Believe it or not, this is one of the more expensive wines at this ultra-boutique winery in Walla Walla near the KUJ radio tower west of town. The fruit comes from Les Collines, a large Salmon Safe vineyard south of town. It opens with a nice hit of char, bacon bits, blackberry, chocolate-covered blueberries, vanilla bean and black tea. There's a jammy concentration to the … [Read more...] about Grantwood Winery 2011 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $16
Waterbrook Winery 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $24
One of Washington state's top brands has released another classic Cab worthy of a spot on anyone's table or cellar — and one that shouldn't be too difficult to find. It starts with Doval Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and includes Yakima Valley sites Blackrock, Canyon Vineyard Ranch and Elephant Mountain. The nose hints at elegance from the start with cherry jam on toast, … [Read more...] about Waterbrook Winery 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $24
Browne Family Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35
Precept CEO Andrew Browne and Waterbrook winemaker John Freeman invested in fruit from Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills in the Walla Walla Valley — an expense beyond their estate vineyards — for this expressive Cab. And use of a 58% new French oak program brings out aromas of chocolate and vanilla in front of plums and cherry. The palate carries big black fruit flavors of dark … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35
Airfield Estates 2010 Aviator, Yakima Valley, $35
The patriotic history surrounding the Miller family farm dates to its use as a World War II airbase, created to protect the Hanford Site and its clandestine mission from aerial attack. The Millers focus this blend of five Bordeaux varieties around Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) and Merlot (27%), and it takes off with aromas of raspberry jam, cherry bitters, Milk Duds, cinnamon bark … [Read more...] about Airfield Estates 2010 Aviator, Yakima Valley, $35
Pine & Post Winery 2011 Merlot, Washington, $7
Best Buy! There's not a lot of complexity from this lower-tier Precept label, but the yummy factor is rather high with this release, which includes Charbonneau and Wallula vineyards in its pedigree. Aromas bring hints of red currant, lime, vanilla, rose hips and lilac. The flavor profile is smooth with flavors of blackberry, strawberry, blueberry and chocolate. The amount of … [Read more...] about Pine & Post Winery 2011 Merlot, Washington, $7