Idaho vintner Gary Cunningham continues to sell more wine than he can get grapes for in the Snake River Valley, so he works with Sunnyslope winemaker Greg Koenig to blend Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) from Washington’s Columbia Valley for this delicious bottling. Aromas of red cherry, crushed raspberry and fresh strawberry lead to flavors of bright red fruit along with … [Read more...] about 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2014 Merlot Cabernet Franc, Washington, $21
Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 La Bohème Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $60
Perhaps no vineyard in the Elk Cove portfolio serves as a better example of the quality and bounty of the 2014 vintage than La Bohème. The site was established in 1985 with cuttings from top-performing Pommard vines across the original estate vineyard that’s just east of the Campbell family’s tasting room in the hills above Gaston, Ore. Second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell … [Read more...] about Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 La Bohème Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, $60
Pepper Bridge Winery teams up with Fat Duck Inn for delicious class
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — You’ve been in those crowded tasting rooms, where folks are elbow to elbow, everyone waiting for their next pour. A few people are loud, having visited several other tastings before this one. Perhaps there are a few crackers or nuts on offer as palate cleansers, perhaps not. The person pouring would love to answer your questions about the growing … [Read more...] about Pepper Bridge Winery teams up with Fat Duck Inn for delicious class
Côtes de Ciel 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
For decades, the Holmes family has been growing powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon for some of Washington’s top winemakers. This marks the second vintage in which they are doing the same under their own flag on Red Mountain. Their latest release is focused on clone 8 Cab via the University of California-Davis, harvested Sept. 29 from a block planted in 2000, a span of 25 … [Read more...] about Côtes de Ciel 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17
It used to be that Washington winemakers wouldn’t start pulling in fruit until after enjoying their Labor Day weekend. In the past few years, they couldn’t afford that luxury, and such was the case with this Aug. 28 harvest of Pinot Gris. The perfumy nose includes hints of Ambrosia Salad with pear, apple, grapefruit and even a pinch of spearmint. On the palate, it comes across … [Read more...] about Kestrel Vintners 2015 Falcon Series Estate Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley, $17