OSOYOOS, British Columbia - Nk’Mip Cellars may be the most unique winery you will ever have the pleasure to visit. It’s the first aboriginal-owned and-operated winery in North America, and a flagship property of the Osoyoos Indian Band — a member of the Okanagan Nation. In the Okanagan language the word Nk’Mip, pronounced inn-kah-MEEP, means “bottomland,” and the winery is … [Read more...] about Okanagan Nation turns Nk’Mip Cellars into Canadian success
Love & Squalor 2012 Antsy Pants Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48
Matt Berson’s popular Antsy Pants tier affords him most exploration, and he capitalized on the classice and abundant 2012 vintage to expand his efforts — and production of his reserve Pinot Noir bottling. His previous release focused on clone 667 fruit from Saikkonen Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge and Pommard off Winter’s Hill in the Dundee Hills. He’s back with both, including two … [Read more...] about Love & Squalor 2012 Antsy Pants Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $48
Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25
Precept Wine CEO Andrew Browne launched this brand in 2005 with just 150 cases, and it’s developed within a decade into a decorated 10,000-case project that’s a worthy tribute to his remarkable grandfather. This is a stunning Cab created by Waterbrook winemaker John Freeman as part of the new Heritage line created and priced for restaurants. He pulled from Precept’s estate … [Read more...] about Browne Family Vineyards 2014 Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $25
Delfino Vineyards 2015 Müller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $22
The Delfinos have earned a reputation of success growing early-ripening Tempranillo, and with Linda Donovan’s winemaking expertise, they also show skill with creating a marvelous Müller-Thurgau in a dry fashion from their Roseburg, Ore., estate. Enticing aromas of pumpkin pie spice and carrot cake include papaya and Fuji apple. They all come through on the palate with a … [Read more...] about Delfino Vineyards 2015 Müller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $22
Coiled Wines 2014 Black Mamba Red Wine, Snake River Valley, $30
Leslie Preston’s powerful blend continues to strike deeply with Petit Verdot, and the Boise winemaker works with Sawtooth and Skyline vineyards near the foothills of the Owyhee Mountains. There’s a dark fruity expression throughout, starting with aromas of blueberry, blackberry and a whiff of Dad’s Root Beer Barrel candy. Vibrant tannins and toasty oak settle in just behind … [Read more...] about Coiled Wines 2014 Black Mamba Red Wine, Snake River Valley, $30