Brian Carter Cellars 2018 Trentenaire Bordeaux Style Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $50

For the second straight year, Woodinville, Wash., winemaker Brian Carter reeled in a Platinum for the Petit Verdot-led blend he names for a French reference to 30 years. Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree Vineyard along the upper reaches of the Wahluke Slope contributes the lion’s share of the Petit Verdot, which makes up 57% of the finished wine, followed by Merlot (18%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Malbec (3%). Complex aromas of black fruits, sage, tobacco, leather and bell pepper carry into flavors of plum, black cherry, black pepper, bay leaf and sage. Broad tannins and ample acidity combine for a predictably full-bodied red. Qualifying awards: Sunset International (gold), Pacific Northwest (gold)

Rating: Platinum • 93 points

Production: 313 cases

Alcohol: 14.6%

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