Here’s an example of Columbia Gorge vintner Robb Bell’s long-range vision for his program at Cathedral Ridge, a single-site expression with venerable Hillside Vineyard in The Dalles, Ore. Bell and Sonoma winemaker Michael Sebastiani have featured this planting for their reserve Cabs for more than a decade. This example from a classic vintage is offers food-friendly aromas and … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $58
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Domanico Cellars 2011 Lewis Family Vineyard La Ville Syrah, Yakima Valley, $21
Six of the eight vineyards Prosser vintner Jason Domanico pulls from are within the surrounding Yakima Valley, and perhaps the most famous of those was founded by the late Ken Lewis. Domanico’s work with five barrels, three of new of them new French oak, lead to humidor-type aromas of cherry pipe tobacco and cedar with touches of cocoa powder and blueberry. The drink offers … [Read more...] about Domanico Cellars 2011 Lewis Family Vineyard La Ville Syrah, Yakima Valley, $21
Mercer Estates 2014 Reserve Cavalie Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $40
The classic 2012 vintage in the Pacific Northwest paved the way for many acclaimed wines, and Mercer’s Reserve Cavalie from that year ranked among the region’s most decorated wines. Jessica Munnell’s latest release continues to lead with Merlot (63%), but the contributions by Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Malbec (12%) prompted her to leave Petit Verdot out of the mix. No matter. … [Read more...] about Mercer Estates 2014 Reserve Cavalie Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills, $40
Owen Roe 2013 Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley, $55
One of the Northwest’s most acclaimed vintners, David O’Reilly, moved his family a few years ago to the western edge of the Yakima Valley for a variety of reasons. Among those reasons was to be closer to Mike Sauer’s Red Willow Vineyard in Mount Adams foothills. Sauer’s Chapel Block is considered the historic epicenter for Syrah in Washington, and O’Reilly took his top 16 … [Read more...] about Owen Roe 2013 Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley, $55
Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $42
The Wisconsin boys pay tribute to Argentina, thanks to prized Malbec from StoneTree on the Wahluke Slope, their own Sconni Block in the Walla Walla Valley and their expanding relationship with the Olsen brothers vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Fascinating aromas include dark cherry, an Almond Joy bar, graphite and moist earth. Those notes ring true on the palate as lush fruit … [Read more...] about Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $42