HOOD RIVER, Ore. – Dunham Cellars added a page to its history of award-winning winemaking Thursday when the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon XIX from the Walla Walla winery was selected as best of show at the fourth annual Great Northwest Invitational.
The judging, held at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel, began Wednesday and concluded Thursday afternoon. The Invite, as it’s known, is unique in the United States, as it is the only wine judging in the country in which the judges nominate the wines they want to have judged.
“This is freaking awesome news,” said Dunham general manager John Blair. “It’s always exciting to get great accolades right when you release a wine, so it’s nice to start off with a bang.”
A panel of wine professionals from up and down the West Coast nominated more than 2,000 wines. Of those, 568 wines were entered by the wineries – a record for this competition.
For Dunham, the event’s top wine represents the 19th vintage and continues the rich tradition established by the winery’s late founders, Mike and Eric Dunham. The $45 Cab is also another sign of the delicious lineup by left behind by Daniel Wamplfer. He resigned last year from Dunham, one of the Walla Walla’s oldest wineries, to take over at nearby cult producer Abeja.
“It’s a special wine for Dan and his legacy, and it’s also a testament to our grower Ken Hart, who’s been doing such a great job for us for years,” Blair said.
Hart manages the two estate sites that were the primary contributors – Lewis Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and young Kenny Hill. This best-of-show Cab reflects just the second commercial vintage off the 1,450-feet elevation site near Mill Creek in the Walla Walla Valley. Other vineyard sources include acclaimed Double Canyon in the Horse Heaven Hills, Northridge on the Wahluke Slope and Tokar in the Walla Walla Valley.
“It’s really the Kenny Hill and Lewis Vineyard show for the most part, but we always tell people that a lot of the Cab from those sites goes into every bottle of our Trutina and Three-Legged Red – our more user-friendly priced wines,” Blair said.
Dunham’s program continues to merit acclaim as one of Washington’s top Cabs. Last year, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon XVII earned a gold medal at the Great Northwest Wine Competition and was selected in a blind judging by Seattle sommeliers to be featured at the 2015 U.S. Open by the Washington State Wine Commission.
“Our production is pretty steady for the Cab, right around 2,200 cases,” Blair said. “And even though Dan is not here, our assistant winemaker Robert Campisi and cellarmaster Bryce Buslach are all still at Dunham, and they will be proud of this award, too.”
Earlier in the year, Dunham Cellars earned best of show honors at the 2016 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition for its 2013 Syrah from the Columbia Valley.
The 2016 harvest marks Tyler Tennyson’s first as the Dunham head winemaker. “One of the reasons we hired Tyler is that it was apparent to us during the interview process that he was clearly ready to take that next step,” Blair said. “He’s got the background to do it, and he’s a pretty cool cucumber.”
Blair said the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon XIX is immediately available via the winery’s website and to wine club members. Wine merchants and restaurants in the Seattle and Portland markets are focal points for Dunham, which also is expanding its California distribution.
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley dominated the Invite and nearly won best of show at the competition for the second straight year. Its 2015 Gewürztraminer/Schonburger was selected the best white wine, and the 2015 Signature Riesling Icewine earned the title as best dessert. The 2015 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay merited best of class, and the Gehringer Brothers 2015 Classic Riesling was chosen as the top Riesling at the event.
Van Duzer Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley used Pinot Noir to earn five gold medals during the competition.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, the world’s largest producer of Riesling, also proved that it’s among the best as five of its entries picked up at least a gold medal.
Reininger Winery, which started at the Walla Walla Regional Airport two years prior to Dunham Cellars, earned best of class for both its Syrah and Carménère.
This year’s judges
This year’s nominating judges include:
- Naomi Boutz is manager and wine director of The Cellar at 317 Sherman in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
- Amberleigh Brownson is founding wine buyer/co-owner of EAT Restaurant and Bar in Bellingham, Wash.
- Dan Carr is co-owner/wine buyer and executive chef of Visconti’s Restaurants in Leavenworth and Wenatchee, Wash., and proprietor/director of operations for Cured by Visconti’s.
- Doug Charles is proprietor of Compass Wines in Anacortes, Wash.
- Jeff Cox is wine buyer for PCC Natural Markets in the Puget Sound.
- Mike Dunne is the wine columnist for the Sacramento (Calif.) Bee.
- Ilene Dudunake owns A New Vintage Wine Shop near Boise, Idaho.
- Dave Holstrom owns Guy du Vin, a restaurant wine program consulting business in Portland.
- Chris Horn is the wine director for Seattle-based Heavy Restaurant Group and Purple Café & Wine Bar.
- Lane Hoss is the wine buyer and vice president of marketing for Anthony’s Restaurants.
- Ellen Landis is a sommelier, wine journalist and renowned international wine judge.
- Amy Mullally is the domestic wine buyer for The Wine Country in Long Beach, Calif.
- Tim O’Brien is corporate director of beverage at Salty’s Restaurants in Seattle.
- Katelyn Peil is beverage director of the Seattle-based Heavy Restaurant Group.
- April Reddout is wine program director of the Walter Clore Center in Prosser, Wash.
- Yashar Shayan is a certified sommelier and founder of the Seattle-based retailer ImpulseWine.com.
- Steve Sinkler is owner of The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach, Ore.
- Dave Smith is wine buyer for Everything Wine in Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Annie Sullivan is the beverage director and public relations manager for Anthony’s Restaurants.
- Audrey Surrao is co-owner/wine buyer of RauDZ Regional Table in Kelowna, British Columbia.
- Mark Takagi is specialty sales director of the Seattle-based Metropolitan Market group.
- Randa Wolf, wine director, Columbia Gorge Hotel, Hood River, Ore.
- Jean Yates is president of Oregon Wine Marketing.
- Paul Zitarelli is owner for Full Pull Wines in Seattle and wine writer for Seattle magazine.
Here are the complete results from the 2016 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition:
Best of show
Dunham Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon XIX, Columbia Valley, $45
Best rosé
Renegade Wine Co. 2015 Rosé, Columbia Valley, $11
Double gold/Best dessert wine
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Signature Riesling Icewine, Okanagan Valley, $42
Double gold/Best white wine
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Gewürztraminer/Schonburger, Golden Mile Bench, $14
Double gold/Best Pinot Noir
Mt. Hood Winery 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge, $32
Double gold/Best Cabernet Franc
Owen Roe 2014 Cabernet Franc, Rosa Mystica, Yakima Valley, $28
Gold/Best Merlot
Best 14 Hands Winery 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $12
Gold/Best Malbec
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Malbec, Rattlesnake Hills, $28
Gold/Best Merlot blend
College Cellars 2013 Scholarship Red, Walla Walla Valley, $15
Gold/Best Syrah blend
Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 Wallywood, Columbia Valley, $42
Gold/Best Chardonnay
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay, Golden Mile Bench, $13
Gold/Best Riesling
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Classic Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $13
Gold/Best Cab blend
Mullan Road Cellars 2014 Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley, $45
Gold/Best Carménère
Reininger Winery 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $51
Gold/Best Syrah
Reininger Winery 2013 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $49
Gold/Best Tempranillo
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Timnah Bloc Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $29
Double gold
50th Parallel Estate 2014 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $32
Alder Ridge 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon , Horse Heaven Hills, $30
Boedecker Cellars 2013 Athena Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $36
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2014 Estate Red Mountain Chenin Blanc Ice Wine, Red Mountain, $32
Northwest Cellars 2012 Madrigal, Snipes Mountain, $24
Ryan Patrick Wines 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, $45
Thurston Wolfe 2015 Albariño, Yakima Valley, $18
Tightrope Winery 2015 Rosé, Okanagan Valley, $25
Van Duzer Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $32
Van Duzer Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, $20
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2015 Mystic River Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $17
Gold
50th Parallel Estate 2015 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $19
Abeja 2013 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $52
Abeja 2014 Chardonnay, Washington, $40
Airfield Estates Winery 2015 Airfield Estates Sweet Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15
ALUVÉ 2012 Primo Volo , Walla Walla Valley, $48
Amelia Wynn 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $32
Amelia Wynn 2015 Destiny Ridge Vineyard Roussanne-Marsanne, Horse Heaven Hill, $24
Anam Cara Cellars 2013 Nicholas Estate Dry Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $22
Ardor Cellars 2015 Lawrence Vineyard White Blend, Columbia Valley, $25
Bainbridge Vineyards 2009 Late Harvest Siegerrebe, Puget Sound , $32
Barnard Griffin Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Barnard Griffin Winery 2013 Lonesome Springs Ranch Cotes du Rob, Columbia Valley, $25
Barrister Winery NV Barrister’s Block Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39
Basalt Cellars 2013 Dwelley Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $26
Bonair Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Rattlesnake Hills, $15
Bontzu Cellars 2014 Malbec , Columbia Valley , $34
Bowlus Hills 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Browne Family Vineyard 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon , Columbia Valley, $35
Cascade Cliffs 2014 Reserve Barbera, Horse Heaven Hills, $80
Cavatappi Winery 2013 Maddalena Nebbiolo, Yakima Valley , $25
Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Cave B Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25
CC Jentsch Cellars 2015 Small Lots Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $36
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $9
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Cold Creek Riesling, Columbia Valley, $16
Chehalem Wines 2014 Corral Creek Vineyards Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $50
Chehalem Wines 2014 Corral Creek Vineyards Riesling, Chehalem Mountains, $29
Cinder Wines 2015 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $18
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2013 Selway Red Wine, Lewis-Clark Valley, $38
Colter’s Creek Winery 2013 Kooskooskia Red, Snake River Valley, $22
Colter’s Creek Winery 2013 Arrow Rim Red, Idaho, $30
Columbia Crest 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $45
Cotes de Ciel 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, $39
Cotes de Ciel 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Counoise, Red Mountain, $23
DANCIN Vineyards 2014 Trata Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon, $35
DANCIN Vineyards 2014 Eleve Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon, $35
Daven Lore Winery 2013 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
Daven Lore Winery 2013 Tempranillo, Snipes Mountain, $29
DeLille Cellars 2013 Red Willow Malbec, Yakima Valley , $49
Dunham Cellars 2014 Dunham Cellars Riesling, Lewis Estate Vineyard, Columbia Valley, $20
Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 Petite Sirah, Wahluke Slope, $42
Eroica 2014 Eroica Gold Riesling, Columbia Valley, $40
Finn Hill Winery 2012 Bon Mot Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $35
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Ehrenfelser, Okanagan Valley, $14
Golden Ridge Cellars 2012 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $29
Huston Vineyards 2015 Private Reserve Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $24
Huston Vineyards 2014 Malbec, Snake River Valley, $29
Jones of Washington 2015 Rosé of Syrah, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2013 Estate Red Mountain Lemberger, Red Mountain, $15
Lake Breeze Vineyards 2014 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, $21
Maryhill Winery 2013 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon , Walla Walla Valley, $40
Maryhill Winery 2013 Marvell “GSM” Elephant Mountain Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills, $44
Maryhill Winery 2015 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $16
Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Traditions Evergreen Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $13
Moraine Estate Winery 2015 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $25
Novelty Hill 2013 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32
Owen Roe 2013 DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $72
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Twin Vineyards Gewürztraminer, Yakima Valley, $16
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2012 Selenium Vineyard Noble Riesling, Yakima Valley, $39
Palencia Wine Co. 2013 Grenache, Yakima Valley, $36
Palencia Wine Co. 2015 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Phelps Creek Vineyards 2014 Celilo Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Gorge, $32
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, $24
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2013 Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir , Umpqua Valley, $39
Revelry Vintners 2013 Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $52
Robert Karl Cellars 2013 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, $24
RR Winery 2014 Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $79
Ryan Patrick Wines 2014 Rock Island Red, Columbia Valley, $20
Solera Bravo Wines NV Vermut Del Sol, Washington, $25
Tamarack Cellars 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $28
The Woodhouse Wine Estates 2013 Kennedy Shah Reserve Riesling, Yakima Valley, $15
Tightrope Winery 2014 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, $35
Tightrope Winery 2015 Tip-Toe, Okanagan Valley, $22
Tranche Cellars 2012 Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, $40
Tranche Cellars 2012 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge, $45
Van Duzer Vineyards 2013 Alchemy Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $65
Van Duzer Vineyards 2013 Saffron Fields Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill Carlton, $60
Van Duzer Vineyards 2013 Dijon Block Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $60
vinAmité Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, $29
vinAmité Cellars 2015 Gamay Noir, Okanagan Valley, $29
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2015 Rose, Okangan Valley, $17
Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Sagemoor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Waterbrook Winery 2013 Reserve Malbec, Columbia Valley, $22
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Swimmer Petite Sirah, Columbia Valley, $31
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2015 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24
Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $99
Silver
14 Hands Winery NV Brut, Columbia Valley, $30
50th Parallel Estate 2014 Unparalleled Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $50
Abacela 2012 Port, Umpqua Valley, $25
Abacela 2015 Blanco Dulce, Umpqua Valley, $30
Abacela 2015 Albariño, Umpqua Valley, $21
Abacela 2015 Grenache Rosé, Umpqua Valley, $18
Abacela 2015 Viognier, Umpqua Valley, $26
Ambassador Wines of Washington 2013 Merlot, Red Mountain, $38
Ambassador Wines of Washington 2013 Diplomat, Red Mountain, $40
Anam Cara Cellars 2012 Reserve Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $45
Ardor Cellars 2015 Los Oidos Vineyard White Blend, Columbia Valley, $25
Bainbridge Vineyards 2015 Emerge Rosé, Puget Sound, $20
Battle Creek Cellars 2014 Unconditional Pinot Noir , Oregon, $15
Bella Wines 2015 Orchard House Blanc de Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $26
Bells Up Winery 2014 Bells Up Titan Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $40
Bitner Vineyards 2015 Riesling Reserve, Snake River Valley, $17
Blakeslee Vineyard Estate 2013 Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains, $45
Bonair Winery 2014 Estate Chardonnay, Rattlesnake Hills, $20
Brooks 2014 Janus Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $38
Brooks 2015 Sweet P Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills, $24
Brooks 2015 Amycas, Willamette Valley, $18
Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Painted Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Canvasback 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $40
Cascade Cliffs 2014 Barbera, Columbia Valley, $55
Cascade Cliffs 2014 Reserve Estate Nebbiolo, Columbia Valley, $75
Cave B Estate Winery 2012 Merlot, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $30
CC Jentsch Cellars 2014 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, $32
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $30
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $16
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Ethos Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $36
Chehalem Wines 2014 Ian’s Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $40
Chehalem Wines 2015 INOX Unoaked Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $19
Chehalem Wines 2014 Ridgecrest Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $80
Chehalem Wines 2014 Three Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $16
Chehalem Wines 2015 Three Vineyard Riesling, Willamette Valley, $22
Cinder Wines 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $29
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Phinny Hill Carménère, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, $23
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Umiker Vineyard Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28
Coach House Cellars NA The Garage, Columbia Valley, $13
Col Solare 2013 Red Wine, Red Mountain, $75
College Cellars 2014 Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $35
College Cellars 2014 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $22
Colter’s Creek Winery 2014 Kooskooskia Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, $24
Columbia Crest 2014 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Columbia Crest 2014 Crowdsourced Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $30
Columbia Crest 2013 Walter Clore Private Reserve, Columbia Valley, $35
Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Storm Front, Red Mountain, $26
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2015 Life Pinot Noir , Willamette Valley, $40
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2012 Mountain Terroir Meadowlark, Willamette Valley, $40
Corliss Estates 2011 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $75
Coyote Canyon Winery 2013 Albariño, Horse Heaven Hills, $18
Daven Lore Winery 2012 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills , $29
Daven Lore Winery 2012 Grenache, Yakima Valley, $35
Daven Lore Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
DeLille Cellars 2012 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $160
DeLille Cellars 2013 Four Flags, Red Mountain, $69
DeLille Cellars 2013 D2, Columbia Valley, $49
DeLille Cellars 2014 Métier, Yakima Valley, $46
Drink Washington State NV Welcome to Yakima Valley, Yakima Valley, $19
Drumheller Wines 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $12
Dumas Station 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Dunham Cellars 2013 Trutina, Columbia Valley, $29
Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $42
Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 V.R. Special Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $60
Et Fille 2012 Deux Vert Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon, $48
Et Fille 2013 Heredity Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $34
Eufloria by Pacific Rim NV Eufloria Aromatic White Blend, Washington, $11
Finn Hill Winery 2013 The Gnome Riesling, Columbia Valley, $18
Forgeron Cellars 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $30
Forsyth Family Vintners 2008 Forsyth Brio Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $50
Forsyth Family Vintners 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre , Red Mountain, $35
Gamache Vintners 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $25
Gamache Vintners 2013 Red Mountain, Red Mountain, $50
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Auxerrois, Golden Mile Bench, $14
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Private Reserve Dry Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $13
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Desert Sun, Okanagan Valley, $12
Guardian Cellars 2014 Newsprint Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $25
H/H Estates 2012 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Graciano, Horse Heaven Hills, $50
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $40
Helix by Reininger 2012 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $28
Henry Earl Estate Wines 2014 Riesling, Wahluke Slope, $20
Huston Vineyards 2015 Riesling, Snake River Valley, $19
Jackalope Wine Cellars 2014 Quady North Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Rogue Valley, $27
JoieFarm Winery 2014 En Famille’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $40
JoieFarm Winery 2015 En Famille’ Reserve Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $28
JoieFarm Winery 2015 JoieFarm ‘Re-Think Pink’ Rosé, Okanagan Valley, $21
JoieFarm Winery 2015 A Noble Blend, Okanagan Valley, $24
Jolete Wines 2014 Le Verre Cuvee Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $21
Jones of Washington 2012 Jacks Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $30
Jones of Washington 2013 Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $30
Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14
Jones of Washington 2012 Barrel Select Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, $30
Jones of Washington 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $17
Jones of Washington 2015 Viognier, Wahluke Slope, $17
Kestrel Vintners 2015 Estate Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $21
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2012 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $65
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2015 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $12
Koi Pond Cellars NV Geisha Red, Columbia Valley, $19
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $32
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $28
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $37
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Sémillon, Columbia Valley, $15
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee, Walla Walla Valley, $55
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Estate Ferguson, Walla Walla Valley, $65
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Perigee, Walla Walla Valley, $55
L’Ecole No. 41 2014 Estate Luminesce, Walla Walla Valley, $22
La Chanterelle Winery 2014 La Chanterelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $34
Lake Breeze Vineyards 2015 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, $19
Lake Breeze Vineyards 2013 Lake Breeze Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $26
Lake Breeze Vineyards 2014 Meritage, Okanagan Valley, $22
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2015 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $10
Liquidity Wines 2014 Pinot Noir Estate, Okanagan Valley, $26
Long Shadows Vintners 2015 Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
Longship Cellars 2014 Ginger Man Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $28
Love & Squalor Wine 2013 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Martin-Scott Winery 2015 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley, $14
Martin-Scott Winery 2013 Montepuliciano, Columbia Valley, $30
Maryhill Winery 2013 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $40
Maryhill Winery 2012 Vintage Port, Columbia Valley, $20
Maryhill Winery 2013 Proprietor’s Reserve Grenache, Columbia Valley, $36
Maryhill Winery 2013 Art Den Hoed Vineyard Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley, $32
Maryhill Winery 2013 Proprietor’s Reserve Serendipity, Columbia Valley, $36
Maryhill Winery 2013 Winemaker’s Red, Columbia Valley, $16
Maryhill Winery 2013 Rosso Granato, Columbia Valley, $36
McKinley Springs 2012 Unbroken, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Memaloose 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Gorge, $32
Michelle Sparkling Wine NV Brut Rosé, Columbia Valley, $13
Michelle Sparkling Wine NV Extra Dry, Columbia Valley, $13
Milbrandt Vineyards 2015 Traditions Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $13
Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $26
Mt. Hood Winery 2014 Echo West Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $38
Mt. Hood Winery 2015 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Gorge, $22
Mt. Hood Winery 2015 Estate Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge , $20
Mt. Hood Winery 2014 Echo West Vineyard Tempranillo, Columbia Valley , $32
Nelms Road 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $25
Newhouse Family Vineyards 2014 Cottontop Aligoté, Snipes Mountain, $34
Nine Hats Cellars 2015 Pinot Gris, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Nine Hats Cellars 2015 Nine Hats Riesling, Columbia Valley, $14
Northstar 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $41
Northstar 2012 Premier Merlot, Columbia Valley, $85
Northwest Cellars 2012 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Malbec, Red Mountain, $48
Northwest Cellars 2013 Carménère, Columbia Valley, $48
Northwest Cellars 2012 Petit Verdot, Red Mountain, $48
Northwest Cellars 2012 Intrigue, Columbia Valley, $28
O•S Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $25
Owen Roe 2013 1973 Block, Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $72
Owen Roe 2015 DuBrul Vineyard Chardonnay, Yakima Valley, $48
Owen Roe 2014 Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills , $42
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, $16
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2014 Vin de Glaciere Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills, $14
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2014 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley, $10
Palencia Wine Co. 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $18
Perseus Winery 2103 Eclipse, Okanagan Valley, $35
Phelps Creek Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge, $34
Plaisance Ranch 2014 Carménère, Applegate Valley, $30
Plaisance Ranch 2014 Mondeusé, Applegate Valley, $30
Puffin Wines 2013 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $29
Rainstorm Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $15
Rainstorm Winery 2014 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $17
Reininger Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $47
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Smaragd Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, $32
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley, $29
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Umpqua Valley, $23
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $39
Revelry Vintners 2013 D11 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $60
Robert Karl Cellars 2012 Gunselman Bench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $36
Robert Karl Cellars 2014 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $26
Ross Andrew Winery 2014 The Huntsman Cabernet Sauvignon , Columbia Valley, $15
Sawtooth Winery 2014 Classic Fly Series Sauvignon Blanc , Snake River Valley, $20
Sawtooth Winery 2014 Estate Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Secret Squirrel 2013 Red Wine, Red Mountain, $25
Secret Squirrel 2013 Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Columbia Valley, $25
Skylite Cellars 2012 Soiree, Columbia Valley, $22
Sol Stone 2014 Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $34
South Stage Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rogue Valley, $34
South Stage Cellars 2013 Romeo and Juliet, Rouge Valley, $24
Spring Valley Vineyard 2013 Frederick, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Stina’s Cellars 2012 Petit Verdot, Wahluke Slope, $45
Stottle Winery 2012 Elerding 6 Prong Vineyard Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $34
SuLei Cellars 2014 Beet Red, Walla Walla Valley, $30
SuLei Cellars 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $18
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Mourvedre, Snake River Valley, $35
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Turas, Snake River Valley, $32
Tenet 2014 The Pundit Syrah, Columbia Valley, $25
Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard 2012 Arch Terrace Triple Threat, Red Mountain, $25
The Woodhouse Wine Estates 2013 Kennedy Shah La Vie en Rouge, Columbia Valley, $14
Tightrope Winery 2015 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $35
Tightrope Winery 2015 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $23
Tildio Winery 2013 Estate Grown Cabernet Franc , Lake Chelan, $38
Tildio Winery 2013 Tempranillo Estate Grown, Lake Chelan, $38
Tranche Cellars 2012 Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla Valley, $40
Tranche Cellars 2012 Slice of Pape, Columbia Valley, $35
Tsillan Cellars Winery 2015 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18
Two Vintners 2014 Make Haste Cinsault, Yakima Valley, $25
Two Vintners 2014 Lola, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2013 Upper Bench Estate Winery Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, $30
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2014 Upper Bench Estate Winery Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, $25
VanArnam Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $36
Vino La Monarcha 2013 Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $20
Vino La Monarcha 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $32
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Dwelley Vineyard Dolcetto, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Bello Rosso, Columbia Valley, $38
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Washington State Cuvée, Washington, $34
Waterbrook Winery 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon , Columbia Valley, $22
Wautoma Wines 2012 El Prat, Columbia Valley, $28
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Charterboat Chick, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2013 Swimmer, Columbia Valley, $31
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Jetty Cat, Columbia Valley, $28
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2015 Message In A Bottle, Yakima Valley, $26
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, $16
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2015 Stoney Slope Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $17
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2015 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, $17
Wild Goose Vineyards & Winery 2015 Autumn Gold, Okanagan Valley, $17
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley , $30
William Church Winery 2013 Gamache Vineyard Malbec, Columbia Valley, $40
Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $49
Woodward Canyon Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Washington, $44
Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve, Walla Walla Valley, $79
Zerba Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $36
Zerba Cellars 2013 Zinfandel, Walla Walla Valley, $45
Bronze
14 Hands Winery 2014 The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $30
14 Hands Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Washington, $10
50th Parallel Estate 2014 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, $29
Amavi Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $33
Amavi Cellars 2015 Sémillon, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Ambassador Wines of Washington 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Amelia Wynn 2013 Giovanni, Columbia Valley, $34
Anew 2015 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley, $11
Bainbridge Vineyards 2013 Madeleine Angevine, Puget Sound, $18
Bainbridge Vineyards 2014 Müller-Thurgau, Puget Sound, $18
Bontzu Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon , Columbia Valley , $36
Bontzu Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Columbia Valley , $17
Bowlus Hills 2012 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Brooks 2014 Tethys Riesling, Willamette Valley, $25
Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Helene, Yakima Valley, $24
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2014 The Expedition Chardonnay , Horse Heaven Hills, $15
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $38
Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Cave B Estate Winery Late Harvest Semillon, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $28
CC Jentsch Cellars 2014 The Chase, Okanagan Valley, $20
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Chehalem Wines 2014 Ridgecrest Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $50
College Cellars 2015 Viognier, Walla Walla Valley, $16
Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Squall Line, Red Mountain, $26
Corliss Estates 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $85
Cotes de Ciel 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot, Red Mountain, $39
Cotes de Ciel 2012 Flagship Reserve, Red Mountain, $60
D’Anu Wines 2014 Sangiovese , Walla Walla Valley, $24
Daven Lore Winery 2013 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
ded.reckoning 2013 Ramseyer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $45
ded.reckoning 2012 #10 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $35
ded.reckoning 2013 #12 Red Mt Reserve, Red Mountain, $40
ded.reckoning 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, $15
Drink Washington State 2015 Northern White, Columbia Valley, $19
Dusted Valley Vintners 2013 BFM, Columbia Valley, $53
Eight Bells Winery 2012 Merlot, Yakima Valley, $25
Eight Bells Winery 2013 Syrah 8 Clones, Yakima Valley, $35
Erath 2013 Prince Hill Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills , $50
Eternal Wines 2014 Rocket Man Red, Columbia Valley, $25
Gård Vintners 2013 Lawrence Vineyards Vaucluse, Columbia Valley, $35
Guardian Cellars 2014 Newsprint Malbec, Columbia Valley, $18
Helix by Reininger 2013 Pomatia, Columbia Valley, $21
Henry Earl Estate Wines 2013 Merlot, Red Mountain, $38
Hood Crest Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $42
Hudson Shah 2013 Cab, Columbia Valley, $14
Intrinsic 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $22
Jackalope Wine Cellars 2015 White, Applegate Valley, $25
Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2013 Estate Merlot, Red Mountain, $25
L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $25
Laissez Faire 2015 Red Table Wine, Idaho, $16
Lake Breeze Vineyards 2015 Lake Breeze Rosé, Okanagan Valley, $19
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2015 Moscato, Rattlesnake Hills, $15
Left Coast Cellars 2014 Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $24
Little Beaver 2013 Golden Maple Icewine, Okanagan Valley, $30
Locus Wines 2015 Dineen Vineyard Sémillon, Rattlesnake Hills, $15
Locus Wines 2015 Rosé, Yakima Valley, $15
Longship Cellars 2013 Ginger Man Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $28
Martin-Scott Winery 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $12
Maryhill Winery 2014 Muscato di Canelli, Columbia Valley, $16
Maryhill Winery 2015 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $16
Michelle Sparkling Wine NV Brut, Columbia Valley, $13
Mt. Hood Winery 2012 Estate Glacier , Columbia Gorge , $24
Mt. Hood Winery 2013 Scorched Earth Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley , $32
Nagging Doubt Winery 2014 The Pull, Okanagan Valley, $30
Nighthawk Vineyards 2012 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, $32
Owen Roe 2015 Abbot’s Table, Columbia Valley, $24
Owen Roe 2013 Syrah Chapel Block, Yakima Valley, $55
Painted Rock Estate Winery 2013 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, $40
Painted Rock Estate Winery 2014 Estate Grown Red Icon, Okanagan Valley, $55
Parejas Cellars 2014 “Wysling” Counoise, Columbia Valley, $16
Pepper Bridge Winery 2013 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Phelps Creek Vineyards 2015 Gorge Crest Gewürztraminer, Columbia Gorge, $26
Reininger Winery 2012 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $43
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2013 Rojo Dulce Dessert Wine, Umpqua Valley, $24
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Masada Bloc Syrah, Umpqua Valley, $32
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2013 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah , Umpqua Valley, $39
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2013 Pishon Bloc Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, $34
Robert Karl Cellars 2013 Claret, Horse Heaven Hills, $22
Rolling Bay Winery 2014 Upland Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $36
Salida 2014 Albariño, Yalima Valley, $20
Seven Falls Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $23
Skylite Cellars 2012 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Yakima Valley, $32
Spring Valley Vineyard 2013 Uriah, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Tenet 2014 GSM, Columbia Valley, $70
The Hatch 2014 Screaming Frenzy Meritage, Similkameen Valley, $25
The Pines 1852 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $50
The Walls Vineyards 2014 Les Jeunes Vignes, Columbia Valley, $25
Timothy Malone Wines 2015 Viognier, Columbia Gorge, $15
Treveri Cellars NV Blanc de Noir, Columbia Valley, $20
Tucannon Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $38
Two Vintners 2012 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Two Vintners 2014 StoneTree Vineyard Zinfandel, Wahluke Slope, $30
Vino La Monarcha 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $20
Volcanic Hills Estate Winery 2014 Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer , Okangan Valley, $19
Waitsburg Cellars 2015 Cheninières Chenin Blanc , Columbia Valley, $17
Waitsburg Cellars 2015 Chevray Old Vine Chenin Blanc , Yakima Valley, $17
Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Columbia Valley Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $25
Walla Walla Vintners 2013 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $40
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Smoky Nor’wester, Columbia Valley, $28
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2013 Jetty Cat, Columbia Valley, $28
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2014 Surfer, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2013 Surfer, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Whidbey Island Winery 2014 Crawford Vineyard Merlot, Yakima Valley, $19
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2012 Elton Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, $55
Woodhouse Wine Estates 2012 Dussek Merlot, Columbia Valley, $36
Wy’East Vineyards 2015 Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge, $20
Zerba Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, $24
Klaus Heyne says
Gehringer Wines- top winners in several categories- are not available in the U.S, according to the winemaker. What’s the point of inclusion in the list, including dollar prices?
Eric Degerman says
Greetings, Klaus.
We live in the Pacific Northwest and have been writing about the industry for nearly two decades now. Our coverage area is Washington state, Oregon, British Columbia and Idaho. And the climate in the Okanagan Valley is quite similar to that of the Columbia Valley. They are separated by a man-made border.
A large chunk of our audience lives in the Puget Sound area, and Seattle is a two-hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia. The Gehringer wines are available in that market. And the Okanagan Valley is a beautiful wine touring destination that’s about a four-hour drive from Seattle. As a result, I’ve never heard from an American who hasn’t enjoyed spending a long weekend visiting those wineries and supporting that industry.
I understand your frustration regarding the access to these stunning wines, and the attention we give to B.C. wine industry is one of the few complaints receive from readers. We blame governments and bureaucrats for the situation. But as we tell anyone who asks – you won’t be disappointed if you can take the time to visit the region and taste the wines. And folks who live in Wenatchee and Lake Chelan make that 3-hour trip quite often.