Owner/winemaker Rick Johnson relies on Cabernet Sauvignon harvest Oct. 25 from Faces Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley’s Mill Creek district for this balanced red that includes Merlot (10%) and Petit Verdot (10%). The use of 50% new French oak helps make for lovely cola, Bing cherry and blueberry tones with hints of minerality. Its structure leads with bright cherry … [Read more...] about Walla Faces 2013 Janice Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $49
Henry Estate Winery 2015 Müller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $15
Best Buy! The Henry family continues to produce one of the most consistently delicious examples of Müller-Thurgau grown in the Pacific Northwest. Their work in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley allows them to hang 6 tons per acre and pick it well below 24 Brix, allowing them to develop aromas of Pink Lady apple, pear and clove with touches of Jolly Rancher grape candy and … [Read more...] about Henry Estate Winery 2015 Müller-Thurgau, Umpqua Valley, $15
Claar Cellars 2013 White Bluffs Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $22
Veteran Columbia Valley winemaker Joe Hudon presents this estate Cabernet Sauvignon in a bright food-friendly, Old World fashion from the Claar-Whitelatch family’s sustainably farmed vineyard overlooking the Columbia River. The use of mature oak allows for aromas of plum and blackberry tea, which are backed by chalkboard dust, crushed leaf and red pepper flakes. Cherries and … [Read more...] about Claar Cellars 2013 White Bluffs Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $22
Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Washington
In Washington state, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. More acreage than any other variety, more retail value than any other wine, and more tons crushed each fall. And the classic Bordeaux red makes arguably Washington's best wines. Here are a dozen delicious examples we've tasted recently - all of which have earned our top "Outstanding!" rating in blind tastings. … [Read more...] about Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Washington
Armonéa Winery 2014 Summit Vineyard Estate Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, $20
Summit Vineyard is a bucolic 5-acre planting that’s among the first in the Dundee Hills, established in 1970 surrounding the 115-year-old building that now serves as Wine Country Farm B&B. A horse-drawn cart transports the grapes to the winery and adds some charm to the operation headed by Alberto Alcazar. His latest estate Pinot Gris is presented in a slightly off-dry … [Read more...] about Armonéa Winery 2014 Summit Vineyard Estate Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, $20