While he’s more famous in the Northwest for his Eroica Riesling partnership with Chateau Ste. Michelle, it was actually a deep interest in Oregon Pinot Noir that first lured Ernst Loosen to our corner of the planet. In 2005, he first produced an Appassionata Pinot Noir with J. Christopher Wines. This past summer, he formally unveiled Appassionata Estate, a 40-acre project in … [Read more...] about Appassionata Estate 2017 Andante Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills $135
Oregon
Zerba Cellars 2018 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Barbera, Walla Walla Valle $40
Cecil Zerba’s winemaker, Brent Roberts, blended in some Zinfandel (17%) to take this Barbera to another level. There’s a sense of jamminess with the mix of rich cherry and boysenberry, joined by savory and herbal notes. The integration of oak and well-balanced tannins provides some panache and leads to a gorgeous finish. While the Italian red varieties typically scream for … [Read more...] about Zerba Cellars 2018 Cockburn Vineyard Estate Barbera, Walla Walla Valle $40
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $32
In homage to the grape’s origins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, Stephen Reustle uses the German term — hefe means yeast — for lees aging to educate and describe his approach to this Grüner. And in terms of our event, it’s his best expression of the grape because this marks the fifth consecutive vintage to have won a Platinum. Upon reflection, typicity with notes of chamomile, … [Read more...] about Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2021 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $32
Mt. Hood Winery 2021 Estate Riesling, Columbia Gorge $26
Oregon State University grad Rich Cushman created his own brand, Viento, in large part as a passion project centered on Riesling. His interest in the noble grape of Germany explains his success with Riesling for Mt. Hood Winery. Here is his fourth Platinum for Riesling in the past decade, and they’ve been with various styles. This is particularly fascinating for combining Old … [Read more...] about Mt. Hood Winery 2021 Estate Riesling, Columbia Gorge $26
Watermill Winery 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $37.99
Purdue grad Brian Roy makes the wines for this brand built by the orchard-focused Brown family. Recent investments by Wenatchee-based Foreman Fruit Co., explain why a Walla Walla Valley winery now also operates a tasting room in historic downtown Wenatchee. This ranks as one of the most expressive and fascinating Cabs in the Platinum with a classic theme of cherry and chocolate … [Read more...] about Watermill Winery 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $37.99