Last fall, Stephen Reustle received the Six Nations Wine Challenge award in Australia for best Syrah and he remains on the mark with this reserve bottling, one of the four expressions of this Rhône variety that he grows near Roseburg, Ore. (The invite-only judging Down Under gave best of class to his 2012 Masada Bloc Syrah, yet his 2012 Reserve earned a double gold, too.) This … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah, Umpqua Valley, $29
Grantwood Winery 2014 Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, $18
For the fourth straight vintage, Joe Grant and Doris Wood have earned our top rating for their ridiculously inexpensive Walla Walla bottling of this Iberian grape that’s found a home in Les Collines Vineyard. The nose of plum sauce, oak spice and cocoa powder leads to plush flavors of cherry and plum. Backing all that are elegant tannins, juicy acidity, an herbal note and a … [Read more...] about Grantwood Winery 2014 Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley, $18
Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Barbera, Columbia Valley, $35
Cave B has a long and fascinating history in the Washington wine industry, one that stretches far earlier than its current iteration. Back in the early 1980s, the winery started as Champs de Brionne in the town of George, Wash. To help sell wine, the owners created a concert venue. It didn't take too many years until the Gorge Amphitheater became more popular than the wines, so … [Read more...] about Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Barbera, Columbia Valley, $35
Vino La Monarcha 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Victor Palencia follows up on his highly acclaimed 2014 rosé by going a little deeper into the color palette, creating a slightly darker tone. However, the 2015 also is racking up accolades, a double gold medal winner at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition and a gold medal at the 2016 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition. The product of the Jones family's 2 Gun Vineyard features … [Read more...] about Vino La Monarcha 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18
Three Rivers Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $39
There’s quite a pedigree on this dark and lovely Cab by longtime winemaker Holly Turner with fruit from Seven Hills, Champoux and Klipsun vineyards that includes Merlot (5%) and Petit Verdot (5%). The program of all-French oak - half of it new - yields aromas of chocolate brownie and espresso with blackberry and caramel. Inside, it’s a classic Cab with black cherry and … [Read more...] about Three Rivers Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $39