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Northwest Cellars 2012 Oscuro, Columbia Valley, $56

By on January 12, 2016

northwest-cellars-oscuro-2012-labelPuget Sound vintner Robert Delf and Yakima Valley winemaker Robert Smasne combine to produce Northwest Cellars’ most prized and expensive wine – a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Petite Sirah. The prior vintage of Malbec from Verhey Vineyard and PS from Art denHoed Vineyard led to 48 cases — two barrels’ worth of wine. Alas, this is half of that. This latest release is utterly remarkable, starting with a barrel-influenced aromatic profile of milk chocolate, maple syrup and vanilla extract backed by boysenberry jam on toast, white pepper, lavender and truffle earthiness. There’s a fascinating pop of tannin on the front amid the thick flavors of blackberry and plum. Despite the influence of Petite Sirah, the tannin structure rounds out at moderate level, allowing for the burst of pomegranate acidity that provides a long finish.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 24 cases

Alcohol: 14.1%

Winery website

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About Great Northwest Wine

Articles credited to Great Northwest Wine are authored by Eric Degerman and other contributors. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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