Bunnell Family Cellar, perhaps best known for its outstanding work with Syrah, shows a deft touch here with Cabernet Sauvignon as well. The Prosser winery team, led by Ron Bunnell, brought in grapes from Painted Hills Vineyard, which overlooks the Yakima Valley, and the result is a wine rich in aromas and deep flavors of blackberries, plums and cassis. It finishes long and … [Read more...] about Bunnell Family Cellar 2013 Painted Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48
Silvara Vineyards 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32
Vintner Gary Seidler is taking his Leavenworth winery to new levels, particularly with his red wines. This remarkable Merlot uses grapes from Candy Mountain, a hill in the eastern Yakima Valley that is similar to nearby Red Mountain. It opens with aromas of toasted oak, bright berry and red cherry and hints of vanilla. This leads to complex flavors of black cherry, ripe … [Read more...] about Silvara Vineyards 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32
Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30
Owner Mike Thiede grows his fruit and makes his wine along the Columbia River near the dusty town of Mattawa on the Wahluke Slope. In the past few years, Ginkgo Forest has developed into one of the best little wineries in region, and this delicious Cab Franc is another example of why. Aromas of cedar, red currant and black cherry lead to flavors of blueberry, dried herbs and … [Read more...] about Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30
Horan Estates Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $24
Horan Estates launched in 2003 using grapes primarily from the Royal Slope area of the Frenchman Hills. With a tasting room in the town of Cashmere, Horan sells most of its wine directly to consumers. This beautiful Merlot offers aromas of cedar, mint and raspberry, followed by elegant flavors of Rainier cherry, red plum and raspberry. It’s all backed by bright acidity and mild … [Read more...] about Horan Estates Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $24
Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Roussanne, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25
This longtime winery overlooks the Columbia River next to the world-famous Gorge Amphitheater (which was founded by Cave B’s owners). Roussanne still is a bit unusual in Washington, but the white Rhône Valley grape is revealing great promise in arid Eastern Washington. This is a beautifully crafted wine with hints of unsweetened ice tea and spiced pear, followed by flavors of … [Read more...] about Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Roussanne, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25