Syrah is the third-most-popular red wine grape in Washington, and it continues to gain traction even as Syrah sales have slowed internationally. This is a delicious example that should have no trouble attracting wine lovers, thanks to aromas of spice, cedar, blueberry and blackberry. On the palate, it is a rich, complex red with notes of mocha, black licorice, vanilla extract … [Read more...] about Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $24
Roller Girl 2013 Jammer Red, Walla Walla County, $18
College Cellars alumna Tanya Woodley recently doubled production for SuLei Cellars, and the success of her entry-level Roller Girl Jammer Red is powering much of that growth. She admits that her goal for this blend of Merlot (43%), Cabernet Franc (31%) and Cabernet Sauvignon is one of approachability. It finds the mark, thanks in part to vineyards Les Collines and Lodmell. The … [Read more...] about Roller Girl 2013 Jammer Red, Walla Walla County, $18
Nicole Reese Wines 2013 Syrah, Oregon, $22
Elisabeth Grunwald graduated from Umpqua Community College’s Southern Oregon Wine Institute and transitioned into the assistant winemaking position at Pallet Wine Co., in Medford. The Chicago native has proven to be a quick study with her own young brand, Nicole Reese, named after her two children. And she’s earned a helping hand from Pallet owner Linda Donovan, whose sister … [Read more...] about Nicole Reese Wines 2013 Syrah, Oregon, $22
Kiona Vineyards & Winery 2012 Carménère, Red Mountain, $35
The Williams family grows 5 acres of this little-known red Bordeaux variety on its Heart of the Hill Vineyard, and it makes for one of Washington state’s largest bottlings. This balanced vintage creates classic Carm aromas of sweet herbs and moist potting soil with fruity notes of Marionberry, black currant and spicy chocolate. And it carries Red Mountain character with black … [Read more...] about Kiona Vineyards & Winery 2012 Carménère, Red Mountain, $35
Battle Creek Cellars 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $26
Sarah Cabot denotes her first crush as Precept’s lead winemaker in Oregon with this dark, rich and juicy Pinot Noir from four estate vineyards. The major contributor is the namesake Battle Creek Vineyard, a 110-acre site south of Salem in the Cascade Foothills, with contributions from nearby Waldo Hills, Roe on Ribbon Ridge and Yamhela in Yamhill-Carlton. If offers aromas of … [Read more...] about Battle Creek Cellars 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $26