This fortified blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot provides much of what red Port-style enthusiasts seek, a sipper that’s dark but not ponderous or cloying. Lewis-Clark Valley vintner Rick Wasem achieves all of those as strawberry jam and cherry syrup are wrapped up inside nicely integrated alcohol and carried to the long finish with brightness to balance the residual sugar (10%). … [Read more...] about Basalt Cellars 2018 Dessert Wine, Yakima Valley $28
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2019 South Block Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $54
For the second vintage in a row, Neil and Sue Shay, along with Nick Cheatham, can take pride that their South Block project produced a Platinum Award from Great Northwest Wine. It’s a blend of Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777 all harvested by Oct. 1 and pulled at 22 Brix, which indicates they are looking for long-term success in the cellar. Yet, it’s obviously showing beautifully … [Read more...] about Bluebird Hill Cellars 2019 South Block Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $54
Rolling Hills Vineyard 2018 Bleu Mascot Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley/Snake River Valley $36
The Pasculli family honors the life of their beloved golden retriever — Bleu — with this blend of Malbec (51%) and Cabernet Sauvignon that includes Walla Walla Valley grapes. Consulting winemaker Angela Shaltry played a role in this sultry, herby and balanced drink of black cherry and blackberry that picks up sage and black peppercorns. A Snake River Valley animal shelter … [Read more...] about Rolling Hills Vineyard 2018 Bleu Mascot Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley/Snake River Valley $36
Moon Curser Vineyards 2021 Arneis, Okanagan Valley $26.99
The fact that Arneis in Italian translates to “little rascal” probably makes it even more endearing to fun-loving and sometimes irreverent folks at Moon Curser. Their expression with this white grape accents the yellow orchard fruit and jasmine notes. Melon and kiwi fruit add some fleshiness to the midpalate, then there’s a zesty finish of Meyer lemon that still allows for … [Read more...] about Moon Curser Vineyards 2021 Arneis, Okanagan Valley $26.99
Maryhill Winery 2019 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills $52
Joe Hattrup’s remarkable site above the Yakima Valley has been featured as a vineyard-designated wine for eight recent Platinum winners by Maryhill winemaker Richard Batchelor. And for Cab, this is the second time in three years. The 21 months in 85% new French oak helps build enticing aromas of Mexican molé spices to go along with a dark black fruit core, fennel and a finish … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery 2019 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills $52