Patrick Spangler’s passion for Bordeaux shows with this Carménère that’s remarkably complex with berries, red bell pepper and mint that expands on the palate with velvety smooth tannins and ends in savory barbecue notes. Qualifying award: San Francisco Chronicle (gold) Rating: Platinum • 94 points Production: 139 cases Alcohol: 14.5% Click here to contact the winery … [Read more...] about Spangler Vineyards 2018 Carménère, Southern Oregon $39
Oregon
Pike Road Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $16
Best Buy! Whenever the Campbell family enters its Pinot Gris into a competition, gold medals are on the horizon. Five years ago, associate winemaker Heather Perkin took best of show at The Invite with her Gris, and the consistency is astounding. The aromatics are through the roof and land on the palate — a combination of papaya, Granny Smith apple and Bartlett pear that’s … [Read more...] about Pike Road Wines 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $16
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $38
The decision to source from some of the most decorated vineyards in Washington continues to reward consumers of Robb Bell and the critics who judge his wines. Here, it includes Joe Hattrup’s Elephant Mountain. More than a dozen vineyard-designate wines from the Yakima Valley site have gone onto Platinum in recent years. Here’s a classic Washington Cab offering dark … [Read more...] about Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $38
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2016 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40
Three vintages of Dan Chapel’s reserve program have gone Platinum, and with this bottling six years beyond its vintage, it appears to be entering its prime. His relatively cooler site in the shadow of Marys Peak, the Coastal Range high point, produces this Pinot Noir that carries hints of macerated strawberry, pomegranate and cola, as well as dried herbs and pink peppercorns. … [Read more...] about Cardwell Hill Cellars 2016 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $40
Iris Vineyards 2018 Areté Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $34.99
Early in 2022, Eugene winemaker Aaron Lieberman used a Pinot Gris to capture best of show in McMinnville for proprietor Pamela Frye, so it wasn’t a surprise that this Chardonnay from Frye’s Chalice Vineyard went Platinum — or Double Platinum. The Areté tier takes a reserve angle, which explains the beautiful pear, Golden Delicious apple and buttery caramel approach. But the … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2018 Areté Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $34.99