Southern Oregon grower/winemaker Stephen Reustle loves to show the versatility of the Umpqua Valley with his assortment of award-winning reds and whites. And his skill with Syrah continues to show on an international stage. However, Tempranillo remains a focus. This latest vintage off his Romancing Rock parcel, established in 2002, is a lighter, more approachable Temp with … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Timnah Bloc Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley, $29
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $24
Precept Wine operates the 181-acre Canoe Ridge Vineyard, one of the earliest plantings in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills. Since established in 1989, it’s developed into an important fruit source for the Seattle company, and former Napa winemaker Bill Murray now spearheads the wine production in Walla Walla. His reserve bottling from the first of three warm vintages produces … [Read more...] about Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $24
Auclair Winery 2013 Artz Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, $42
Woodinville vintner Charlie Auclair bottles a Right Bank-style blend, but he also offers a bright, standalone expression of Cabernet Franc from historic Artz Vineyard on Red Mountain. It captures much of what Francophiles seek, opening with aromas of sweet herbs and sage with black cherry, cinnamon, blueberry pie and potting soil earthiness. There’s a bright richness to the … [Read more...] about Auclair Winery 2013 Artz Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, $42
Buried Cane 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $16
The Middleton family first made its mark in Walla Walla with its high-end Cadaretta tier, but its entry-level Buried Cane program is worthy of following, too. Kendall Mix is the latest high-profile winemaker employed by the Middletons, and his work with this Cab is exemplary. Classic aromas of black currant, cherry, cinnamon and chocolate are matched on the palate. It also … [Read more...] about Buried Cane 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $16
Sequel 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $55
John Duval, who rose to fame during his days at Australian icon Penfolds, spearheads the Syrah brand at Long Shadows Vintners, and his 2013 work from Boushey and Sagemoor Farms’ Bacchus vineyards might be his best to date under this Walla Walla brand. Classic white pepper, blackberry and blueberry aromas include sweet herbs, black licorice and bittersweet chocolate. The fluid … [Read more...] about Sequel 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $55