Elephant Mountain Vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills district of the Yakima Valley is perhaps best known for its Syrah, but it also grows other Rhône varieties. This vineyard-designate from Maryhill Winery includes the somewhat rarer Cinsault and Counoise grapes, which are best known for contributing to Chateau de Beaucastel in the southern Rhône. This is a superb red with … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2010 Elephant Mountain Vineyards Indira, Rattlesnake Hills, $40
Archives for May 2013
Yakima winery announces new winemaker
YAKIMA, Wash. - Tony Lombardo moved from one bar to another, and now he has become the head winemaker of Kana Winery. "I've done almost 25 years as a lawyer," he said. "I enjoyed my career, but I had a passion for something that is more hands on. This is what I really want to do when I grow up." Lombardo earned a degree from Walla Walla Community College's Center for … [Read more...] about Yakima winery announces new winemaker
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Limited Release Mourvédre, Wahluke Slope, $30
Head winemaker Bob Bertheau used grapes primarily from Stone Tree Vineyard on the arid Wahluke Slope - a region known as the backbone of the Washington wine industry because it provides the foundation for so many wines. This Rhône red opens with aromas of Ovaltine, cherry fruit leather and vanilla, followed by flavors of pomegranate, cocoa powder, pink peppercorn and … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Limited Release Mourvédre, Wahluke Slope, $30
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2010 Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $18
Cabernet Franc is a grape with noble roots but does not necessarily enjoy the reputation of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab Franc actually is the progenitor of Cab Sauv (with Sauvignon Blanc), and famed Chateau Cheval Blanc is made primarily from Cab Franc. In the past decade, Cab Franc has enjoyed an increase in awareness and enjoyment in Washington, where it grows quite well and can … [Read more...] about Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2010 Conner Lee Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $18
Erath Winery 2010 Prince Hill Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $50
Planted in 1983, Prince Hill has developed into one of winemaker Gary Horner's favorite vineyards. In fact, he makes no fewer than four separate Pinot Noirs each vintage from Prince Hill's grapes. This includes three different clones, resulting in a delicious and complex wine. It opens with aromas of homemade caramel, rose petal, smoke and raspberry, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Erath Winery 2010 Prince Hill Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $50