Patrick Spangler first won a Platinum for his Cabernet Franc program in 2006. This effort marks his sixth with Cab Franc, and its ranking as the top-scoring Cab Franc of the 2023 Platinum cements his reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s top talents with this sometimes-challenging variety. His traditional go-to-site has been Sundown Vineyard in the Medford suburbs, and … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2019 Sundown Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon $32
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Chandler Reach Vineyards 2019 Chandler Reach Vineyard Estate Merlot, Yakima Valley $35
Len Parris grew up in Richland, Wash., near Red Mountain and established his 40-acre vineyard on a nearby bluff overlooking the Yakima River. Merlot is one of the six varieties he grows, and this bottling is among the Northwest’s most decorated examples. It’s fabulously balanced and flirty with perfectly ripe strawberries, a hint of candied ginger, baking spices and a solid … [Read more...] about Chandler Reach Vineyards 2019 Chandler Reach Vineyard Estate Merlot, Yakima Valley $35
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Dry Riesling, Lake Chelan $28
In 1999, when Dr. Bob Jankelson seriously considered wine grapes for his property above the south shore of Lake Chelan, one expert warned him only Riesling and Gewürztraminer would survive. A quarter of a century later, Tsillan Cellars has won 36 Platinum Awards. Five of those have been Riesling, including the highest-ranked Riesling of the tasting. Aromas of dried apricot, … [Read more...] about Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Dry Riesling, Lake Chelan $28
Koenig Vineyards NV Riesling Ice Wine, Snake River Valley $30
One of the premier examples of ice wine produced in the Pacific Northwest — particularly in the U.S — continues to come from the cellar of Koenig Vineyards in Caldwell, Idaho, and nearby Williamson Vineyards. These two Snake River Valley farming families partner on many projects, and while 93% of this is ice wine from the 2021 vintage, the blending trials for the traditional … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards NV Riesling Ice Wine, Snake River Valley $30
Jones of Washington 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $15.99
Best Buy! For the second time this decade, Victor Palencia has produced a Platinum with Sauvignon Blanc for the Jones family. And this three-time qualifier proved to be the highest- rated Sauv Blanc of this year’s judging. It’s redolent of tangerine, nectarine and honeydew melon with a pinch of cinnamon toast as a blend of pink raspberry and white peach impart a bit of … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $15.99