HOOD RIVER, Ore. — Bobby Richards of Seven Hills Winery grew up in the Willamette Valley, and yet his passion as a Walla Walla Valley winemaker is Merlot.
Turns out he’s got a flair for Carménère too, using the lesser-known Bordeaux grape to win best of show at the 11th annual Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition — an international judging staged this fall for West Coast wine buyers and sommeliers at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa in Hood River, Ore.
“I just tell everybody this is a great introductory wine, a party wine to take somewhere,” Richards says. “It’s got very expressive aromatics and a velvety mouth texture that’s not overpowering, which Cab can be sometimes.
“I enjoy it with brisket, tacos, hamburgers, grilled chicken and with Marionberry sauces,” he adds. “I love Marionberry — but out this way, you might find huckleberries more often.”
Sidebar: Bobby Richards turns 4 entries into 4 golds, best of show for storied Seven Hills Winery
As the best red wine of the judging, the Seven Hills Winery 2021 Carménère ($50), a product of two vineyards near Milton-Freewater, meant that four of the five wines to reach the sweepstakes were grown in the state of Oregon.
Pike Road Wines, the young Willamette Valley project of historic Elk Cove Vineyards, proved that its Pinot Gris program remains among the best in the Pacific Northwest. The 2022 Pinot Gris ($17) by Heather Perkin came close to matching the results of the bottling from the 2016 vintage, which walked off with best-of-show honors at The Invite in 2017.
The Bryn Mawr Vineyards nonvintage Brut Rosé ($35) by Rachel Rose in the Eola-Amity Hills rose to the top of the sparkling wine category.
The Fullerton family’s Three Otter label posted an impressive performance with its soon-to-be-released 2022 Rosé ($22), making its way into the sweepstakes with a double gold medal and best-of-class award.
This year’s Great Northwest Invitational also helped raise the profile of Matías Kúsulas, the Chilean-born winemaker responsible for seven gold medals across three Washington state brands. That showing included a sweepstakes entry when the Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Riesling Ice Wine ($75) attained Best Sweet Wine status after a double gold in the preliminary round.
The remarkable showing by Kúsulas included four gold medals for Gård — a white wine (2021 Estate Franc Blanc), rosé (2022 Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse Rosé) and sparkling (2021 Lawrence Estate Skål). His collaboration with chef/restaurateur Michael Ruhland is called Valo Cellars, which won two gold medals. Their 2020 Conner Lee Vineyard Right Bank Red Wine won a best-of-class honor, and the 2020 Conner Lee Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay was gold. Those wines are poured and sold at the tony waterfront development in Vancouver, Wash., and a new tasting room upriver in Bingen. Kúsulas also owns Massalto Wine, and his gold medal 2020 Interstellar Mourvèdre is poured at his own tasting room along the Vancouver waterfront.
Washington state: 6 golds for Bayernmoor Cellars
The Invite also served as an impressive stage for Bayernmoor Cellars and Larry Harris, a Washington winemaker who amassed six gold medals for work with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Four of those six were for Pinot Noir, including a pair from his vineyard near the Puget Sound town of Stanwood. Two of those Pinot Noirs were awarded double gold medals. There were two golds for wines from historic Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge, including a Chardonnay. And Red Mountain stalwart Klipsun Vineyard helped Harris earn a gold for his Cab.
Rob Griffin, “the dean of Washington winemakers,” collaborated with his winemaking daughter Megan Hughes and longtime associate winemaker Mickey French on five high-scoring gold medals — a showing that spanned red, white and rosé. Three of those were double gold medals, going to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and best-of-class Albariño from buzz-worthy Crawford Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. All five received at least 94 points, and aside from the Albariño ($26), they are priced at $18 or less, including his storied Rosé of Sangiovese ($14).
Maryhill Winery and longtime winemaker Richard Batchelor came away with four gold medals, including added acclaim for two of its most nicely priced programs. The Winemaker’s Red ($19), a Cab-led blend that’s become the flagship wine for owners Craig and Vicki Leuthold, added a best-of-class award. The well-chronicled Zinfandel program under their “Classic” tier received a double gold, making it a remarkable value ($21).
For Seven Hills, Richards selected four bottlings to enter into The Invite, and he went 4-for-4 when it came to grabbing a gold medal — or better. And he chose to present to judges with four wines designed for wine club and/or limited to the tasting room. Each showcases work with Bordeaux varieties — the 2020 SHW Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, the Left Bank-inspired 2021 Pentad and 2022 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.
Long Shadows Vintners and its director of winemaking, Gilles Nicault, had two wines vying for the Best Red Wine award — the 2019 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2019 Pirouette Red Wine. Feather, which features the long-time collaboration with famed Napa Valley producer Randy Dunn, was voted the Best Cabernet Sauvignon of the competition. The Pirouette, a Cab-based blend with another Napa stalwart in Philippe Melka, led the way in the Red Meritage-inspired category. Another gold medal went to arguably the most famous recruit by the late Allen Shoup — Michel Rolland — for the 2019 Pedestal Merlot.
The Airfield Estates tandem of third-generation winegrower Marcus Miller and his winemaker, Travis Maple, combined for three gold medals, including a best-of-class award for its flagship wine — the 10,000-case production of 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from the Yakima Valley.
Woodinville producer Terry Wells pays tribute to the late Thoroughbred racehorse LOVE THAT RED with his brand, and Wells emerged from The Invite with a trifecta of gold medals, each for a red wine from the 2017 vintage. The Seattle Slew Cabernet Sauvignon returned a double gold medal, followed by the Maiden Race Malbec and Stakes Race Syrah.
Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, led by founder Christian Sparkman and winemaker Lin Scott, also earned gold medals for a white wine (2022 Kindred Chardonnay), a rosé (2022 This Old Porch Rosé) and red — 2021 Wilderness Red Blend.
Lake Chelan pioneering producer Dr. Bob Jankelson and his winemaker for Tsillan Cellars, Garrett Grubbs, were awarded three gold medals for red wine from the 2021 vintage. Two of those were for Merlot and Syrah from Jankelson’s estate above the south shore. The third came via Petite Sirah from Red Mountain grown on the Williams family’s Heart of the Hill Vineyard.
Burnt Bridge Cellars recently announced that it will cease production with the 2023 vintage and close its downtown Vancouver tasting room in July 2026. Its talented winemaker Ben Stuart, who graduated from Walla Walla Community College’s program and is launching his own brand, came through with a pair of gold medals from the 2019 vintage, including a Super Tuscan-inspired red.
Lisa Callan has gold medals won at The Invite to pour at her tasting rooms in Woodinville and Chelan thanks to the 2020 Sangiovese and 2019 Quintessence Cabernet Sauvignon — a living tribute to the late Dick Shaw, who established that Red Mountain vineyard.
Caprio Cellars vintner Dennis Murphy used estate grapes from his Walla Walla Valley vineyards to pick up two gold medals, highlighted by his 2022 Sauvignon Blanc/Sèmillon blend that earned best of class and a double gold medal. Pepper Bridge Winery, which the Hayden Homes CEO is a partner in, won a gold medal for the 2021 Estate Vineyards Merlot.
Timothy Armstrong of Walla Walla-based Armstrong Family Winery won best of show at 2020 Invite with a Syrah from Discovery Vineyard. His 2020 Fronk — a standalone Cabernet Franc from acclaimed Dineen Vineyards in the Yakima Valley — put Armstrong Family Winery in the running for Best Red after it earned a double gold medal and best of class.
L’Ecole N° 41 in Lowden scored gold medals with two of its largest production wines from the 2020 vintage — the Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Columbia Valley Merlot. When combined, those two bottlings represent more than 10% of the 40-year-old winery’s entire production.
Oscar Castillo in Manson produced two gold medals from Chelan Valley fruit — the Kludt Family Wines 2020 Cougar Ridge Reserve Syrah under the Wapato Point Cellars tier and the Lake Chelan Winery 2020 Tempranillo.
Wautoma Springs owner/winemaker Jessica Munnell, an alumnae of Washington State University and the University of Ste. Michelle, earned praise and gold medals for her Syrah-led 2022 Rosé ($19) and the 2021 Fork + Spoon Cabernet Franc from the Prosser brand’s namesake vineyard near historic Cold Creek.
Sagemoor Estates, one of the Northwest’s most stately plantings, produced the top Merlot of the judging with the 2021 Weinbau Vineyard Estate that’s credited to Chris Peterson, the Woodinville winemaker behind Avennia and Passing Time. The Sagemoor Estates wines are available for tasting along Rose Street just west of downtown Walla Walla.
Oregon: Pinot Noir praise for Silverback, Cardwell Hill
Predictably, the Willamette Valley also produced the Best Pinot Noir of the judging. However, it was young Silverback Wines in Silverton, Ore., that used its 2019 Uptown Pinot Noir via Bob Switzer of Seven Bridges Winery in Portland to win the category, earning a double gold in the early round of judging. Silverback also delighted the panel with its youthful 2022 Ridge Runner Gamay Noir — crafted by Ribbon Ridge winemaker Dan Warnshuis — for another best-of-class honor.
Grower/winemaker Dan Chapel’s Cardwell Hill Cellars — the 2021 Oregon Winery of the Year as selected by Great Northwest Wine — was a four-time winner in the Pinot Noir category at The Invite. Leading the way was the 2021 Fenders Blue, a $28 bottle that achieved 95 points.
The Campbell family of Elk Cove Vineyards acclaim and longtime associate winemaker Heather Perkin continue to produce some of the Northwest’s top values under their Pike Road Wines brand. Not only did they nearly win best of show for the second time in seven years for the Pike Road Pinot Gris — Perkin’s bottling from the 2021 vintage won best of class at the 2022 Invite — but she also turned heads with a vineyard-designate Pinot Noir from historic Shea Vineyard, earning a double gold medal from the critically acclaimed 2021 vintage. And her 2021 Chardonnay achieved gold. Each has been featured in the downtown McMinnville tasting room that replaced the original retail space in downtown Carlton.
Bluebird Hill Cellars in the Willamette Valley wowed judges three times. Two of those were double golds for high-scoring Pinot Noir, and the judging’s Best Syrah was the Shay family’s 2019 reserve effort from the Columbia Valley.
Cathedral Ridge Winery and the Bell family continue to benefit from working with Sonoma-based winemaker Michael Sebastiani and expansive McKinley Springs Vineyard in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills. That combination resulted in two gold medals, led by the 2019 vineyard-designated reserve Barbera.
Cooper Mountain Vineyards, one of the Willamette Valley’s pioneers in certified Biodynamic wines, earned gold medals for its trailblazing 2022 Tocai Friulano as well as its 2021 Old Vines Chardonnay.
Eilia Wines and winemaker Peter Sturn attracted attention for Pinot Noir, picking up gold medals for the 2021 Scarlet and 2021 Violet.
Historic brand Firesteed garnered acclaim for Vintage Wine Estates with a pair of gold medals for value wines — the 2022 Pinot Gris ($19.99) and 2021 Pinot Noir ($19.99). Vintage Wine Estates also can boast of the success for its Tamarack Cellars 2020 Firehouse Red ($20), a Syrah-influenced proprietary blend linked to the Walla Walla Valley that opened with a double gold medal and was voted best of class.
Ghost Hill Cellars earned gold medals for its 2016 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2022 Pinot Noir Blanc.
The Umpqua Valley was responsible for a number of The Invitational’s top wines, and the versatility of Stephen Reustle’s Prayer Rock Vineyards planting west of Sutherlin show was on display with three gold medals — double golds for his 2022 Green Lizard and 2022 Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliners and a gold for his 2021 Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir.
Second-generation Melrose Vineyards recorded gold medals for its 2021 Parker’s Reserve Pinot Noir and 2022 Estate Chardonnay.
Portland suburban winery Amaterra, which annually receives praise for its culinary and hospitality program, earned a double gold medal for its 2019 Pinot Noir.
Hood River native Rich Cushman and Mt. Hood Winery used Columbia Gorge Pinot Noir to produce a stellar fortified dessert wine — Puerto Montaña — that received a double gold medal.
Idaho: Clearwater Canyon, Grüner stand out
Coco Umiker, whose winemaking guided Clearwater Canyon Cellars to the selection as 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, worked with Verhey Vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley and turned it into the Best Malbec of the judging for her bottling from the 2021 vintage. Her fascinating multi-vintage barrel program known as Waha returned a gold medal for her fourth edition, which leads with Cabernet Sauvignon. Last year, Umiker used a Crawford Vineyard Albariño to win best of show at The Invite.
Williamson Vineyards on the Sunnyslope west of Caldwell showed the promise of Grüner Veltliner in the Snake River Valley by winning a double gold medal for their work with the noble white grape of Austria. Their wines are crafted at Koenig Vineyards by young winemaker James Nederend.
The Alger family of Huston Vineyards near Caldwell continues to reel in awards for its iconic Chicken Dinner program, and its affordable 2022 Red Wine and 2022 Riesling-led White Wine stood out with judges. They also earned a gold medal for estate-grown Grüner.
British Columbia: Hester Creek exports 4 golds
Great Northwest Wine’s reigning British Columbia Winery of the Year — Hester Creek Estate Winery — continued to impress the panel of West Coast wine buyers throughout the judging, winning four gold medals. The effort was led by the double gold for its 2022 Viognier and included 2022 Pinot Gris ($19.99), the Pinot Gris-led Character White ($19.99) and an impressive 2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99).
Both winemaking Walter Gehringer and his grape growing brother Gordon, have brought onboard the next generation at historic Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery near Oliver. Judges at The Invite proved the family remains one of the top white wine producers on the West Coast, rewarding them with four gold medals. Each from the 2022 vintage retails for less than $19 Canadian — Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked Chardonnay, Auxerrois and Ehrenfelser.
The TIME Family of Wines, founded by the late Harry McWatters, is shining in downtown Penticton under new ownership and the winemaking of Lynzee Schatz. Her work under the Chronos brand produced a nonvintage Brut that validated Best Sparkling Wine from the spring Cascadia International with a double gold six months later at The Invite. The McWatters Collection 2017 Brut also won a double gold medal.
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, a short drive up the Naramata Bench from Penticton, showed again why Mary McDermott ranks among Canada’s top sparkling wine producers. Her methode Champenoise 2016 Seven Stars Sirius with Chardonnay won a gold medal, as did her 2021 Seven Stars Fool’s Gold Vineyard Rigel Sparkling Wine.
This fall, the sold-out 2020 Rigel — produced using Riesling — ranked as the top Canadian wine at the 2023 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships in London, England.
LA FRENZ Estate Winery, a leading producer on the Naramata Bench overlooking Okanagan Lake, turned its Riesling 21B from the 2022 vintage into the Best Riesling of the judging after it won a double gold medal earlier in the judging. Founding winemaker Jeff Martin also was in the running for Best Pinot Noir when his 2020 Desperation Hill Vineyard bottling earned a double gold medal.
There’s a history surrounding Stag’s Hollow Winery in Okanagan Falls that includes paying attention to the successes of Abacela in Southern Oregon. That linkage was renewed again when the 2020 Tempranillo earned a gold medal on its way to the award for Best Tempranillo.
The panel for the 11th annual Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition featured:
Chief judges were Dana Van Nest, a Seattle-based communications strategist and contributor for Great Northwest Wine Magazine and other regional publications, and Great Northwest Wine columnist Elizabeth Moss-Woerman.
- Jusden Aumand is the head buyer for Tri-Vin Imports, New Rochelle, N.Y.
- Kaleigh Brook, an advanced sommelier, is the manager/wine buyer at The Thief Fine Wine & Beer Shop in Walla Walla, Wash.
- Jeff Cox is the wine buyer for PCC Natural Markets in the Puget Sound.
- VJ Gandhi is the founder/CEO of Kascadia Wine Merchants in Los Gatos, Calif.
- Carl Giavanti is publicist/proprietor of Carl Giavanti Consulting in Portland, Ore.
- Clinton Hoiland, based in Lewiston, Idaho, handles Northern Idaho on- and off-premise sales for Idaho Wine Merchant and is owner/operator of Twisted Vine Wine Tours throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley.
- Chris Horn is director of liquids at the Heavy Restaurant Group based in Seattle and co-author of Cook + Cork.
- Lane Hoss is the wine buyer and VP of operations for Anthony’s Restaurants.
- Ellen Landis is a certified sommelier, journalist and renowned international wine judge with offices in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Windsor, Calif.
- Tim McDonald is the founder of Wine & Spirits Spoken Here in Napa, Calif.
- JD Nolan is a certified sommelier/wine buyer/general manager/owner of Fat Olives Restaurants in Richland, Wash., and Homer, Alaska.
- Dave Smith is director of buying for Everything Wine in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Steven Sinkler is the proprietor of The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach, Ore.
- Mark Takagi is specialty sales director of the Seattle-based Metropolitan Market group.
- Paul Zitarelli is the founder/owner of Full Pull Wines in Seattle and author of 36 Bottles of Wine.
11th annual Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition results
Best of show / Best Red Wine / gold medal
Seven Hills Winery 2021 Carménère, Walla Walla Valley $50.00 — 96 points
Best White Wine / Best Pinot Gris / gold medal
Pike Road Wines 2022 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $17.00 — 94 points
Best Sparkling Wine / gold medal
Bryn Mawr Vineyards NV Brut Rosé, Willamette Valley $35.00 — 93 points
Best Rosé / double gold medal
Fullerton Wines 2022 Three Otters Rosé, Willamette Valley $22.00 — 95 points
Best Sweet Wine / double gold medal
Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Riesling Ice Wine, Royal Slope $75.00 — 95 points
Best Pinot Noir / double gold medal
Silverback Wines 2019 Uptown Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40.00 — 95 points
Best Riesling / double gold medal
LA FRENZ Estate Winery 2022 Riesling 21B, Naramata Bench $21.50 — 95 points
Best White Bordeaux Blend / double gold medal
Caprio Cellars 2022 Estate White Blend, Walla Walla Valley $38.00 — 91 points
Best Cabernet Franc / double gold medal
Armstrong Family Winery 2020 Dineen Vineyard Fronk, Yakima Valley $45.00 — 95 points
Best Albariño / double gold medal
Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $26.00 — 97 points
Best Proprietary Red Blend / double gold medal
Tamarack Cellars 2020 Firehouse Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $20.00 — 94 points
Best Chardonnay / gold medal
Abeja 2022 Chardonnay, Washington State $48.00 — 95 points
Best Cabernet Sauvignon / gold medal
Long Shadows Vintners 2019 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $75.00 — 94 points
Best Sauvignon Blanc / gold medal
Airfield Estates Winery 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley $17.00 — 95 points
Best Syrah / gold medal
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2019 Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley $54.00 — 95 points
Best Red Bordeaux Blend / gold medal
Long Shadows Vintners 2019 Pirouette Red Wine, Columbia Valley $70.00 — 95 points
Best Malbec / gold medal
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2021 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Washington $28.00 — 93 points
Best Grenache / gold medal
Convergence Zone Cellars 2021 Mistral Grenache, Red Mountain $33.00 — 92 points
Best Red Rhône Blend / gold medal
Coyote Canyon Winery 2021 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Tres Cruces Syrah 65% | Grenache 17% | Mourvèdre 17%, Horse Heaven Hills $36.00 — 94 points
Best Tempranillo / gold medal
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2020 Tempranillo, Okanagan Falls $34.00 — 95 points
Best of class / gold medal
Silverback Wines 2022 Ridge Runner Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $32.00 — 91 points
Maryhill Winery 2021 Classic Winemaker’s Red, Columbia Valley $19.00 — 94 points
Sagemoor 2021 Weinbau Vineyard Estate Red Blend Merlot 92% | Cabernet Sauvignon 7% | Cabernet Franc 1%, Columbia Valley $30.00 — 92 points
Valo Cellars 2020 Conner Lee Vineyard Right Bank Red Wine, Columbia Valley $50.00 — 94 points
Double gold medal
Amaterra Wines 2019 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $47.00 — 93 points
Barnard Griffin Winery 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $18.00 — 96 points
Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $14.00 — 96 points
Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir, Washington State $50.00 — 94 points
Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Bayernmoor Vineyard Estate Clone 777 Pinot Noir, Puget Sound $50.00 — 96 points
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2019 Mom’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $54.00 — 94 points
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2021 Flagship Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $35.00 — 95 points
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2021 Fenders Blue Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $28.00 — 95 points
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2019 McKinley Springs Vineyard Reserve Barbera, Columbia Valley $50.00 — 95 points
Chronos NV Brut, Okanagan Valley $35.00 — 95 points
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2022 Viognier, Okanagan Valley $23.99 — 96 points
LA FRENZ Estate Winery 2020 Desperation Hill Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Naramata Bench $30.50 — 95 points
LOVE THAT RED Winery 2017 Seattle Slew Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $55.00 — 94 points
Maryhill Winery 2019 Classic Zinfandel, Columbia Valley $21.00 — 96 points
McWatters Collection 2017 Brut, Okanagan Valley $64.99 — 94 points
Mt. Hood Winery 2012 Puerto Montaña Pinot Noir Dessert Wine, Columbia Gorge $46.00 — 94 points
Pike Road Wines 2021 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton $50.00 — 95 points
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Green Lizard Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $38.00 — 94 points
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $34.00 — 94 points
Williamson Vineyards 2022 Grüner Veltliner, Snake River Valley $22.00 — 95 points
Gold medal
Aquilini Wines 10,000 Hours 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $35.00 — 92 points
Abacela Winery 2022 Estate Albariño, Umpqua Valley $22.00 — 94 points
Airfield Estates Winery 2022 Chardonnay, Yakima Valley $17.00 — 93 points
Airfield Estates Winery 2020 Michael L. Miller Red Wine, Yakima Valley $50.00 — 93 points
Amavi Cellars 2022 Sémillon, Walla Walla Valley $28.00 — 90 points
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2020 Dionysus Meritage Red Blend, Columbia Valley $55.00 — 93 points
Armstrong Family Winery 2019 Sally Mac Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $60.00 — 93 points
Baer Winery 2019 Star Merlot, Royal Slope $39.00 — 91 points
Barnard Griffin Winery 2021 Rob’s Red Blend Red Wine, Columbia Valley $14.00 — 94 points
Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $14.00 — 94 points
Bayernmoor Cellars 2019 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60.00 — 93 points
Bayernmoor Cellars 2020 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge $30.00— 93 points
Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Celilo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $50.00— 93 points
Bayernmoor Cellars 2021 Bayernmoor Vineyard Clone Précoce Pinot Noir, Puget Sound $50.00— 92 points
Brian Carter Cellars 2022 Oriana White Wine Blend 50% Viognier, 40% Roussanne, 10% Riesling, Yakima Valley $25.00 — 94 points
Burnt Bridge Cellars 2019 Vantuscan, Columbia Valley $50.00 — 91 points
Burnt Bridge Cellars 2019 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley $45.00 — 92 points
Callan Cellars 2019 Quintessence Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $42.00 — 93 points
Callan Cellars 2020 Sangiovese, Yakima Valley $36.00— 94 points
Camaraderie Cellars 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Heaven Hills $27.50 — 92 points
Canvasback Winery 2020 Syrah, Red Mountain $56.00 — 92 points
Caprio Cellars 2022 Estate Rosé, Walla Walla Valley $38.00— 92 points
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2018 Estate Pommard Block Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40.00 — 92 points
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2018 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40.00 — 91 points
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2021 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $28.00 — 92 points
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 The Last Best Wife Reserve, Columbia Valley $48.00 — 94 points
Chris James Cellars 2020 Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity HIlls $40.00 — 93 points
Chronos 2021 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $24.99 — 93 points
Cinder Wines 2021 Syrah, Snake River Valley $40.00 — 93 points
Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Waha IV, Washington $28.00— 94 points
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2021 Biodynamic Old Vines Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $40.00 — 91 points
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2022 Biodynamic Tocai Friulano, Willamette Valley $30.00 — 92 points
Cristom Vineyards 2021 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills $45.00 — 92 points
Day Wines 2022 Vin de Days Rouge, Willamette Valley $27.00 — 92 points
Dineen Vineyards 2021 Estate Vintner’s Blend Red Wine, Yakima Valley $25.00 — 92 points
Dusted Valley Vintners 2021 Olsen Vineyard Chardonnay, Yakima Valley $32.00 — 93 points
Eila Wines 2021 Scarlet Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $65.00 — 93 points
Eila Wines 2021 Violet Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $65.00 — 93 points
Elephant Seven Wines 2021 Grenache, Walla Walla Valley $42.00 — 93 points
Eternal Wines 2018 Rocketman Red, Columbia Valley $44.00 — 91 points
Firesteed Cellars 2022 Pinot Gris, Horse Heaven Hills $19.99 — 92 points
Firesteed Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir, Oregon $19.99 — 91 points
Frichette Winery 2021 Punctual Red Blend, Red Mountain $48.00 — 92 points
Gård Vintners 2022 Lawrence Estate Franc Blanc, Royal Slope $28.00 — 93 points
Gård Vintners 2022 Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse Rosé, Royal Slope $25.00 — 93 points
Gård Vintners 2021 Lawrence Estate Skål, Royal Slope $65.00 — 92 points
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Dry Rock Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay, Golden Mile Bench $17.99 — 95 points
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Old Vines Auxerrois, Golden Mile Bench $16.99 — 94 points
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Ehrenfelser, Okanagan Valley $16.99 — 93 points
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Dry Rock Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley $18.99 — 92 points
Ghost Hill Cellars 2022 Pinot Noir Blanc, Yamhill-Carlton $35.00 — 91 points
Ghost Hill Cellars 2016 Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton $42.00 — 91 points
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2020 Estate Vineyards Blocks 7 & 8 Cabernet Sauvignon, Golden Mile Bench $34.99 — 92 points
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2022 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $19.99 — 93 points
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2022 Character White, Okanagan Valley $19.99 — 93 points
Hightower Cellars 2020 Out of Line Vineyard Red Wine, Red Mountain $60.00 — 93 points
Huston Vineyards 2022 Grüner Veltliner, Snake River Valley $38.00 — 90 points
Huston Vineyards 2022 Chicken Dinner White Wine, Snake River Valley $16.00 — 91 points
Huston Vineyards 2022 Chicken Dinner Red Wine, Idaho $18.00 — 90 points
Jachter Vineyard 2019 Cuvée Karen Ann Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $80.00 — 92 points
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $44.00 — 94 points
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2020 Merlot, Columbia Valley $27.00 — 93 points
Lake Chelan Winery 2020 Tempranillo, Lake Chelan $45.00 — 92 points
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Scooteney Flats Vineyard Merlot, Red Mountain $35.00 — 92 points
Lone Point Cellars 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $38.00 — 91 points
Long Shadows Vintners 2019 Pedestal Merlot, Columbia Valley $70.00 — 92 points
LOVE THAT RED Winery 2017 Maiden Race Malbec, Columbia Valley $45.00 — 91 points
LOVE THAT RED Winery 2017 Stakes Race Syrah, Walla Walla Valley $55.00 — 91 points
Maryhill Winery 2019 Proprietor’s Reserve Grenache, Columbia Valley $48.00 — 92 points
Maryhill Winery 2020 Gunkel Vineyards Barbera, Columbia Valley $52.00 — 91 points
Massalto 2020 Interstellar, Royal Slope $60.00 — 93 points
Melrose Vineyards 2022 Estate Chardonnay, Umpqua Valley $25.00 — 90 points
Melrose Vineyards 2021 Parker’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley $40.00 — 91 points
Meyer Family Vineyards 2022 McLean Creek Road Vineyard Pinot Noir, Okanagan Falls $38.26 — 91 points
Moon Curser Vineyards 2021 Malbec, Okanagan Valley $37.99 — 94 points
Orenda Winery 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Rattlesnake Hills $29.00 — 91 points
Pepper Bridge Winery 2021 Estate Vineyards Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $65.00 — 92 points
Phantom Creek Estates 2021 Grande Cuvée, Okanagan Valley $49.00 — 93 points
Pike Road Wines 2021 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $18.00 — 90 points
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley $48.00 — 92 points
Seven Hills Winery 2020 Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $65.00 — 92 points
Seven Hills Winery 2021 Pentad Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley $85.00 — 94 points
Seven Hills Winery 2022 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, White Bluffs $38.00 — 93 points
Sparkman Cellars 2022 Kindred Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $20.00 — 92 points
Sparkman Cellars 2021 Wilderness Red Blend, Columbia Valley $30.00 — 92 points
Sparkman Cellars 2022 This Old Porch Rosé, Columbia Valley $28.00 — 91 points
Stemilt Creek Winery 2022 Sweet Adelaide Riesling, Columbia Valley $20.00 — 93 points
The Bunnell Family Cellar 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $58.00 — 95 points
Three of Cups 2020 Le Judgement GSM Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $25.00 — 93 points
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2016 Seven Stars Sirius, Fraser Valley $79.97 — 93 points
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2021 Seven Stars Fool’s Gold Vineyard Rigel Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $36.97 — 94 points
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Merlot, Lake Chelan $46.00 — 92 points
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Petite Sirah, Lake Chelan $38.00 — 92 points
Tsillan Cellars 2021 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan $52.00 — 92 points
Tulpen Cellars 2018 Los Oidos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $45.00 — 93 points
Two Vintners 2021 Grenache, Columbia Valley $28.00 — 93 points
Valo Cellars 2020 Conner Lee Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $65.00 — 90 points
Kludt Family Cellars 2020 Cougar Ridge Vineyard Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan $59.00 — 91 points
Wautoma Springs 2021 Fork + Spoon Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $50.00 — 93 points
Wautoma Springs 2022 Rosé, Columbia Valley $19.00 — 93 points
Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery 2017 Estate Biodynamic Cabernet Franc, Naches Heights $40.00 — 91 points
Wilridge Vineyard, Winery, & Distillery 2018 Estate Mourvedre, Naches Heights $40.00 — 92 points
Winescape Wines 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $43.00 — 90 points
Zerba Cellars 2019 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Malbec, Walla Walla Valley $50.00 — 93 points
Silver medal
3100 Cellars 2020 Runoff Rosé Sparkling Rosé, Snake River Valley $36.00
Airfield Estates Winery 2022 Sangiovese Rosé, Yakima Valley $18.00
Amavi Cellars 2020 Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $40.00
Amavi Cellars 2021 Estate Vineyards Ceres Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley $52.00
Andante Vineyard 2021 Aligoté, Van Duzer Corridor $35.00
Andante Vineyard 2021 Estate Reserve No. 6 Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor $60.00
Appassionata Estate 2018 Riesling, Chehalem Mountains $50.00
Aquilini Wines 10,000 Hours 2019 Red Blend, Red Mountain $35.00
Aquilini Wines Chasing Rain 2020 Red Blend, Red Mountain $25.00
Aquilini Wines Chasing Rain 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $25.00
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars 2022 Bacchus Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, White Bluffs $21.00
Armstrong Family Winery 2020 Four Birds Red Wine, Yakima Valley $36.00
Armstrong Family Winery 2020 Scotsman Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills $45.00
August Forest 2022 White Bluffs Riesling, White Bluffs $36.00
August Forest 2021 Eritage Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley $46.00
Bacus Vineyards 2021 Clarion Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains $49.00
Bacus Vineyards 2021 Primeval Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $70.00
Barnard Griffin 2021 Syrah Port, Columbia Valley $21.00
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2019 South Block Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $54.00
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2022 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $25.00
Bryn Mawr Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $30.00
Bryn Mawr Vineyards 2018 Tempranillo, Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley $50.00
Camaraderie Cellars 2018 Crawford Vineyard Malbec, Yakima Valley $31.50
Camaraderie Cellars 2019 Crawford Vineyard Vida Red Wine, Yakima Valley $32.50
Camaraderie Cellars 2020 Chandler Reach Vineyard Sangiovese, Yakima Valley $31.50
Camas Prairie Winery 2022 Palouse Gold Mead Wine, Idaho $14.00
Camas Prairie Winery 2023 Huckleberry Mead Wine, Idaho $15.00
Camas Prairie Winery 2023 Blackberry Mead Wine, Idaho $14.00
Camas Prairie Winery 2022 Strawberry Mead Wine, Idaho $14.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2021 Grenache, Columbia Valley $40.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2019 Dampier Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $38.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 The Daughters’ Reserve, Columbia Valley $58.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2022 Necessity White, Columbia Gorge $32.00
Chris James Cellars 2020 Estate Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton $42.00
Chronos 2021 Riesling, Okanagan Valley $29
Church and State Wines 2019 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley $32.50
Church and State Wines 2018 Meritage, Okanagan Valley $32.50
Convergence Zone Cellars 2021 Virga Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33.00
Convergence Zone Cellars 2019 Squall Line Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $33.00
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2021 Biodynamic Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $25.00
Cooper Mountain Vineyards 2021 Biodynamic Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $30.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2022 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Albariño, Horse Heaven Hills $25.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2021 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Grenache, Horse Heaven Hills $36.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2020 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills
Coyote Canyon Winery 2022 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Life is Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills $21.00
Dahlman Cellars 2021 The Actuary Red Wine, Columbia Valley $35.00
Dahlman Cellars 2021 The Nurse, Columbia Valley $30.00
Dahlman Cellars 2021 Red Bench Red Wine, Columbia Valley $45.00
Dusted Valley Vintners 2019 Southwind Vineyard V.R. Special Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $62.00
Dusted Valley Vintners 2019 Dionysus Vineyard BFM Red Wine, Columbia Valley $55.00
Evolve 2018 Brut Rosé, Okanagan Valley $54.99
Foris Vineyards 2018 Malbec, Rogue Valley $22.00
Foris Vineyards 2022 Estate Pinot Gris, Rogue Valley $17.00
Foris Vineyards 2021 Foris Riesling, Rogue Valley $17.00
Frichette Winery 2020 Merlot, Red Mountain $45.00
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Private Reserve Dry Riesling, Okanagan Valley $16.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Classic Riesling, Okanagan Valley $16.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Rosé, Golden Mile Bench $16.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2022 Gewürztraminer-Schonburger, Golden Mile Bench $18.99
Ghost Hill Cellars 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé, Yamhill-Carlton $25.00
H/H Estates 2020 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Big John Reserve Cab Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $60.00
J. Christopher Wines 2019 Basalte Unfiltered Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $30.00
J. Christopher Wines 2019 Medici Vineyard Unfiltered Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains $70.00
K & M Wines 2021 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley $45.00
Kiona Vineyards 2022 Old Vine Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $19.00
Kiona Vineyards 2021 Estate Lemberger, Red Mountain $19.00
Kiona Vineyards 2018 Estate Cuvée Red Wine, Columbia Valley $19.00
Kiona Vineyards 2022 Estate Rosé of Sangiovese, Red Mountain $25.00
Kiona Vineyards 2021 Estate Sangiovese, Red Mountain $34.00
LA FRENZ Estate Winery 2021 Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Naramata Bench $31.50
LA FRENZ Estate Winery 2022 Alexandria, Naramata Bench $24.50
LA FRENZ Estate Winery 2020 Syrah, Golden Mile Bench and Naramata $31.50
Lagrioth Winery 2022 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan $32.00
Latah Creek Wine Cellars 2022 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley $16.00
Latah Creek Wine Cellars NV Maywine Premium White Wine with Strawberry & Woodruff, Washington $17.00
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Syrah, Red Mountain $45.00
Lightning Rock Winery 2021 Elysia Vineyard Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley $38.00
Lightning Rock Winery 2021 Canyonview Vineyard Blanc de Noirs, Okanagan Valley $40.00
Lightning Rock Winery 2021 Elysia Vineyard Blanc de Noirs, Okanagan Valley $40.00
Lone Birch 2022 Estate Pinot Gris, Yakima Valley $12.00
LOVE THAT RED Winery 2017 Fillies & Mares Grenache, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater $55.00
Marginalia Winery 2018 Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley $26.00
McWatters Collection 2011 Harry’s Apera White Port, Okanagan Valley $34.99
Mercer Bros. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $21.00
Mercer Bros. 2021 Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills $16.99
Mercer Estates Winery 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $45.00
Mercer Estates Winery 2019 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $35.00
Mercer Estates Winery 2019 Small Lot Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $35.00
Meyer Family Vineyards 2022 McLean Creek Road Vineyard B Field Blend Pinot Noir, Okanagan Falls $31.30
Moon Curser Vineyards 2021 Border Vines Red Wine, Okanagan Valley $32.99
Moon Curser Vineyards 2022 Heist Rosé, Okanagan Valley $26.99
Moon Curser Vineyards 2021 Syrah, Okanagan Valley $32.99
Moon Curser Vineyards 2022 Roussanne Marsanne, Okanagan Valley $26.99
Mt. Hood Winery N/V Summit Red Wine, Columbia Valley $30.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé, Columbia Gorge $28.00
Mt. Hood Winery N/V Brut, Columbia Gorge $52.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2022 Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge $38.00
Owen Roe 2019 Sinister Hand Red Wine, Columbia Valley $28.00
Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22
Palencia Wine Co. 2020 El Viñador Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $45
Palencia Wine Co. 2020 El Viñador Petit Verdot, Wahluke Slope $40
Palencia Wine Co. 2021 Casa Amarilla Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley $36
Pike Road Wines 2022 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $22.00
Sagemoor Estates 2022 Estate White Blend, White Bluffs $20.00
Sagemoor Estates 2020 Without Rehearsal, White Bluffs $28.00
Sagemoor Estates 2018 Stars in a Row Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $65.00
Sagemoor Estates 2021 Weinbau Vineyard Codebreaker Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre, Columbia Valley $45.00
Schultz Glory Oaks 2018 Rock Tempranillo, Applegate Valley $34.00
Silverback Wines 2021 Ridge Runner Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $32.00
Silverback Wines 2021 Uptown Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $32.00
Silverback Wines 2022 Ridge Runner Pinot Noir Blanc, Willamette Valley $36.00
Silverback Wines 2021 Uptown Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $25.00
Silverback Wines 2021 Ridge Runner Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2022 Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard Albariño, Okanagan Falls $26.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2020 Stag’s Hollow Vineyard Renaissance Merlot, Okanagan Falls $42.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2022 Tragically Vidal, Okanagan Falls $20.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2021 Heritage Block Red Wine, British Columbia $30.00
Stemilt Creek Winery 2019 Estate Transforming Traditions Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $32.00
The Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai 2021 Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Laurelwood District $48.00
The Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai 2021 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Laurelwood District $58.00
Three of Cups 2021 Le Hierophant Chardonnay, Lake Chelan $22.00
Three of Cups 2020 La Monde Malbec, Columbia Valley $23.00
Three of Cups 2019 Heart of the Hill Vineyard Le Croyant Petite Sirah, Red Mountain $28.00
Three of Cups 2022 Le Voeu Sauvignon Blanc, Royal Slope $20.00
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2020 Provence Series Merlot, Okanagan Valley $29.97
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2019 Seven Stars Polaris Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $39.97
Two Bad Labs Vineyard 2022 Sèmillon, Lewis-Clark Valley $25.00
Two Bad Labs Vineyard 2022 Fume Blanc, Lewis-Clark Valley $25.00
Vino la Monarcha 2021 Malbec, Royal Slope $26
Vino la Monarcha 2020 Merlot, Royal Slope $22
Williamson Vineyards 2020 Windmill Red, Snake River Valley $33.60
Wilridge Vineyard Winery & Distillery 2019 Estate Nebbiolo, Naches Heights $42.00
Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery 2020 Biodynamic Estate Merlot, Naches Heights $40.00
Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery 2020 Estate Barbera, Naches Heights $40.00
Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery 2018 Estate Sangiovese, Naches Heights $40.00
Winescape Wines 2022 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain $26.00
Winescape Wines 2019 Malbec, Red Mountain $34.00
Winescape Wines 2020 Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley $35.00
Winescape Wines 2019 GSM, Columbia Valley $39.00
Winescape Wines 2020 Marmot Incarnate Red Wine, Red Mountain $36.00
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2016 Estate Tall Poppy Pinot Noir McMinnville $75.00
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2017 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, McMinnville $45.00
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2021 Estate Pinot Noir, McMinnville $35.00
Zerba Cellars 2019 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $40.00
Zerba Cellars 2020 Estate Wild Z Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley $25.00
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