Syrah often is the secret sauce behind many of the Pacific Northwest’s top proprietary red blends, and the winemaking tandem of Robert Delf and Robert Smasne make it the lead grape (60%) in this blend from Spofford Station, Tasawik and Verhey vineyards. That Rhône red allows for aromas of Marionberry syrup, cola, toast and white pepper with a hint of game. Inside, there’s more … [Read more...] about Northwest Cellars 2013 Fortissimo Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $24
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Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Estate Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $39
A growing number of Southern Oregon producers offer three or more styles of Tempranillo. Stephen Reustle takes it up a notch with this extremely cellar-worthy example. It’s one of four examples, and it’s a blend of clone 01 and clone 3. The theme is one of black currant and cherry with touches of lavender, lilac, black olive and light toast. Pomegranate acidity and plum skin … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Estate Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $39
Noviello Vineyards 2014 Syrah, Red Mountain, $48
Charlie “Wine Boss” Hoppes works with Fredric and Ana Stern on their young project near the Columbia River resort community of Orondo, Wash., and the Richland winemaker pulled from rising star Red Heaven Vineyard for this chocolaty Syrah. The 22-month program in both French and American oak builds aromas of Chukar Cherry, blackberry and cola, which lead to bright flavors of … [Read more...] about Noviello Vineyards 2014 Syrah, Red Mountain, $48
TruthTeller Winery 2014 Pun Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Few red blends in the Northwest are drinking as well as Chris Loeliger’s 2014 Pun, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Malbec (32%), Merlot (21%) and Petit Verdot constructed on the shoulders of Red Mountain sites Kiona, Heart of the Hill and MonteScarlatto. There’s density to the nose of dark cherry, blackberry and cocoa powder with a pinch of eucalyptus. Those notes make … [Read more...] about TruthTeller Winery 2014 Pun Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Sparkman Cellars 2014 Wilderness Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
One of Christian Sparkman’s most affordable and available reds also ranks among his best, an Iberian Peninsula-driven blend of Syrah (54%), Petite Sirah (17%) and Grenache (12%) with Portuguese varieties Tempranillo (11%), Souzão (4%) and Touriga Naçional contributing, too. His winemaker, Linn Scott, draws from stellar vineyards such as Boushey, Clifton Hill, Kiona and Olsen to … [Read more...] about Sparkman Cellars 2014 Wilderness Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25