This young winery on Candy Mountain near Richland, Wash., continues to improve, and their latest Cab Franc is a good example of that. It may not appeal to hardcore Francophiles because there are very few herbaceous tones, but there's a wealth of bright red fruit, spice and barrel notes. Aromas include cherry juice, clove, black peppercorn and cedar, and there's a plummy … [Read more...] about Kitzke Cellars 2009 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $29
Archives for March 2013
Apex Cellars 2010 The Catalyst, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Apex is a longtime Yakima Valley winery now owned by Precept Wine in Seattle. This is a magnificent wine for both quality and price. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Malbec and Syrah using grapes from acclaimed Alder Ridge, Clifton Hill and Riverbend vineyards. It opens with aromas of cordial cherry, marshmallow and lavender, followed by … [Read more...] about Apex Cellars 2010 The Catalyst, Columbia Valley, $15
Angel Vine 2010 Alder Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $20
Owner/winemaker Edward Fus operates Angel Vine in tiny Carlton, Ore., a Yamhill County town that has developed into the wine capital of Oregon in the past decade. Unlike many others in his neighborhood, however, Fus brings in his grapes from across the Columbia River in Washington. His expertise is in Zinfandel, and this comes from Alder Ridge, one of the major vineyards in the … [Read more...] about Angel Vine 2010 Alder Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $20
Walla Walla vineyards see dry start to spring
Spring is off to a bit of a slow start throughout much of Washington wine country, but the region of Walla Walla has been significantly drier this March compared with a year ago, according to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On Monday, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service in Olympia issued its monthly crop progress and … [Read more...] about Walla Walla vineyards see dry start to spring
Waterbrook 2011 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! This is the lowest-priced Malbec we've seen using Washington grapes since the Bordeaux grape began its rise to prominence in the state. It is a tasty example and a good introduction to the variety. It opens with aromas of lilac, tell-tale pepper, dried cranberry and black olive. On the palate, it is a smooth, straightforward red with flavors of spice, ripe fruit and … [Read more...] about Waterbrook 2011 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $12