This historic little schoolhouse in Lowden, Wash., is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Marty Clubb's proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot also is built for the long haul. Heady aromas of fresh boysenberry, cherry preserves, lavender, lilac and cedar are transformed into a creamy entry of plum sauce … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Perigee, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Airfield Estates 2011 Mustang, Yakima Valley, $28
The Miller family's wine tribute to the fighter-bomber that helped the U.S. claim air supremacy in World War II is a winning blend of Rhône varieties. The Syrah (72%) comes from their Blackrock Vineyard, supported by Grenache (18%) and Mourvèdre. There's a spicy and savory theme to the nose of ripe strawberry, blueberry, cocoa powder, bay rum and sage, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2011 Mustang, Yakima Valley, $28
O•S Winery 2010 Red, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! The winemaking Bill Owen and his business partner Rob Sullivan began setting the standard for Seattle's urban wine scene in 1997, and they continue to operate the winery in an industrial park across the Duwamish Waterway from Boeing Field. The blend of Bordeaux varieties leads with Cabernet Franc (45%), which helps explain aromas of fresh-picked cherry, fresh … [Read more...] about O•S Winery 2010 Red, Columbia Valley, $15
WildAire Cellars 2011 Timothy Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $23
Three of the Willamette Valley's top sustainably farmed vineyards — Clay Court, Illahe and Zenith — come together for a blend of Dijon and Pommard clones that's focused on darker fruit tones. The nose brings plum, blueberry and elderberry, backed by earthiness and oregano. Rich flavors of Chukar Cherry and more elderberry bring some nutmeg into the equation, which is finished … [Read more...] about WildAire Cellars 2011 Timothy Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $23
Artisanal Wine Cellars 2010 Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Tom and Patricia Feller in Newberg, Ore., source some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the nearby Dundee Hills for a delicious, food-friendly release that indicates its sense of place. This appellation's high-toned red fruit comes across with the first whiff of pie cherry and cranberry, backed by President plum and chocolate-covered pomegranate seed. The drink shows a fair bit … [Read more...] about Artisanal Wine Cellars 2010 Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34