Jon Cockburn Vineyard is the Zerba site in the Blue Mountain foothills, and it’s shown itself to be a consistent site for this early-ripening Spanish red, producing a trio of Platinums over the years, starting with the 2007 vintage. The deployment of 50% new American oak barrels doesn’t distract from the superb and fruit-forward approach of black currant, dark blueberry and … [Read more...] about Zerba Cellars 2019 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley $50
Oregon
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Syrah, Columbia Valley $38
Another of Washington’s most respected vineyards — McKinley Springs in the Horse Heaven Hills — joins fruit from award-winning Moody Vineyard near the confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia rivers for this graceful Syrah. Ginger spice and black fruit tones pick up earthiness and black pepper ahead of its bright finish of red currant and Craisin. Qualifying awards: Savor NW … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Syrah, Columbia Valley $38
Belle Fiore Winery 2019 Montepulciano, Rogue Valley $37
In Italy, Montepulciano ranks No. 2 in terms of production, behind only Sangiovese. While they aren’t the same, there are some similarities, particularly in its bright fruit notes of Montmorency cherry, boysenberry and plum and ability to age. Rob Folin captures that for Belle Fiore owner Edward Kerwin, adding spice box notes, light herbs and orange oil. There’s really nice … [Read more...] about Belle Fiore Winery 2019 Montepulciano, Rogue Valley $37
Puffin Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $24
Cannon Beach wine merchant Steven Sinkler continues his remarkable stretch of success with Pinot Gris, earning a Platinum with five of the past examples of Pinot Gris. While it starts with his fruit sourcing, there’s also Sinkler’s hired gun on this project — Ray Walsh, the New Zealand winemaker who spent more than a decade at King Estate. They team up for a highly … [Read more...] about Puffin Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $24
King Estate Winery 2018 Estate Biodynamic Domaine Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $60
The Pacific Northwest wine industry’s leaders in Demeter-certified winemaking prove once again that Biodynamics practices — scoffed at by some — can lead to the production of some of the region’s most delicious wines. These four barrels resulted in Pinot Noir filled with fruit and charm as aromas of red berries, forest floor and spice lead to a strong pulse of Rainier cherry … [Read more...] about King Estate Winery 2018 Estate Biodynamic Domaine Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $60