This classic Bordeaux-style blend is one of the top wines this year in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to winning this double gold, it also earned a gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in January. It is a pretty wine with aromas of strawberry, vanilla and hing, followed by brooding flavors of black currant, black olive and plum. It’s all … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2013 Meritage, Columbia Valley, $42
Walla Walla winemaking class creates pied de cuve for Carmenere
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Somehow, I have become the Voodoo Mistress of the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program. And when I say voodoo, I mean pied de cuve. And when I say pied de cuve, I mean making a starter out of native yeasts so that wine can be made without the addition of packaged yeast. But let’s begin at the beginning. The secret life of … [Read more...] about Walla Walla winemaking class creates pied de cuve for Carmenere
L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee, Walla Walla Valley, $54
Walla Walla Valley leader Marty Clubb celebrates the 20th anniversary of his inaugural production of Apogee, which goes down in history as the inaugural wine produced from Norm McKibben’s now-acclaimed Pepper Bridge Vineyard. It’s created in the style of a Left Bank blend from Bordeaux, leading with Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and followed by contributions of Merlot (20%), Malbec … [Read more...] about L’Ecole No. 41 2013 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee, Walla Walla Valley, $54
Westport Winery 2014 Discovery Vineyard Surfer Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
The Roberts family continues to develop its coastal resort that is King 5 Evening Magazine’s three-time defending champion Best Northwest Wine Destination Tour, and the clan retain memories of its former life on Maui with this stunning Syrah from one of Washington’s most promising vineyards. Aromas of plum, Bing cherry and blueberry include accents of sage, mint, spice and … [Read more...] about Westport Winery 2014 Discovery Vineyard Surfer Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills, $28
Tucannon Cellars 2012 Barrel Racer Red, Columbia Valley, $29
Red Mountain recently added another father/son winemaking team — Phil and Ethen Warren — and they’ve combined for this intense yet easy-drinking blend of Cabernet Franc (35%), Syrah (30%), Merlot (30%) and Petit Verdot (5%). Enticing tones of cocoa-dusted Chukar Cherry, blueberry, plum and vanilla are packaged within mild tannins. Finishing notes of Rainier cherry and rhubarb … [Read more...] about Tucannon Cellars 2012 Barrel Racer Red, Columbia Valley, $29