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
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Umiker Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28
The pride and joy of Karl and Coco Umiker’s program is their vineyard within the Lewiston (Idaho) Orchards. It's a 6.5-acre planting in the historic Lewis-Clark Valley, and they established it at 1,350 feet elevation in 2003 on their family’s century farm. The Umikers rely on American oak for much of their winemaking, including their Syrah, choosing 30% new barrels for 17 … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Umiker Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28
Tucannon Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35
Phil Warren continues to make friends among those touring the slopes of Red Mountain, and this example of Cabernet Franc is rather friendly, too. Some examples of this Bordeaux variety offer an abundance of leafy herbal tones, but his blended barrel program of French (25%) and American presents aromas of sweet herbs, cassis, dark raspberry and green peppercorns. It’s a bright … [Read more...] about Tucannon Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $35
Daven Lore Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
The 2012 growing season may well go down as one of the classic vintages of the Washington wine industry in the 21st century, Prosser winemaker Gordon Taylor produced a delicious snapshot by relying on Alder Ridge Vineyard. While he labeled it as Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), there are thoughtful contributions of Cabernet Franc (10) and Petite Sirah (2%) as well as Lonesome Spring … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $29
Verjus adds tart joy to food from unripe wine grapes
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Sour grapes used to be a thing, back in the day. The ancient Romans, renowned for their cultivation of grapes and making of wine, are known to have appreciated tart flavors - and specifically the flavor of the juice of unripe grapes. Far from having today’s connotation of bitter disappointment, in the past sour grapes were considered to be a source of … [Read more...] about Verjus adds tart joy to food from unripe wine grapes