Lewiston, Idaho, natives Jeff Ebel and Mike Yates rely on grapes from Rosebud Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, one of Washington’s oldest vineyards, for most of their production — and especially this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of sweet, dusty herbs, plum and late-summer blackberry give way to flavors of ripe dark fruit backed by a hit of oak and firm tannins. This … [Read more...] about Vine 46 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $32
Roundtable discussion with next generation of women winemakers
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Great Northwest Wine recently met with a group of first-year students in Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program to talk with them about how they see their futures as women winemakers. The students were Annie Martz, 27; Ellie Davidson, 20; Cheri Cassidey, 55; Bailey Bromiley, 20; and Devyani Gupta, 23. The idea for this … [Read more...] about Roundtable discussion with next generation of women winemakers
Open Air 2015 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $18
This Chardonnay is part of a new label for Ste. Chapelle. Longtime winemaker Maurine Johnson, who resigned this past summer and moved to Hogue Cellars in Washington, crafted this in a fresh style that could be likened to white Burgundy. Aromas of limestone, almond and Golden Delicious apple give way to flavors of fresh orchard fruit and just a whisper of oak. It was voted not … [Read more...] about Open Air 2015 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $18
Seven of Hearts 2014 Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $35
Few winemakers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley explore as many growing regions, vineyards and varieties at Byron Dooley from his McMinnville facility. He’s focused on the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area for his own Luminous Hills Vineyard and label, but here he pulls from Armstrong Vineyard in the Northwest’s smallest AVA — Ribbon Ridge — for this bright Pinot Noir. … [Read more...] about Seven of Hearts 2014 Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $35
Baer Winery 2013 Callisto Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39
The Baers and winemaker Erica Orr continue to showcase Stillwater Creek Vineyard and remain committed to the formula of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Syrah (40%) and Petit Verdot, which saw 22 months in all French oak - half of which were new Demptos barrels. Those wood nuances make for a beautiful nose of dusty purple fruit, cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate, which leads to … [Read more...] about Baer Winery 2013 Callisto Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $39