A year ago, our Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year picked up a Platinum for the 2012 vintage of Le Coursier, so it makes sense to see this Merlot-leaning blend emerge as one of the top-scoring proprietary reds of the judging. The nose brings thoughts of ripe cherries enrobed in dark chocolate, caramelized sugar and fresh-stripped cedar. It’s full-bodied, offering flavors of … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars 2013 Le Coursier Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $40
King Estate Winery 2021 Estate Domaine Biodynamic Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $35
Five times this Oregon icon has received a Platinum for a Pinot Gris as they continue to live up to “The Kings of Pinot.” This is emblematic of the Demeter certification they earned in 2016 — a crowning achievement of the King family’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. Its fruit-forward profile leads with honeydew melon and kiwi, joined by lemongrass, a slice of Key Lime pie … [Read more...] about King Estate Winery 2021 Estate Domaine Biodynamic Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $35
Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22
Sure things include death, taxes and Victor Palencia winning a Platinum Award for an Albariño. Well, almost. This is the seventh time in eight years that his flagship expression of the Spanish white has capped the calendar year with a Platinum, and he’s quick to credit vineyards such as Evergreen and Spanish Castle in the Ancient Lakes for his success. Apricot and pear … [Read more...] about Palencia Wine Co. 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $22
Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine, British Columbia $23
Best Buy! This Fraser Valley farming family scores its second Platinum with this fortified raspberry beauty, only this received a unanimous vote for gold from the judging panel — making it a Double Platinum. It’s unmistakable, beginning with ripe and smashed raspberries and a silky mouthfeel of caramel. Raspberry is a naturally tart fruit, so there’s ample acidity, and the … [Read more...] about Maan Farms Estate Winery NV Raspberry Dessert Wine, British Columbia $23
Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $15
Best Buy! The well-chronicled rosé project from this storied Richland, Wash., producer has qualified for the Platinum Awards virtually every year for more than a decade by virtue of its string of gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. By year’s end, Rob Griffin’s team doesn’t often enter this judging, but when they do submit, it goes Platinum. This is the … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $15