It's known as the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings. It made Bordeaux famous and put California on the world wine map. In the Pacific Northwest, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most-planted red wine grape. It could well become the top overall variety in Washington in the next few years, thanks to tremendous growth in the Horse Heaven Hills, along the Wahluke Slope and on Red … [Read more...] about King Cab reigns in Pacific Northwest
Featured wines
10 Chardonnays to start 2014
Chardonnay is America's favorite wine. In Washington, it's the No. 1 wine grape variety. It's the No. 2 white grape in Oregon. Famed in Burgundy and Chablis, Chardonnay is a chameleon of a wine grape, producing both a crisp wine with beautiful tropical fruit flavors as well as big, buttery versions when aged in oak. Here are 10 examples of Pacific Northwest Chardonnay … [Read more...] about 10 Chardonnays to start 2014
Washington Merlot, straight up
It's been nearly a decade since Sideways hit the big screen and changed the public perception of Merlot - and Pinot Noir. While a single line from that Oscar-nominated movie moved the needle down on Merlot sales a bit, that was primarily in California. Here in Washington, Merlot has only gained strength. It is still the No. 2 red wine grape - No. 4 grape overall - and … [Read more...] about Washington Merlot, straight up
10 to blend
Taking cues from the French, Northwest winemakers long ago discovered that the sum can be greater than its parts. Such is the case with red blends, a speciality particularly in Washington. These wines get their inspiration from Bordeaux, the Rhône and the individual winemakers' fertile minds. Enjoy this collection of red blends we've tasted in recent weeks. … [Read more...] about 10 to blend
An Outstanding case for Christmas
Looking for that perfect Christmas gift - how about a case of great wine for around $140? That's what we've put together in the following pages. Each of these wines earned our top "Outstanding!" rating in our blind tastings, and each retails for $15 or less. In reality, you should be able to get this case for around $125 plus tax. Wineries' suggested retail prices tend to … [Read more...] about An Outstanding case for Christmas