Retired pharmacists Brett and Denise Isenhower recently rolled out this remarkable and affordable Cabernet Franc from two of the Yakima Valley’s prized vineyards — Dineen in the Rattlesnake Hills and Olsen Brothers Ranch near Prosser. It’s an even blend of the two sites, showcasing aromas of green peppercorns, dark plum, blackberry and toast. Inside, it’s juicy and balanced … [Read more...] about Isenhower Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $19
College Cellars 2014 Cockburn Ranch Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $26
While some of the credit goes to instructors Tim Donahue and Sabrina Lueck, the success of College Cellars wines starts with growers. In this case, it’s Cecil Zerba, who owns Cockburn Ranch Vineyard and sold this lot on Sept. 18, 2014. Attractive aromas of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate lead to a round and rich drink of Marionberry, boysenberry and Devil’s Food … [Read more...] about College Cellars 2014 Cockburn Ranch Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $26
Buty Winery 2013 Rockgarden Estate Rediviva of the Stones Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $60
If she and winemaker Chris Dowsett wanted, Nina Buty could legally label this longtime proprietary blend as Syrah (80%), yet they continue to enjoy what Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) and Mourvèdre (6%) bring to the blending bench. And 100% of it is pulled from their certified-organic Rockgarden Estate Vineyard in The Rocks District, where they grow three clones — Joseph Phelps, … [Read more...] about Buty Winery 2013 Rockgarden Estate Rediviva of the Stones Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $60
Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $99
Some of the state’s oldest vines go into this Cab, one of the region’s most age-worthy wines year after year. The product of old vines at Champoux Vineyard and Sagemoor Vineyard incorporates Petit Verdot (10%) and Syrah (3%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard. Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry syrup, milk chocolate, cedar and truffle lead to an elegant presentation of … [Read more...] about Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $99
Saviah Cellars 2013 Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Richard Funk, a winemaker and grower along the state line in the Walla Walla Valley, focuses much of his attention on three nearby vineyards - Dugger Creek, Watermill and his own Funk Estate. All three come into play on this expression of Tempranillo, which also includes an influence from Iberian Peninsula varieties Syrah (12%) and Grenache (6%). This barrel program of 17 … [Read more...] about Saviah Cellars 2013 Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, $38