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
Northwest Tempranillos gaining steam
In the Pacific Northwest, the noble Spanish variety Tempranillo is practically becoming mainstream, thanks to producers such as Abacela, Reustle and Red Lily in the Umpqua Valley of Southern Oregon. The Northwest's first Tempranillo was planted in the Yakima Valley's Red Willow Vineyards more than 20 years ago, and today it has spread throughout the Pacific Northwest, … [Read more...] about Northwest Tempranillos gaining steam
Martin-Scott Winery 2014 Raven Ridge Red, Columbia Valley, $28
The husband/wife team of Mike and Judi Scott work with two of Washington state’s best sites for this wine - Cabernet Sauvignon (61%) from Shaw Vineyard on Red Mountain and Syrah (39%) off Jones Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. There’s a big whiff of vanilla bean in the nose that’s joined by blackberry pie, sweet pipe tobacco and moist clay. The fluid carries pleasing viscosity … [Read more...] about Martin-Scott Winery 2014 Raven Ridge Red, Columbia Valley, $28
Columbia Winery NV Composition Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $17
Gallo’s Washington state program continues to grow, and yet its Composition remains a great value. Sean Hails now makes more 250,000 cases from his Sunnyside production facility, and his latest edition of Composition is based on Syrah (70%), with Malbec (13%), Petit Verdot (5%), Merlot and Mourvèdre making small contributions. Aromas of sweet black fruit come with the gaminess … [Read more...] about Columbia Winery NV Composition Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $17
Robert Ramsay Cellars 2012 La Previa Red Wine, Snipes Mountain, $35
There’s no such thing as a “Super Rhône” blend, but Bob Harris’ Woodinville brand has developed an incredibly delicious Priorat-inspired blend from Upland Vineyard of Grenache (50%) and Counoise (25%) with a healthy contribution of Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) that broadens out the palate. Wide-ranging fruity aromas of cordial cherry, red currant and cranberry are joined by white … [Read more...] about Robert Ramsay Cellars 2012 La Previa Red Wine, Snipes Mountain, $35