KELOWNA, British Columbia - Many people say that good wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar. But when David Paterson, general manager and winemaker of Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna, British Columbia says it, it’s with a passion that lets you know he really means it. Paterson, who came to Tantalus in 2009, was born in Vancouver B.C. but grew up in New Zealand. He … [Read more...] about Paterson takes Tantalus Vineyards to another level
Ross Andrew Winery 2013 Boushey Vineyard The 15th Vintage Syrah, Columbia Valley, $30
Ross Andrew Mickel hails his 15th vintage of working with Dick Boushey’s highly coveted fruit, and the Oct. 16 pick of the subsequent 10 barrels spent 16 months in French wood. It’s fruit-forward, creamy and bright as a result, opening with a nose of blueberry licorice, Orange Creamsicle, black cherry and chalkboard dust. Inside, there a marvelous blend of blueberry and … [Read more...] about Ross Andrew Winery 2013 Boushey Vineyard The 15th Vintage Syrah, Columbia Valley, $30
Panther Creek Cellars 2014 French Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $35
Washington viticulturist Damon Lalonde presented some of the state’s oldest Chardonnay to winemaker Tony Rynders, who shines with these Wente clone vines established near Prosser in 1981. Once in the Willamette Valley, Rynders devoted 16 months to a barrel program of 28% new French oak. That helps give it a theme of light toast, pear and Golden Delicious apple with pleasant … [Read more...] about Panther Creek Cellars 2014 French Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $35
Delfino Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Umpqua Valley, $28
Southern Oregon grower/winemaker Jim Delfino established his reputation with big and spicy Tempranillo, and he excels with this Cabernet Sauvignon project he collaborated on with Denise Aaron. Dark toast and bittersweet chocolate aromas are signs of his program with 25% new French oak, which allows for ripe black cherry, cinnamon, rose petal and crushed cinder notes. There are … [Read more...] about Delfino Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Umpqua Valley, $28
Oregon Riesling, we wish there was more
One of the shames in Northwest wine country is Oregon Riesling. Because of the dominance of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, it simply is not economically feasible to plant Riesling. When you taste a delicious Oregon Riesling, you'll find out what we're being deprived of. Here are eight examples of Oregon Riesling we've tasted recently. Ask for them at your favorite wine … [Read more...] about Oregon Riesling, we wish there was more