Quite a neighborhood has sprung up around the Gladhart farm in Dayton, Ore., which the family started in 1961. Their 35-acre estate vineyard, certified as sustainable in 1999, is bordered by Domaine Serene, Stoller and Vista Hills, and this release from a nerve-wracking vintage certainly stands alongside those producers. It’s classic Dundee Hills from start to finish, opening … [Read more...] about Winter’s Hill Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $34
Saggi 2009 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
The Folonari family of Tuscany increased the amount of Sangiovese (62%) from two Yakima Valley sites — Candy Mountain and Boushey — for its latest edition of the Super Tuscan-style blend as part of the Long Shadows Vintners program. The 18 months in new French oak (55%) helps account for aromas of cherry chocolate cake, cassis, pomegranate, black pepper and saddle leather. It's … [Read more...] about Saggi 2009 Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $45
House Wine 2011 Mountain Merlot, Columbia Valley, $11
Best Buy! Walla Walla wine rocker Charles Smith launched The Magnificent Wine Co. brand in 2004 as a value label, and two years later he partnered with Seattle-based Precept Wine. There's no pretense about these wines, which are widely distributed, easy to pick out on store shelves and open with a twist of a cap. This easy-to-enjoy Merlot sends out aromas of dark cherries, … [Read more...] about House Wine 2011 Mountain Merlot, Columbia Valley, $11
Oak Knoll Winery NV Marion bèrree Marionberry Wine, Oregon, $14
Oregonians are proud — rightly so — of the Marionberry, developed in 1956 by Oregon State University and tested in nearby Marion County. Hence the name. The folks at Oak Knoll Winery in Hillsboro have embraced "the Cabernet of blackberries," and do a delicious job creating dessert wine from it. It's difficult to discern the aromas from those of raspberry, and the wine also … [Read more...] about Oak Knoll Winery NV Marion bèrree Marionberry Wine, Oregon, $14
Abacela NV Vintner’s Blend #13, Southern Oregon, $15
Best Buy! There's an Iberian profile to this robust red, and it will stand up nicely on any night with Mediterranean fare. An estate blend that's led by Tempranillo (44%), it's backed by eight other varieties, including Syrah (17%), Merlot (16%), Malbec, Dolcetto, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Tannat. The nose brings black cherry cola, plums, allspice and … [Read more...] about Abacela NV Vintner’s Blend #13, Southern Oregon, $15