate Gunkel Vineyard at the eastern edge of the Columbia Gorge matures in oak for 33 months. The results are wide-ranging and fascinating with boysenberry and ripe plums, creamy caramel, spiced raisin scones, cacao nibs and roasted almonds. Its deliciously rich and balanced. (257 cases, 18.8% alc.) Awards: Washington Wine Awards (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Maryhill Winery 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley • $16 Inspired by Barnard Griffins success with rosé using Sangiovese, Maryhill increased production last year by about 50 percent, and the quality of fruit they get from the Tudor family in the Yakima Valley continues to rise. Hints of earth, layers of red and black cherries, cranberry-apple herbal tea and a beam of minerality enliven the palate. Crisp acidity balances the 1.4% residual sugar beautifully. (5,607 cases, 13.7% alc.) Awards: Washington State Wine Competition (best of show, double gold), Northwest Wine Summit (best of class).
Moon Curser Vineyards 2014 Carménère, Okanagan Valley • $37 British Columbia winemaker Chris Tolley can see into the U.S. from his mountainside winery/tasting room just east of Osoyoos, and this vintage marked the 10th for the Carménère he plucks from his Home and Stubbs vineyards. Theres an uncanny opulence to his version of this rare Bordeaux grape as blackberry pie and exotic spices pick up leather, cedar and telltale hints of bell pepper along the way to the long, round and smooth finish. (244 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Los Angeles International Wine Competition (gold).
Newhouse Family Vineyards 2015 Scion Red Wine, Snipes Mountain • $40 The Newhouse family names this GSM blend of estate grapes as an homage to their winegrowing lineage, and theres no one better in Washington than Ron Bunnell when it comes to work Rhône-inspired wines. Black raspberry, licorice and charcuterie notes include a hint of Nutella to provide depth along with a stylish thread of minerality. Integrated tannins complete the delicious package. (177 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold), Pacific Rim International Wine Competition (gold).
Northwest Cellars 2015 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley • $16 Robert Delf and Robert Smasne work with Airfield Estates fruit for this Chardonnay. Its steely, vibrant and fresh as honeysuckle, Granny Smith apple and juicy Bartlett pear notes carry through the lively finish. (560 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Palencia Winery 2016 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $20 Drawn by the potential to accent this Spanish white grapes affinity to express minerality, Victor Palencia works with viticulturist Ryan Flanagan to source the caliche-laden soil of Evergreen Vineyard and Spanish Castle. Those dusty notes float in the background of this fruit-filled and complex drink of banana, white peach and lemon spice cake, capped by jasmine tea. This marks consecutive vintages that Palencia has achieved Platinum status with Albariño. (500 cases, 12.5% alc.) Awards: Seattle Wine Awards (best of class), Sip Northwest (best of class).
Palencia Winery 2014 Grenache, Yakima Valley • $36 Prosser High grad Victor Palencia spent much his youth working at what is now Canyon Vineyard Ranch, the basecamp for his own Grenache program. This bottling features a sachet dépices dropped into an elegant and vibrant mix of cassis, pomegranate and chocolate cream. In 2018, this wine will be produced near the Columbia River at Kennewicks Columbia Gardens project the new home of Palencia Wine Co. (140 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (best of show).
Puffin Wines 2016 Pinot Gris, Oregon • $21 Steven and Maryann Sinkler took over The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach and developed this whimsical yet serious negoçiant-style series of wines to offer beachcombing customers. For their Pinot Gris, they chose Eugene winemaker Ray Walsh, whose résumé includes crafting Pinot Gris at King Estate. The style is one of fresh-picked stone fruit and starfruit, and its well-balanced with a lovely texture that includes apricot pit for complexity. (150 cases, 13.6% alc.) Awards: Savor NW Wine Awards (best of class, double gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Estate Rojo Dulce Dessert Wine, Umpqua Valley • $24 Heres a Tempranillo-based Port-style offering that should appeal to Port lovers. Its broad and firm with ripe cherry, blackberry liqueur, roasted nuts, fig jam, cacao nibs, oak spice and a hint of earth richly filling the mouth. Theres lovely viscosity on the midpalate as zingy acidity complements the lavish fruit. (150 cases, 19% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Estate Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley • $42 Longtime climate researcher Greg Jones helped the Reustles decide what they should plant near Cal Henry Road, and the versatility of the site north of Roseburg continues to show. Theres more acreage of Pinot Noir planted here than any other grape, and success has followed. Its fruity yet Burgundian as dusty cherry and raspberry aromas are joined by earthy tones. Inside, ripe strawberry flavors and pencil shavings make for a silky finish. (338 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold).
Spindrift Cellars 2015 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley • $22 New Jersey native Matt Compton, who came out intending to manage research vineyards for a few years on behalf of Oregon State University, recently celebrated his 20th harvest in the Willamette Valley. The relationships hes built with farmers have given him access to vines nearly 40 years old, and he pulled from seven sites for this fleshy and concentrated style of Pinot Noir. Cherry pie, baking spices, jasmine tea and raspberry preserves hold firm and with inspiration. This ranks as one of the Northwests best values, particularly for Pinot Noir from a small producer. (1,467 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (double gold).
Spindrift Cellars 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley • $32 Too many wineries play fast and loose with the term reserve, so its refreshing to see the Comptons label this appropriately. Their selection of clones Wadenswil, Pommard and 115 spent 14 months in 20% new French oak, which maintains the profile of fresh, high-toned fruit. Cherry, pomegranate and cranberry are interlaced with herbs and graphite, making for a dazzling finish. (148 cases, 14.4% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Talent Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon • $44 Matt Newbry, a Washington State University product, talked his wife into setting aside her political career in order to launch a boutique winery near his Southern Oregon roots. His debut vintage relies heavily on Windrow Vineyard, recognized as the oldest commercial vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Its dark fruit profile comes deep and layered with cassis, sweet tobacco, plum preserves and a thread of cocoa. Firmly structured tannins pave the way for a forever finish. (177 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).
Tightrope Winery 2015 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley • $35 This marks the fourth Platinum in five years for Lyndsay ORourke and grape-growing husband Graham, but its the first time with Pinot Noir. Naramata Bench fruit and just 10 months in French oak leaves it elegant and feminine with racy acidity as raspberry, SweeTart cherry candy and pomegranate fruit join exotic spices and cola accents. Its purity adorns it with an ethereal quality. (425 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold).
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Malbec, Lake Chelan • $34 Lake Chelan Valley native Shane Collins produced a pair of Platinums from the 2014 vintage in the Malbec class for this showpiece Tuscan-themed property. Dark purple notes of black currant and blueberry pick up hints of chai spices, supported by supple tannins and balanced acidity. (350 cases, 15.1% alc.) Awards: Washington Wine Awards (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley • $45 Its now three years in a row that William vonMetzger has pulled in a Platinum for Cab. He tapped into six vineyards throughout the Walla Walla Valley, including Pepper Bridge, Minnick Hills and the estate planted by founders Myles Anderson and Gordy Venneri. A basket full of wild berries on the nose is mirrored on the palate. Lean, pure and juicy with cassis, fresh tobacco, plum and a touch of oak, its capped with mint. (854 cases, 14.4% alc.) Award: Sunset International Wine Competition (gold).
Westport Winery Garden Resort NV Rapture of the Deep Carbonated Cranberry Wine, Washington • $28 Local cranberry bogs provide all the fruit for this annual celebration of the Furford Cranberry Museum in nearby Grayland. Its winsome wardrobe, honest presentation of fruit, necessary midpalate sweetness (12%) and natural lingering tartness make it a great accompaniment for holiday meals. And a substantial portion of each sale is donated to Harbors Home Health & Hospice. (206 cases, 9.7% alc.) Awards: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (best of class), Tri-Cities Wine Festival (double gold), Capital Food & Wine Festival (gold).
ZIVO Wines 2014 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills • $45 Dr. John Zelko proved to be a visionary in 1995 when he bought 40 acres in the Eola-Amity Hills. A year later, he established his vineyard, which now is surrounded by some famous neighbors. His work here with all five clones that hes planted 114, 115, 667, 777, and Pommard is a classic. The red-fruited nose with rose petal, leather, cherry pipe tobacco, pencil shavings funnels into nicely meshed flavors of cherry and earthiness with slate and a late rush of red currant. (344 cases, 14.4% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold) Oregon Wine Competition (gold).
Amelia Wynn Winery 2016 Crawford Vineyard Albariño, Yakima Valley • $20 The Crawford familys site near Prosser, Wash., contributed fruit to at least six entries in this years Platinum Judging, and they shine with this Iberian Peninsula grape. Granny Smith apple, dried apricot and kiwi fruit are amplified within the radiant structure thats capped by a scrape of lemon zest. (96 cases, 13.2% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Chester-Kidder 2014 Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $60 While Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla showcases a constellation of some of the worlds brightest stars, Chester-Kidder represents the bond between mastermind Allen Shoup and his director of winemaking - Gilles Nicault. Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) steers the blend, but it is Syrah (28%) from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope that builds the midpalate. Blackberry jam, dried blueberry, sage and cocoa slide among the fine-grained espresso tannins that allow the rich fruit to stretch out. (1,815 cases, 15.3% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).
Eternal Wines 2014 Patience Roussanne, Walla Walla Valley • $40 A few of Brad Binkos small projects took root prior to his graduation from the winemaking program at Walla Walla Community College, including this barrel-aged Roussanne from the Zerba familys Cockburn Ranch. Melon and fig provide the theme amid the structure of pleasing body weight and finish of caramel. (80 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold), Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (gold).
Eye of the Needle NV The Point Reserve Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $35 Woodinville vintner Bob Bullock blends all six Bordeaux varieties from sources that include Stillwater Creek and historic Otis while picking from the 2013 and 2014 vintages. Cabernet Franc forms the base. Black fruit, pencil shavings, barrel spice and roasted bell pepper make for nicely structured tannins and a cellar-worthy offering. (57 cases, 15.2% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
14 Hands Winery 2014 Stampede Red Blend, Columbia Valley • $12 The artwork of Colorado equine artist Cynthia Sampson allows these wines to stand out on store shelves across the country, and this new Syrah-based bargain blend from the Prosser, Wash., winery includes contributions of Mourvèdre, Viognier and Merlot. Plum skin, coffee, black licorice and crushed red pepper aromas carry into an abundance of black currant and blackberry flavors, backed by cocoa, cassis and milk chocolate. (100,000 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).
Kitzke Cellars 2013 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley • $26 Decorated winemaker Charlie Hoppes recently handed over the duties to Seth Kitzke, who has a delicious template courtesy of Candy Mountain Vineyard, Candy Ridge Vineyard and his familys plantings that surround the tasting room. Its reminiscent of a fine Chianti with dried flowers and earthy notes on the nose. In the mouth, ripe cherries, cranberry, cherry tomatoes and spice entwine with lively acidity. (73 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest Italian reds (Outstanding!)
Laissez Faire 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Chenin Blanc, Snake River Valley • $16 Ste. Michelle-trained Melanie Krause and husband Joe Schnerr of Cinder Wines fame created this second label for their Boise-based customers to enjoy as everyday wines. To no ones surprise, theyve turned out something rather special. Their Loire Valley-inspired blend features gooseberry, honeydew melon and freshly chopped herbs for a real quaffer. (780 cases, 13.2% alc.) Awards: Sunset International Wine Competition (gold), Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold).
Maryhill Winery 2014 Malbec, Columbia Valley • $24 The largest production of Malbec among Platinum qualifiers also graded out among the best, and it started with fruit from near the winery at Gunkel Vineyard and Tudor Hills in the Yakima Valley. There is a marvelous array of dark blue fruit notes that lead into black pepper, muscovado sugar, mocha and earthiness. Lingering acidity and firm tannins should lend this to some fondue. (1,245 cases, 14.1% alc.) Awards: Cascadia International Wine Competition (double gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2015 Albariño, Applegate Valley • $24 Three generations of the Schmidt family are involved in various aspects of this Grants Pass, Ore., winery, which also features a restaurant. Their estate Albariño carries aromas and flavors of apricot, Asian pear and lemon zest with rock dust. Done bone-dry, enjoy with ceviche influenced by rosemary, the herb depicted on the bottle as part of their label series. (493 cases, 13.6% alc.) Awards: Oregon Wine Experience (gold).
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Tempranillo, Applegate Valley • $36 Its natural for this Iberian red variety to thrive in the same neighborhood as Albariño, and the Schmidts use of 40% new French oak leaves plenty of room for the rich and intense theme of cherry vanilla, crème de cassis and raspberry as tar and spice notes lead to a powerful finish. (198, cases, 15% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan • $36 A product of Walla Walla Community Colleges vaunted winemaking school, Shane Collins notches his third career Platinum with Syrah for Tsillan Cellars. The Washington State University grad conjures up thoughts of berry pie, baking spice and leather with cranberry juiciness in the finish. (511 cases, 15.2% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
Vanessa Vineyard 2013 Meritage Red Wine, Similkameen Valley • $40 The dean of British Columbia winemakers, Howard Soon, collaborates with one of his disciples, Karen Gillis, on these wines from this fascinating 75-acre planting. Cabernet Sauvignon (44%,) Cabernet Franc (32%) and Merlot account for toothsome layers of black plum, blueberry and melted chocolate, backed by cassis, fresh tobacco and violets. The spine of natural acidity inherent in this emerging region bodes well for cellaring. (625 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).
Zerba Cellars 2013 Cockburn Vineyard Riesling Ice Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $45 The breadbasket for the Zerba program is their 180-acre Cockburn Vineyard in Oregon near Milton-Freewater, and Riesling is a miniscule part of a planting devoted to big red varieties. Conditions allowed them to produce a traditional ice wine in successive years, and this is akin to a dish of honeyed creme brule with spearmint, menthol, baking spice and plenty of acidity to deal with the lofty (27%) residual sugar. (67 cases, 11.3% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (best of class).
Zerba Cellars 2014 Winesap Vineyard Estate Red Wine, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater • $30 Just south of Stateline Road is the Zerba-owned Winesap Vineyard, and this blend of Syrah (50%), Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon represents the only three varieties planted in these cobblestones. Theres a juicy explosion of blackberry, blueberry and plum along with toast, spice and potpourri. The balance is supreme with a touch of graphite and bramble in the background. (90 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (gold).
Best Buy!
Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Brut, Columbia Valley • $13 Ste. Michelle refreshed the brand to give it a more classy appearance on the store shelf, and Paula Eakin furthers the programs stellar tradition. Done in the classic style with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, its clean with hints of dusty Asian pear, lime, green apple and yellow grapefruit. The bubbles and the 1.2% residual sugar are wonderfully balanced. Bring on the popcorn with truffle salt, clam dip or sushi. (135,000 cases, 11.5% alc.) Awards: Washington State Wine Competition (best of class, double gold).
Best Buy!
Latah Creek Wine Cellars NV Huckleberry dLatah, Columbia Valley • $10 The Conway family has been making wine in Spokane, Wash., for three decades, and this Ancient Lakes-grown Riesling influenced by huckleberry is their delicious flagship wine. It comes across as an off-dry berry rosé thats nicely crafted. Quite clean on the palate, its a consistent performer year after year. (7,930 cases, 10.5% alc.) Awards: Cascadia International Wine Competition (gold), Savor Northwest Wine Awards (gold).
Pleasant Hill Cellars 2014 Ultimo Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $32 Carnation, Wash., winemaker Larry Lindvig doubles up on 2017 Platinums inspired by Left Bank-Bordeaux blends rooted in Elephant Mountain Vineyard. In this case, however, it is Petit Verdot that joins the Cabernet Sauvignon (43%) and Cabernet Franc (39%). Think of Cherries Jubilee, cassis and toffee with touches of rose petal and cigar box. (118 cases, 15.2% alc.) Award: Washington Wine Awards (gold).
Smasne Cellars 2012 County Line Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $25 This years honor roll for Robert Smasne ends with a crowd-pleasing blend thats built upon the shoulders of Cabernet Sauvignon (48%) and Petit Verdot (21%) with a significant injection of Syrah (18%). He nearly casts a trance with the barrel work that brings chocolate and caramel, joined by cherries and currants. That Syrah not only helps with the plush midpalate, but it also provides the juicy elderberry finish. (347 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).
14 Hands NV Brut
Abacela 2013 Malbec
Abacela 2014 Fiesta Tempranillo
Amelia Wynn Winery 2013 Six Prong Vineyard Counoise
Amelia Wynn Winery 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Petit Verdot
Amelia Wynn Winery 2015 Destiny Ridge Vineyard Roussanne Marsanne
Archer Vineyard 2015 Estate Pinot Noir
Avennia 2015 Arnaut
Bainbridge Vineyards N/V Ferryboat White
Barnard Griffin 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Barnard Griffin 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese
Barrage Cellars 2012 Cease and Desist
Barrister Winery 2013 Bacchus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrister Winery 2013 Merlot
Barrister Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc
Basalt Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc
Basalt Cellars 2014 Syrah
Basalt Cellars 2013 Rim Rock Red
Basalt Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Block Wines 2015 Discovery Vineyard Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon
Block Wines 2015 Grenache Golden Block Boushey Vineyard
Blooms Winery 2014 Melange
Bradley Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2015 Riesling
Brian Carter Cellars 2007 Corrida
Brian Carter Cellars 2007 Tuttorosso
Brian Carter Cellars 2007 Byzance
Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Corrida
Brian Carter Cellars 2007 Solesce
Brian Carter Cellars 2015 Oriana
C.C. Jentsch Cellars 2014 Syrah
Cana's Feast 2014 Joie de Vivre
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2014 Estate Old Vines Pinot Noir
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2014 Estate Monet Blocks Pinot Noir
Cave B Estate Winery 2014 Petit Verdot
Cave B Estate Winery 2016 Cavewoman White wine
Cave B Estate winery 2016 Viognier
Cave B Estate Winery 2014 Malbec
Cave B Estate Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Ethos Reserve Chardonnay
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2015 Eroica Riesling
Church & State Wines 2014 Coyote Bowl Chardonnay
Church & State Wines 2014 Syrah
Claar Cellars 2013 Winemaker's Bloc
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2015 Carmenère
Cliff Creek Cellars 2011 Claret
Cliff Creek Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cliff Creek Cellars 2016 MRV
Cloudlift Cellars 2014 Stratus
Cloudlift Cellars 2014 Panorama Merlot
Coeur de Terre Vineyard 2014 Heritage Reserve Estate Pinot Noir
Coeur de Terre Vineyard 2014 Pinot Noir
College Cellars 2014 Scholarship Red
College Cellars 2015 Clarke Vineyard Carménère
College Cellars 2016 Chardonnay
College Cellars 2014 Clarke Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
College Cellars 2016 Riesling
College Cellars 2016 Clarke Vineyard Sèmillon
Colter's Creek Winery 2014 Syrah
Colter's Creek Winery 2016 Juliaetta Rosé
Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Mistral Grenache
Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Virga
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Primitivo
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Tres Cruces
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Graciano
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Petit Verdot
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Tempranillo
Coyote Canyon Winery 2016 Albariño
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Sangiovese
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Big John Cab
Coyote Canyon Winery 2016 Roussanne
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Tres Cruces
Crayelle NV Tempranillo
DANCIN Vineyards 2015 Pas de Trois Pinot Noir
DANCIN Vineyards 2015 Ecarte Pinot Noir
David Hill Vineyards & Winery 2016 Estate Pinot Noir Rosé
Dazzle Cellars 2016 Julia's Dazzle Rosé
DeLille Cellars 2014 Four Flags
DeLille Cellars 2012 D2 Red Wine
DeLille Cellars 2016 Rosé
DeLille Cellars 2014 Doyenne
Descendant Cellars 2013 Belle
Desert Hills Estate Winery 2016 Gamay
Dusty Cellars Winery 2015 The Queen
Dusty Cellars Winery 2014 Malbec
Eagle Harbor Wine Co. 2013 Emily Parsons
Eight Bells Winery 2014 8 Clones Syrah
Elephant Seven 2014 Yellow Bird Vineyard Syrah
Elephant Seven 2014 First and Mercer Grenache
Elevation Cellars 2015 Imperium Riesling
Elevation Cellars 2014 Black Peak Tempranillo
Elk Cove Vineyards 2016 Estate Pinot Blanc
Eternal Wines 2015 Sunshine Viognier
Forbidden Fruit Winery 2014 Dead End Catch 22 Cabernet Franc
Forbidden Fruit Winery 2013 Earth Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Forbidden Fruit Winery 2016 Speachless Peach Wine
Forbidden Fruit Winery 2016 Pomme Desiree Iced Apple
Forbidden Fruit Winery 2016 Flaunt Sparkling Plum
Foris Vineyards 2016 Estate Pinot Blanc
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Desert Sun
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Auxerrois
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Signature Riesling Icewine
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Classic Riesling
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Optimum Pinot Gris
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2016 Private Reserve Pinot Gris
Genoa Cellars 2013 Flying Colors
Girardet 2014 Sangiovese
Gravel Bar Winery 2014 Alluvial Red Blend
Gravel Bar Winery 2014 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvingon
H/H Estates 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Bozak Red
H/H Estates 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Buck Reserve Syrah
H/H Estates 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard G.W. Smith Reserve Malbec
H/H Estates 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Reserve Michael Andrews Red
H/H Estates 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Robert Andrews Mourvèdre
Harbinger Winery 2011 Sangiovese
Harbinger Winery 2012 Bolero
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2014 Burning Desire Cabernet Franc
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2014 S & M Red Wine
Helix by Reininger 2014 Pomatia
Henry Earl Estate 2011 Petit Verdot
Indian Creek Winery 2014 Star Garnet Red Blend
Indian Creek Winery 2016 Dry Rosé
Irvine & Roberts Family Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé
J. Bookwalter Winery 2014 1RDRS4 Cabernet Sauvignon
J. Bookwalter Winery 2016 Scarlet Hexflame
J. Bookwalter Winery 2014 Protagonist
JoieFarm Winery 2015 En Famille Riesling
JoieFarm Winery 2016 A Noble Blend
Jones of Washington 2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Jones of Washington 2014 Chardonnay
Kana Winery 2012 Tempranillo
Keira Cellars 2014 Merlot
Keira Cellars 2014 GSM
Keira Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Kennedy Shah 2013 Reserve Syrah
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2014 Heart of the Hill Estate Malbec
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2016 Chenin Blanc
Kitzke Cellars 2013 Nebbiolo
Kitzke Cellars 2012 Monte Caramelle
Komodo Dragon Cellars 2014 Red Blend
Kraze Legz Vineyard and Winery 2016 Skaha Vineyard Pinot Blanc
La Frenz Winery 2015 Naramata Bench Vivant
Larch Hills Winery 2015 Riesling
Larch Hills Winery 2016 Sèmillon
Latah Creek Wine Cellars NV Mike's Reserve Red
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2016 Riesling
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2015 Muscat Canelli
Latah Creek Wine Cellars NV Maywine
Lauren Ashton Cellars 2016 Chenin Blanc
Lauren Ashton Cellars 2016 Cuvee Meline
Le Chateau 2013 Petit Verdot
Lodmell Cellars NV Sublime Red Blend
Madsen Family Cellars 2012 Heart of Darkness
Madsen Family Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Market Vineyards 2007 Basis Points
Market Vineyards 2012 Arbitrage Cabernet Sauvignon
Martin Scott Winery 2015 Rosé of Sangiovese
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietors Reserve Barbera
Maryhill Winery 2014 Elephant Mountain Carménère
Maryhill Winery 2014 McKinley Springs Cinsault
Maryhill Winery 2014 Art Den Hoed Petite Sirah
Maryhill Winery 2016 Viognier
Maryhill Winery 2014 Elephant Mountain Marvell
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietor's Reserve Rosso Granato
Maryhill Winery 2014 Sangiovese
Maryhill Winery 2016 Proprietor's Reserve Albariño
Maryhill Winery 2014 Merlot
Maryhill Winery 2014 Proprietors Reserve Serendipity
Maryhill Winery 2014 Painted Hills Tempranillo
Maryhill Winery 2014 Kiona Merlot
Maryhill Winery 2015 Winemakers Red
Mercer Estates Winery 2016 Rosé
Mercer Estates Winery 2014 Merlot
Mercer Estates Winery 2014 Reserve Syrah
Merry Cellars 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Malbec
Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Merlot
Misty Oaks Vineyard 2012 Gobblers Knob Red Wine
Moon Curser Vineyards 2013 Tannat
Moon Curser Vineyards 2014 Border Vines
Moon Curser Vineyards 2015 Dead of Night
Moon Curser Vineyards 2016 Dolcetto
Muret-Gaston Winery 2013 Syrah
Newhouse Family Vineyards 2011 Vestige
Nine Hats Cellars 2015 Red Wine
Nine Hats Cellars 2016 Riesling
Nine Hats Cellars 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Nine Hats Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2014 Reserve Chardonnay
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery 2012 The One Sparkling
Northwest Cellars 2013 Fortissimo
Nox Perpetua 2015 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Oliver Twist Estate Winery 2016 Viognier
Oliver Twist Estate Winery 2013 Syrah
Page Cellars 2013 James Henry Tempranillo
Palencia Winery 2014 Syrah
Patton Valley Vineyard 2014 The Estate Pinot Noir
Pendulum 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Pondera Winery 2013 LTD - Livin' the Dream
Reininger Winery 2014 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Malbec
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Masada Bloc Estate Syrah
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Estate Winemaker's Reserve Syrah
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Tempranillo
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Riesling
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Smaragd Grüner Veltliner
Rio Vista Wines 2015 Tempranillo
Rio Vista Wines 2016 Wild Rose Rosé
Robert Karl Cellars 2014 Malbec
Robert Ramsay Cellars 2013 Par la Mer
Rulo Winery 2015 Petite Sirah
Rulo Winery 2015 Combine
Ryan Patrick Wines 2014 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Ryan Patrick Wines 2015 Rock Island Chardonnay
Ryan Patrick Wines 2015 Sagemoor Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay
Ryan Patrick Wines 2015 Rock Island Red
Saviah Cellars 2013 Malbec
Saviah Cellars 2014 Syrah
Scarlet Oak Barrels 2016 Sèmillon
Scarlet Oak Barrels 2014 Petit Verdot
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2015 Viognier
Season Cellars 2015 Viognier
Seven Bridges Winery 2014 Resolution
Smasne Cellars 2012 Mourvèdre
Smasne Cellars 2015 Albariño
Smasne Cellars 2012 Carménère
Spangler Vineyards 2014 Zinfandel
Spangler Vineyards 2013 Claret
Sparkman Cellars 2014 Lumiere Chardonnay
Sparkman Cellars 2013 Ruckus
Spoiled Dog Winery 2014 Deception
Succession Wines 2016 Chardonnay
Sweet Cheeks Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Sweet Cheeks Winery 2015 Riesling
TERO Estates 2013 DC3
TERO Estates 2013 Barbera
Territorial Vineyards & Wine Co. 2014 Pinot Noir
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Merlot
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2007 Fête
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2011 Syrah
Thurston Wolfe 2014 Touriga Naçional
Thurston Wolfe 2014 Malbec
Tightrope Winery 2016 Rosé
Tightrope Winery 2015 Syrah
Tildio Winery 2013 Tempranillo
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2014 Oldfield Reserve Cabernet Franc
Tsillan Cellars 2016 Estate Sempre Amore
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Syrah-Grenache
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Reserve Syrah
Tsillan Cellars 2016 Estate Chardonnay
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Bellissima Rossa
Tsillan Cellars 2016 Estate Dry Riesling
Tsillan Cellars 2016 Estate Gewurztraminer
Vanessa Vineyard Estate Winery 2013 Syrah
Vine 46 2014 Malbec
Vino la Monacha 2015 Riesling
Vino la Monacha 2013 Merlot
Walla Walla Vintners 2015 Dolcetto
Walla Walla Vintners 2015 Cabernet Franc
Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Carmenere
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Washington State Cuvée
Walla Walla Vintners 2015 Sangiovese
Warr-King Wines 2013 Cabernet
Warr-King Wines 2013 Merlot
Weisinger Family Winery 2014 Estate Tempranillo
Westport Winery 2016 Message In A Bottle
Westport Winery NV Shiver Me Timbers
Westport Winery 2014 Nirvana
Westport Winery 2014 Jetty Cat
Westport Winery NV Little Wild
Westport Winery 2016 Lighthouse
Westport Winery 2016 Bordello Blonde
Westport Winery 2016 Going Coastal
Westport Winery 2016 Captain Gray
Westport Winery 2016 Maritime
Whidbey Island Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc
Whidbey Island Winery 2014 Dolcetto
Whidbey Island Winery 2014 Primitivo
Whidbey Island Winery 2014 Malbec
Wind Rose Cellars 2013 Primitivo
Woodward Canyon 2015 Chardonnay
Woodward Canyon 2014 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Woodward Canyon 2014 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
Zerba Cellars 2016 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Sangiovese Rosé
Zerba Cellars 2013 Mourvèdre
Zerba Cellars 2014 Carménère
Zerba Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Zerba Cellars 2014 Syrah
Zerba Cellars 2013 Cockburn Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Zerba Cellars 2014 Wild Z Red Blend
Zerba Cellars 2014 Petit Verdot
Zimmel Unruh Cellars 2014 Cerebella Cabernet Sauvignon
14 Hands 2014 Chardonnay
14 Hands 2016 Rosé
Abacela 2013 Barrel Select Tempranillo
Adamant Cellars 2013 Nalin
Amelia Wynn Winery 2016 Crawford Vineyard Orange Muscat
Bainbridge Vineyards N/V Raspberry Dessert Wine
Barrister Winery NV Rough Justice
Basalt Cellars 2013 Malbec
Bella Wines 2016 Keremeos Chardonnay Pet Nat
Bergevin Lane Vineyards 2013 She-Devil Syrah
Blooms Winery 2013 Syrah
Blooms Winery NV Ruby Red Dessert Wine
Brian Carter Cellars 2014 Abracadabra Red Wine
Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Tribute Red Blend
C.C. Jentsch Cellars 2016 Small Lot Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
Cave B Estate Winery 2016 Chenin Blanc
Cave B Estate Winery 2016 Cuvée Blanc
Church & State Wines 2015 Chardonnay
Church & State Wines 2013 Quintessential Red Blend
Church & State Wines 2015 Trebella White Wine
Cliff Creek Cellars 2015 Red Red Wine
Convergence Zone Cellars 2015 Sunbreak Chenin Blanc
Cooper Ridge Vineyard 2015 Viognier
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Primitivo
Coyote Canyon Winery 2014 Barbera
Crayelle 2016 Albariño
Croft Vineyards 2014 River Runner Red
DANCIN Vineyards 2016 Capriccio Chardonnay
DeLille Cellars 2015 Chaleur Blanc
Eleganté Cellars 2013 Sangiovese
Elephant Seven 2014 River Rock Vineyard Syrah
Elevation Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Elevation Cellars 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Elk Cove Vineyards 2016 Pinot Gris
Eye of the Needle 2013 Reserve Cabernrt Sauvignon
Genoa Cellars 2013 Ketch
Girardet 2013 Riesling
Gravel Bar Winery 2015 Dry Riesling
Gravel Bar Winery 2015 Pinot Gris
H/H Estates 2014 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Reserve G.W. Smith Malbec
Harbinger Winery 2011 Barbera
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2015 Rumours
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2015 Barbera
Helix by Reininger 2012 Syrah
Helix by Reininger 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Indian Creek Winery 2015 Gild the Dahlia Petit Verdot
Intrigue Wines 2016 Pinot Gris
JoieFarm Winery 2016 Brut Quotidien
JoieFarm WInery 2015 Gamay
Jones of Washington 2013 Syrah
Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2015 Late Harvest Riesling
Kitzke Cellars 2012 Janaina Sensacao Red
La Frenz Winery NV Naramata Bench Liqueur Muscat
La Frenz Winery 2015 Naramata Bench Ensemble
Lagana Cellars 2016 Cockburn Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2016 Pinot Gris
Lodmell Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Madsen Family Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc
Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Malbec
Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Maloney Wine 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Market Vineyards 2007 Arbitrage Cabernet Sauvignon
Market Vineyards 2012 Acquisition Cabernet Sauvignon
Market Vineyards 2012 Merval Malbec
Martin Scott Winery 2015 Riesling
Martin Scott Winery 2016 Pinot Gris
Martin-Scott Winery 2016 Peddlers White
Martin-Scott Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc
Martin-Scott Winery 2012 Malbec
Maryhill Winery 2014 Les Collines Syrah
Maryhill Winery 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Maryhill Winery 2014 McKinley Springs Syrah
Maryhill Winery 2014 Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Maryhill Winery 2014 Klipsun Syrah
Maryhill Winery 2014 McKinley Springs Mourvèdre
Maryhill Winery 2014 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon
Maryhill Winery 2014 McKinley Springs Petit Verdot
McKinley Springs Winery 2012 Unbroken
Mercer Estates Winery 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Milbrandt Vineyards 2016 Rosé
Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Katherine Leone Vineyard Syrah
Misty Oaks Vineyard 2014 Viper Trail Malbec
Misty Oaks Vineyard 2016 Friendswood Gewurztraminer
Misty Oaks Vineyard 2014 IB2
Nodland Cellars 2013 Avant Garde Carmenere
Northwest Cellars 2013 Malbec
Page Cellars 2010 So Saxy
Reininger Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Reininger Winery 2014 Syrah
Reininger Winery 2015 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Malbec
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Pishon Bloc Estate Pinot Noir
Rio Vista Wines 2016 Viognier
Rio Vista Wines 2016 Wacky White
Robert Ramsay Cellars 2014 McKinley Springs Mourvèdre
Robert Ramsay Cellars 2014 Grenache
Ryan Patrick Wines 2014 Red Heaven Vineyard Reserve Syrah
Saviah Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Scarlet Oak Barrels 2014 Malbec
Season Cellars 2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Season Cellars 2013 Phoenix
Seven Bridges Winery 2013 Prima Nata
Seven Falls Cellars 2015 Chardonnay
Smasne Cellars 2012 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
Spangler Vineyards 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Spangler Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay
Spangler Vineyards 2015 Viognier
Spangler Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Sparkman Cellars 2014 Preposterous
Spoiled Dog Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Succession Wines 2016 Rosé
Succession Wines 2016 Viognier
TERO Estates 2011 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2014 Painted Hills Cabernet Sauvignon
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Syrah
Tightrope Winery 2016 Pinot Gris
Tightrope Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Sèmillon
Tildio Winery 2013 Estate Cabernet Franc
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2014 7 Stars Sparkling Wine
Tsillan Cellars 2016 Estate Riesling
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Estate Syrah
Vine 46 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vine 46 2014 Trill Blend
Viscon Cellars 2013 Long Road Red Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Bello Rosso
Westport Winery NV Duckleberry Grunt
Westport Winery 2014 Surfer Syrah
Westport Winery NV Ancient Mariner
Whidbey Island Winery 2014 Grenache
Whidbey Island Winery 2016 Pinot Gris
Whidbey Island Winery 2015 Sangiovese
Woodward Canyon 2014 Merlot
Woodward Canyon 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Woodward Canyon 2013 Estate Erratic Red Wine
Zerba Cellars 2015 Chardonnay
Zerba Cellars 2014 Winesap Vineyard Estate Syrah