Best Buy! Our judging panel blind tasted this wine in January alongside 130 other Northwest Cabernet Sauvignons. It scored our top "Outstanding" rating - and does so again three months later in another blind tasting by the Great Northwest Wine editors. For us, this has a lot of "Wow" by showing that kind of high-quality consistence. This wine is made by Ross Mickel of Ross … [Read more...] about Glaze 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy
Primarius 2011 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15
Best Buy! Finding a high-quality, inexpensive Oregon Pinot Noir can turn into a bit of a quest, but we can always count on Seattle's Precept Wine to come through. The wine is made by Haydn Mouat, who has worked in California, British Columbia and his native New Zealand before coming to Oregon. He blended grapes from five vineyards for this delicious and affordable Pinot Noir. … [Read more...] about Primarius 2011 Pinot Noir, Oregon, $15
Diversion NV Majestic Red, Washington, $15
Best Buy! This blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%) and Syrah is as majestic as its name. It shows off aromas that reminded us of maple syrup on blueberry pancakes, rose petals and black pepper, followed by flavors of boysenberry, plum jam, bacon and blueberry. It's a smooth, easy-drinking red with mild tannin and moderate acidity. This is a great wine for a midweek … [Read more...] about Diversion NV Majestic Red, Washington, $15
Sagelands Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $10
Best Buy! The winery formerly known as Staton Hills at one time was the first producer one would encounter when entering the Yakima Valley from the west. It's now owned by Precept Wine in Seattle and is a value brand. It opens with aromas of lavender, lilac, roasted plum and cassis candy. On the palate, it shows off flavors of plum, blackberry and black raspberry. It is a rich, … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $10
Sawtooth Estate Winery 2011 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $14
Best Buy! One of Idaho's oldest and largest producers continues to produce some of the Gem State's finest reds. Napa Valley transplate Bill Murray has crafted a superb Syrah, showing once again the promise of Rhône Valley varieties in the Snake River Valley's high-elevation vineyards. This opens with aromas of black currant candy, white pepper, plum sauce and oak, followed by … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2011 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $14