Naramata Bench sparkling wine producer Jay Drysdale used Chardonnay from Secrest Mountain Vineyards on the west bench north of Oliver, British Columbia, for the other half of his small-lot reserve project. The fruit from near McIntyre Bluff allows for classic aromas of light toast, brioche, Gala apple and dried pear. On the palate, the foam is nicely balanced with apricot and … [Read more...] about Bella Wines 2012 Oliver Westside Reserve Brut Natural, Okanagan Valley, $55
Smasne Cellars 2011 Phinny Hill Vineyard Carménère, Horse Heaven Hills, $38
Prosser winemaker Robert Smasne continues to show his fascination and skill with Carménère, the little-known red Bordeaux variety that appeals to Cabernet Francophiles. There’s immediate engagement with the variety’s leafy notes with aromatics hinting at dried oregano and cigar leaf amid dried cherry, black pepper and underlying mocha and minerality. Its bright red fruit … [Read more...] about Smasne Cellars 2011 Phinny Hill Vineyard Carménère, Horse Heaven Hills, $38
Red Mountain rises for world-class grapes, wines
It's rarely red, and it's not a mountain. But Brown Ridge sounds way less sexy than Red Mountain. The 4,040-acre bench in the eastern Yakima Valley near Richland, Wash., is considered the prime region for growing red wine grapes in Washington wine country. The first grapes were planted here in 1975, when Kiona Vineyards arrived. Federal recognition came in 2001 when the Red … [Read more...] about Red Mountain rises for world-class grapes, wines
Lauren Ashton Cellars 2012 Cuvée Estelle, Columbia Valley, $50
University of Washington grad Kit Singh, who practices dentistry in Redmond and makes wine in Woodinville, is among the Evergreen State wine industry’s rising stars. His dedication to Bordeaux varieties shows with this Right Bank-style blend of Merlot (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot from acclaimed sources such as Ambassador, Boushey, … [Read more...] about Lauren Ashton Cellars 2012 Cuvée Estelle, Columbia Valley, $50
Dunham Cellars 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $35
Dunham Cellars longtime winemaker Daniel Wampfler created this classic Washington Syrah within the vintage that saw founder Mike Dunham pass away as a result of cancer. It's a product of Lewis Estate Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, Kenny Hill Estate Vineyard and XL Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills. This is loaded with aromas and … [Read more...] about Dunham Cellars 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $35