Pharmacist/winemaker Rick Wasem in Clarkston, Wash., shows his knowledge of chemistry with this blend of Grenache (36%) and Mourvèdre (32%) from Gilbert Cellars’ 24K Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope with Syrah not far downstream off Sagemoor’s historic Bacchus Vineyard. Enticing herbal aromas of thyme, California peppercorns and crushed oregano also offer black licorice, raspberry … [Read more...] about Basalt Cellars 2013 GSM, Columbia Valley, $36
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Limited Release StoneTree Vineyard Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $36
Red winemaker Brian Mackey signed off on this dense and opulent Syrah from StoneTree Vineyard, one of the Northwest wine industry’s most prized plantings. The barrel regimen of 58% new French oak yields aromas of heavy toast, dark-roast coffee and white chocolate on top of black cherry. On the rich palate, dark berries take the lead with blackberry and blueberry flavors amid a … [Read more...] about Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Limited Release StoneTree Vineyard Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $36
Pirouette 2013 Red Wine Columbia Valley, $60
Napa icon Agustin Huneeus Sr., was the first winemaking luminary to sign on for the Long Shadows Vintners project, and the Quintessa vintner continues his collaboration with Philippe Melka for this Left Bank-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (12%) and Cabernet Franc. Red Mountain fruit and Sagemoor’s 40-year-old block combine for the backbone … [Read more...] about Pirouette 2013 Red Wine Columbia Valley, $60
Westport Winery Garden Resort 2015 Message in a Bottle, Yakima Valley, $27
Last year, the Roberts family shifted its rosé program from Syrah to Grosso clone Sangiovese, and they collaborated with their friend - Mike Sauer of vaunted Red Willow Vineyard in the eastern foothills of Mount Adams on this continuing project. Its light cherry/dark salmon color opens the window to aromas of watermelon, Rainier cherry and red licorice with sweet herbs, … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Garden Resort 2015 Message in a Bottle, Yakima Valley, $27
DANCIN Vineyards 2014 Élevé Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon, $34
Dan and Cindy Marca near Jacksonville, Ore., step up nearly to the 2,000-foot level on their estate to take fruit for their most recent expression of Elevé. They blend Pommard (67%) and clone 777 berries from blocks 7 and 9, all harvested on Sept. 4, and winemaker Brian Denner cold-soaked the lots for seven days. The result is a wine with subtle spice, forest floor and dark … [Read more...] about DANCIN Vineyards 2014 Élevé Pinot Noir, Southern Oregon, $34