Sonoma winemaker Michael Sebastiani focuses on two sites near the Columbia River on the Oregon side for this blend of Syrah from Bangsund Vineyard and Zinfandel, a crop from Moody Vineyard near the Deschutes River. There’s a wealth of barrel influence, which contribute Christmas spices to the mix of cherries and cassis and orange zest. There’s also zestiness to the structure as … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2012 Reserve Rusty Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $44
Oregon
Lujon Wine Cellars 2014 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $30
John Derthick is among the growing community of boutique winemakers in Oregon who reach into Washington’s Yakima and Walla Walla valleys to offer their customers bigger Bordeaux reds alongside their Burgundy-influenced wines. Here, the Carlton vintners pulled Malbec from Birch Creek Vineyard near the Walla Walla Valley town of Milton, Freewater, Ore., and then aged it it for … [Read more...] about Lujon Wine Cellars 2014 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Abacela 2014 Barrel Select Estate Garnacha, Umpqua Valley, $29
In recent years, Andrew Wenzl’s work with Grenache has earned considerable praise — whether it be his stunning rosé or the Barrel Select program. The transition from vineyard to cellar in 2014 began Oct. 7 at the ripeness level of 25 Brix, which seems to be customary for standalone bottlings of this Rhône variety. The 100% neutral French oak program keeps the focus on juicy … [Read more...] about Abacela 2014 Barrel Select Estate Garnacha, Umpqua Valley, $29
Angel Vine 2013 Primitivo, Columbia Valley, $24
Oregon winemaker Ed Fus creates a blend of this Italian grape from two of Washington state’s top sites — StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills — for a 16-barrel cuvée of Primitivo. Tedd Wildman’s StoneTree lot came off Sept. 20, and Mike Andrews pulled these grapes on Sept. 22. The barrel program creates engaging spice of … [Read more...] about Angel Vine 2013 Primitivo, Columbia Valley, $24
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2014 Moody Vineyard Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley, $48
Hood River vintner Robb Bell continues to expand his vineyard-designate program, and Moody Vineyard east of The Dalles, Ore., is featured for his distinctive bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and this Syrah. Moody's northern aspect slopes toward the confluence of the Columbia and Deschutes rivers, and Bell’s winemaking team conjures up aromas of Hawaiian Fruit … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2014 Moody Vineyard Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley, $48