Charlie “Wine Boss” Hoppes works with Fredric and Ana Stern on their young project near the Columbia River resort community of Orondo, Wash., and the Richland winemaker pulled from rising star Red Heaven Vineyard for this chocolaty Syrah. The 22-month program in both French and American oak builds aromas of Chukar Cherry, blackberry and cola, which lead to bright flavors of … [Read more...] about Noviello Vineyards 2014 Syrah, Red Mountain, $48
TruthTeller Winery 2014 Pun Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Few red blends in the Northwest are drinking as well as Chris Loeliger’s 2014 Pun, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Malbec (32%), Merlot (21%) and Petit Verdot constructed on the shoulders of Red Mountain sites Kiona, Heart of the Hill and MonteScarlatto. There’s density to the nose of dark cherry, blackberry and cocoa powder with a pinch of eucalyptus. Those notes make … [Read more...] about TruthTeller Winery 2014 Pun Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $30
Sparkman Cellars 2014 Wilderness Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
One of Christian Sparkman’s most affordable and available reds also ranks among his best, an Iberian Peninsula-driven blend of Syrah (54%), Petite Sirah (17%) and Grenache (12%) with Portuguese varieties Tempranillo (11%), Souzão (4%) and Touriga Naçional contributing, too. His winemaker, Linn Scott, draws from stellar vineyards such as Boushey, Clifton Hill, Kiona and Olsen to … [Read more...] about Sparkman Cellars 2014 Wilderness Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25
Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, $45
Ryan Patrick winemaker Jeremy Santo pulls from one of Washington’s great vineyards, Elephant Mountain, which stood as the highest-elevation planting at 1,460 when the Hattrup brothers established it above the Yakima Valley in 1998. The site selection proves ideal for hangtime in warm vintages such as 2013 when it was harvested on Oct. 25. Despite its ripeness at 26.5 Brix, this … [Read more...] about Ryan Patrick Vineyards 2013 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, $45
Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2015 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $19
Of the five stand-alone varieties bottled under this second label for Walla Walla’s Dusted Valley, Pinot Gris is the largest component in this 20,000-case Boomtown brand. It’s a delicious, fruity and crisp version of this Burgundian grape. The stainless steel production brings aromas and flavors of pineapple, Uncola and jasmine with tangy tartness and a finish of lemon meringue … [Read more...] about Boomtown by Dusted Valley 2015 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $19