While Charlie Lybecker labels this as Cinsault, it’s really a deliciously intriguing collection of Rhône varieties as Cinsault (75%) is backed up by single-digit fractions of Counoise, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre in equal amounts. Two premier sites in the Yakima Valley — Boushey and Meek — each make up half of the final blend, which casts off aromas of spicy cranberry, … [Read more...] about Cairdeas Winery 2014 Cinsault, Yakima Valley, $34
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Candy Mountain Vineyard Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39
The trio of vintner Marty Clubb, winemaker Mike Sharon and vineyard manager Tom Waliser combines for their successful second vintage of Candy Mountain Vineyard Red Wine. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot is a mirror of the debut bottling from the 2010 vintage, and harvest was wrapped up for the Cab by Sept. 20 — two weeks sooner than during the cool vintage … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Candy Mountain Vineyard Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39
3 generations inspire award-winning wines at Wild Goose Vineyards
An exciting breeze from the north swept over last week’s fifth annual Cascadia Wine Competition when the 2016 Pinot Gris from Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia took top honors as best of show. The nationwide panel of 21 judges met at the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Ore., and awarded eight gold medals to Wild Goose wines, including … [Read more...] about 3 generations inspire award-winning wines at Wild Goose Vineyards
Northwest Cellars 2013 Fortissimo Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $24
Syrah often is the secret sauce behind many of the Pacific Northwest’s top proprietary red blends, and the winemaking tandem of Robert Delf and Robert Smasne make it the lead grape (60%) in this blend from Spofford Station, Tasawik and Verhey vineyards. That Rhône red allows for aromas of Marionberry syrup, cola, toast and white pepper with a hint of game. Inside, there’s more … [Read more...] about Northwest Cellars 2013 Fortissimo Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $24
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Estate Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $39
A growing number of Southern Oregon producers offer three or more styles of Tempranillo. Stephen Reustle takes it up a notch with this extremely cellar-worthy example. It’s one of four examples, and it’s a blend of clone 01 and clone 3. The theme is one of black currant and cherry with touches of lavender, lilac, black olive and light toast. Pomegranate acidity and plum skin … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Estate Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $39