Chuck Reininger's Helix wines are not part of a second label in the normal sense of that phrase because there is nothing "second" about these wines. Rather, the Helix wines come from the broader Columbia Valley, while the Reininger line is strictly focused on Walla Walla Valley fruit. That said, much of the fruit for this delicious Syrah comes from the Walla Walla Valley, … [Read more...] about Helix by Reininger 2008 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $30
Archives for March 2013
Pacific Rim expands Washington, Oregon brands with new ownership
WEST RICHLAND, Wash. - In the two years since Pacific Rim Winemakers was sold to an international wine company, the Riesling producer founded by Randall Grahm is charging ahead with increased production and new products. Pacific Rim was founded in 1992, when Grahm began making a Riesling from Washington and German grapes at Bonny Doon, his winery in Santa Cruz, Calif. In … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim expands Washington, Oregon brands with new ownership
Domaine Pouillon 2009 McKinley Springs Vineyard Pierre, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
Alexis Pouillon learned his craft in California and France before arriving in the Columbia Gorge town of Lyle, Wash., in 2005. This superb blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Syrah from highly regarded McKinley Springs Vineyard. It opens with aromas of Saskatoon berry, cherry and black licorice, followed by flavors of Rainier cherry, boysenberry and milk … [Read more...] about Domaine Pouillon 2009 McKinley Springs Vineyard Pierre, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
Whidbey Island Winery 2010 Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
Last year marked the 20th anniversary for this Puget Sound winery, and Langley winemaker Greg Osenbach's relationships with Eastern Washington growers have allowed him to grow production beyond 3,500 cases a year. Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills is his source for this Croatian variety. The nose brings in hints of Cherry Coke, milk chocolate, anise and cedar. … [Read more...] about Whidbey Island Winery 2010 Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
Sun River Vintners 2008 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Nebbiolo Angelica, Horse Heaven Hills, $32
Angelica is traditionally made by adding brandy to unfermented wine grape juice, with the result being a sweet, high-alcohol wine. This rare Angelica uses grapes from the highly regarded Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heave Hills south of the Yakima Valley. It opens with aromas of vanilla bean, cordial cherry, horehound candy and orange oil. On the palate, it reveals … [Read more...] about Sun River Vintners 2008 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Nebbiolo Angelica, Horse Heaven Hills, $32