The grapes for this Tempranillo come from Rocky Fence and Sawtooth vineyards, and winemaker Melanie Krause - another graduate of the Universit of Ste. Michelle - has crafted them into a big, spicy red. It opens with aromas of tobacco leaf, red cherry and cola. On the palate, it's a dark, brooding wine with notes of ripe plum, chocolate and pomegranate. The tannins are robust on … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2010 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $28
Archives for May 2013
Purple Star Wines 2009 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $17
Kyle Johnson, who made some great, great wines at now-defunct Olsen Estates in Prosser, is back with his Purple Star label. This wine uses 95% Olsen grapes from the Yakima Valley along with a touch of Red Mountain fruit, and it is superb. It opens with aromas of gooey brownies, dark fruit, sizzling bacon and moist earth. On the palate, it reveals hedonistic flavors of plum, … [Read more...] about Purple Star Wines 2009 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $17
Alan Busacca to lead Walla Walla Community College wine program
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - One of Washington state's leading experts on geology, soil and how they play a role in wine will lead the Pacific Northwest's foremost viticulture-and-enology program. Alan Busacca has been hired to run Walla Walla Community College's vaunted Center for Enology and Viticulture. The program, started in 2000 by Myles Anderson, has more than 400 graduates, … [Read more...] about Alan Busacca to lead Walla Walla Community College wine program
Ross Andrew Winery 2010 Red, Washington, $25
Owner/winemaker Ross Mickel operates from the Hollywood district of Woodinville, Wash., not far from Chateau Ste. Michelle. This red blend contains Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (35%) and a touch of Syrah. It opens with aromas of white pepper, mint, lavender, plum and cocoa powder, followed by broad flavors of service berry, blackberry and plum. It has a great mouth feel … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2010 Red, Washington, $25
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2010 Reserve Cherry Street Red, Columbia Valley, $24
Winemaker Bill Murray blended Syrah (54%), Malbec (30%) and Grenache from the estate Canoe Ridge Vineyard as well as Canyon Vineyard Ranch to craft this delicious and reasonably priced red wine. It is a stylish blend with aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, chocolate orange and freshly ground nutmeg, followed by juicy flavors of plum, blueberry, plum and blackberry. It has great … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2010 Reserve Cherry Street Red, Columbia Valley, $24