The promise of Syrah grown in the high-elevation of Idaho’s Snake River Valley helped lure Melanie Krause back home to launch her own winery, and her continued excellence with this Rhône variety provides proof. She works with three of the region’s top sites for Syrah — Sawtooth, Skyline and Williamson — and co-ferments with Viognier (5%). There’s also 10 percent of the lot … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $29
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! Each year, Bob Bertheau’s team brings another remarkable — and massive — representation of Cabernet Sauvignon made in Washington. The bountiful 2014 vintage from Ste. Michelle’s growers, which include their own Canoe Ridge Estate, Cold Creek and Indian Wells vineyards, allowed for an additional 112,000 cases — an increase of 34%. Those 14 months resting in oak make … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Okanagan Valley orchardists transition to stellar wines at C.C. Jentsch
[youtube id="FGTi8Ig6d_g" width="620" height="360"] OLIVER, British Columbia — There’s a common belief in Northwest wine industry that if a site produces plump cherries, then it bodes well for wine grapes. That’s certainly played out for Chris and Betty Jentsch in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, who founded C.C. Jentsch Cellars south of Oliver. The Jentsch family … [Read more...] about Okanagan Valley orchardists transition to stellar wines at C.C. Jentsch
Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Riesling “J”, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! One of the Northwest’s premier producers of Riesling recently began labeling its medium dry Riesling as “J” - as in “just right” with regards to the sugar/acid balanced. The packaging remains large the same with the dark orange screwcap and the phoenix circling behind the geisha girl. Beautiful tropical aromas include peaches, rosewater and mint. Those are echoed with … [Read more...] about Pacific Rim Winemakers 2015 Riesling “J”, Columbia Valley, $12
Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17
The Milbrandt team harvested the Cabernet Sauvignon in the second half of October for for its screw-capped Traditions program, and the influence of 20% new American oak shows early and throughout, starting with aromas of blueberry chocolate cake and toast, yet minearlity still filters through. Its texture is redolent of dark purple fruit, akin to plum with pomegranate and a … [Read more...] about Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17