Les Collines is a top-drawer vineyard near the Oregon state line. It is owned and operated by Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge fame. This wine is crafted by one of the top young producers in the Walla Walla Valley, and this might be its finest to date. It opens with aromas of slate, Baker's chocolate, black pepper, black currant and plum. On the palate, it leads with bold flavors … [Read more...] about SuLei Cellars 2010 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Archives for April 2013
Convergence Zone Cellars 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Drizzle, Red Mountain, $19
Pinot Gris is a bit of a rare grape on Red Mountain, whose hot temperatures and high land prices are more conducive to red wine grapes. However, this treat from Convergence Zone Cellars in Woodinville might have some rethinking that strategy. It opens with aromas of nectarine, pear and lime, followed by explosive flavors of grapefruit, peach and crisp apple. It has great … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Drizzle, Red Mountain, $19
Nodland Cellars 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Spokane vintner Tim Nodland blended 90% Cabernet Sauvignon from highly regarded Pepper Bridge Vineyard with 10% Petit Verdot from Seven Hills to craft a delicious high-end red. This opens with aromas of plum, black cherry and vanilla, followed by flavors of black currant, dark chocolate and exotic spices. It's a gentle wine with pleasant structure and is ready to drink … [Read more...] about Nodland Cellars 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Washington wine grape growers dodge more spring frost
Washington wine grape growers dodged more freezing temperatures this week across the Columbia Valley, especially in the Horse Heaven Hills, where the mercury dropped as low as 23 degrees. "We put up a good battle, and I think we won," said Paul Champoux, owner of famed Champoux Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills. Early Tuesday morning, Champoux saw temperatures drop to … [Read more...] about Washington wine grape growers dodge more spring frost
Diversion NV Chardonnay, Washington, $15
Best Buy! Diversion is part of Rainier Wine, a Seattle-based operation that now produces more than 100,000 cases of wine. This is a delicious and refreshing Chardonnay with aromas of pear, fresh caramel and apple, followed by flavors of butterscotch, oak, tropical fruit and spice. It's a tasty, approachable wine to pair with pasta, salmon or chicken. Rating: … [Read more...] about Diversion NV Chardonnay, Washington, $15