Empire State native Brad Binko turned his back on the life of a somm for that of a winemaker, and the recent grad from College Cellars in Walla Walla now earns high marks outside of the classroom with much of his juice. This Carm is an amped-up Cabernet Franc, offering a big nose rub of cigar leaf, green peppercorn and clove NECCO wafer backed by blueberry. On the attack, … [Read more...] about Drink Washington State 2014 Enjoy Walla Walla Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $26
Abacela NV Estate Vintner’s Blend #16, Umpqua Valley, $18
The robust Spanish grape Tempranillo is the historic headliner at storied Abacela in Southern Oregon, and so it understandably makes up essentially half of this Mediterranean-style blend that calls upon 11 varieties. Syrah is the next grape up (21%) for winemaker Andrew Wenzl, who used it to create remarkable balance while toning down the tannins. There’s still ample grip, yet … [Read more...] about Abacela NV Estate Vintner’s Blend #16, Umpqua Valley, $18
Le Cadeau Vineyard 2015 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $38
Tom Mortimer’s vines on the southern edge of Parrett Mountain have entered their third decade of life, and this bottling represents a blend through the 16-acre vineyard which he found thanks to Harry Peterson-Nedry of Chehalem Wines fame. The nose shows the ripeness of the historically hot 2015 vintage, offering black cherry, cola and Graham cracker notes with forest floor and … [Read more...] about Le Cadeau Vineyard 2015 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $38
California scientists share research with Walla Walla wine students
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — The official word from the Washington State Wine Commission is that Washington enjoyed a record grape crop in 2016. Growers and winemakers alike were thrilled with the 270,000-ton harvest, which far surpassed 2014’s record of 227,000 tons. The entire growing year was unusual, beginning with the earliest-ever start to the growing season. Washington … [Read more...] about California scientists share research with Walla Walla wine students
Isenhower Cellars 2014 El Conquistador Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $34
Walla Walla Valley winemaker Brett Isenhower develops his El Conquistador blend as a tribute to the Iberian Peninsula, using Tempranillo (70%) from nearby Les Collines Vineyard with Mourvedre from The Benches (26%) near the confluence of the Walla Walla and Columbia rivers, and a dab of Syrah from Olsen Ranch Vineyard. Tempranillo, an early ripening grape, was the first to be … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2014 El Conquistador Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $34