Few grow red wine grapes better than Dick Boushey. He has been farming wine grapes north of Grandview in the heart of Washington's Yakima Valley for three decades, and Syrah is especially superb. This wine by Ross Mickel, a Woodinville winemaker, takes full advantage of Boushey's prowess. This opens with aromas of orange zest, fresh plum, dark chocolate and oak. On the palate, … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2009 Boushey Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley, $38
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2010 Bernau Block Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $45
Jim Bernau is the founder and CEO of one of Oregon's largest wineries. He has been involved in the industry since the early 1980s and is one of the great entrepreneurs in the Oregon wine industry. This vineyard-designated bottling pays tribute to him, and it is delicious. It opens with aromas of strawberry, fresh mint, violet and sage. On the palate, it opens with a smooth … [Read more...] about Willamette Valley Vineyards 2010 Bernau Block Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $45
SuLei Cellars 2010 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Les Collines is a top-drawer vineyard near the Oregon state line. It is owned and operated by Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge fame. This wine is crafted by one of the top young producers in the Walla Walla Valley, and this might be its finest to date. It opens with aromas of slate, Baker's chocolate, black pepper, black currant and plum. On the palate, it leads with bold flavors … [Read more...] about SuLei Cellars 2010 Les Collines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $32
Convergence Zone Cellars 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Drizzle, Red Mountain, $19
Pinot Gris is a bit of a rare grape on Red Mountain, whose hot temperatures and high land prices are more conducive to red wine grapes. However, this treat from Convergence Zone Cellars in Woodinville might have some rethinking that strategy. It opens with aromas of nectarine, pear and lime, followed by explosive flavors of grapefruit, peach and crisp apple. It has great … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Drizzle, Red Mountain, $19
Nodland Cellars 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Spokane vintner Tim Nodland blended 90% Cabernet Sauvignon from highly regarded Pepper Bridge Vineyard with 10% Petit Verdot from Seven Hills to craft a delicious high-end red. This opens with aromas of plum, black cherry and vanilla, followed by flavors of black currant, dark chocolate and exotic spices. It's a gentle wine with pleasant structure and is ready to drink … [Read more...] about Nodland Cellars 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38